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“This thoroughly enjoyable new release from the audiophile Reference Recordings label features three orchestral works by the young Los Angeles based composer Adam Schoenberg (born 1980). Together they chart a period of his compositional development from the first piece entitled ‘Finding Rothko’ (2006), written while he was still a student studying with John Corigliano, to his ‘American Symphony’ of (2011) and finally his latest orchestral work ‘Picture Studies’ (2012).… Schoenberg’s music is tonal, beguilingly atmospheric and engagingly melodic, but in spite of the fecundity of its invention it does often pay homage to the music of many American composers of the past including Leonard Bernstein, Roy Harris, Samuel Barber, and most notably Aaron Copland. … Adam Schoenberg is extremely fortunate to have been blessed here with a recording that does full justice to his vivid orchestral palette. Thanks to the efforts of the experienced team of “Prof” Keith O Johnson (recording engineer) and David Frost (producer) we are presented with a spacious sonic tapestry of wide dynamic range and tonal verisimilitude that is enhanced by the generous ambience of the Helzberg Hall, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. This intriguing release can be confidently recommended, even to those often suspicious of much contemporary music.” —Graham Williams, HRAudio.net

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