Search - Sinfonia Varsovia :: Suite and Serious

Classical Music from a Living Composer

David L Hutchins | Mesa, AZ | 08/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Most of our greatest 20th Century classical composers are dead, but Michael S. Horwood is very much alive. Horwood has written over 70 compositions in many styles. Three different styles are presented here. The two suites are probably best described as tone poems. The Symphony is neo-classical and Intravariations is probably considered romantic. Nice piano work in Intravariations. All four works are very good listening and to me sound as good as anything written by other major American composers. There are lots of nice twists and turns in the music; it doesn't just settle down into a convenient formula. There is some familiarity in certain places, but just when you think you have heard something before, the music changes and surprises you. Horwood has his own unique style and just about any classical music lover will enjoy discovering this album. Ian Hobson with Sinfonia Varisova and Albany records have come out with quite a few interesting albums of lesser known composers and I encourage you to check them out. Put this album first on your list. You will enjoy it and it's well worth the price. Over an hour of great music."