Ives: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Litton

'What a wonderful surprise it has been, seeing the release of the complete Ives symphonies on Hyperion. I have no doubt that Andrew Litton's cycle will serve as the reference for many years to come ... You won't hear a more insouciant account of the finale anywhere, while the second movement has a real spring to its step - its final bars are simply hilarious, less outrageous than the symphony's ending, but no less surprising in their own way ... 

The Third Symphony isn't as easy to play as it sounds, and Litton not only captures the music's flow to perfection, he gives the small wind and brass complement plenty of opportunity to shine, albeit sensitively ... Finally, the engineering is rich, clear and vibrant. A major achievement, no doubt about it' --ClassicsToday.com

'[No other version] quite probes or reveals the unique and compelling world of Ives's imagination as does this' (International Record Review)

'These performances represent all that's best about American orchestras and conductors' (MusicWeb International)

'A truly haunting effect' (BBC Music Magazine)

'Litton and the Dallas Symphony realise very well Symphony no 3...a powerful sense of community is captured - the hymn singing at camp meetings - the whole finely modulated and pointed, the second movement Scherzo being especially ear catching, and the finale ideally intense' (Fanfare, USA)