Copland: American Songs

Copland's Eight Songs of Emily Dickinson comprise one of the finest song cycles by an American composer, and a perfect meeting of minds between poet and composer. Dickinson's verses and Copland's music alternate plain-spun honesty and wry humor with sudden, unpredictable bursts of passion and pain and a complete lack of false sentimentality. The Old American Songs are simply a good time and you'll recognize many of the tunes even if you haven't remembered the words. Hampson and Upshaw are two of the finest American singers alive, and they perform this music as though they have a proprietary interest in it. A terrific record. --David Hurwitz