From RCA's "Living Stereo" series, this re-issue of Stephen Foster compositions and Negro spirituals was recorded in 1958 and 1961. Mr. Shaw, whose illustrious career spanned a directorship at Julliard in 1945 to a 21-year tenure at the Atlanta Symphony (before his death earlier this year), treats his material with sensitivity and respect, a respect that was obviously shared by Stephen Foster for the pre-Civil War South. Foster did not defer to a European classical model for his inspiration or precedent. Songs such as "Beautiful Dreamer," "Oh Susanna" and "Nelly Bly" are powerful because of their elegant simplicity, not in spite of it. Likewise, the mournful expression of "I Want To Die Easy" speaks louder than any history book. Frequently a cappella, but with some banjo and guitar accompaniment. |
