MusicWeb International reviews the Kansas City Symphony, Michael Stern, Stephen Powell, and Joyce Yang’s world premiere recordings of Jonathan Leshnoff: Symphony No. 3 and Piano Concerto:
“This is an excellent concerto. It’s thoroughly entertaining, though in saying that I don’t want to give the impression that the music is in any way superficial. Such is not the case; the work is inventive and very accessible and in the second movement depths of feeling are plumbed. Leshnoff gives his soloist every opportunity to shine, both in terms of overt virtuosity and also in terms of lyrical episodes. The orchestral accompaniment is full of interest and incident and complements the solo part most effectively. Joyce Yang and the Kansas City Symphony deliver a superb performance, full of sparkle and assurance. … The symphony is cast in three movements, the first two of which are purely instrumental. … The KSO plays this dynamic and eventful music very incisively. Their playing is vividly caught by the microphones. … Now we hear the two letters sung by baritone Stephen Powell. Lt. Hockaday’s words, written “somewhere in England” are heard first. The music is gentle and lyrical and Powell sings the grateful vocal line marvellously. He’s an ideal choice for this assignment: his voice is firm and very well focussed. His diction is crystal clear and his tone is lovely; furthermore, the tone of his voice is evenly produced throughout his vocal compass. It becomes clear later in the movement that the top of his voice is excellently produced. He sings eloquently and seems perfectly suited to the music. Lt Hockaday’s words are very moving, especially because Leshnoff sets them in so restrained a manner. Dr Irons’ words are even more intense in feeling – they are, after all, written to his wife – and, rightly, Leshnoff sets them to music that is somewhat more ardent. … Jonathan Leshnoff’s Third Symphony is a fine, eloquent work and I admired it very much. He could scarcely have wished for better advocacy than is provided by these performers. … This is a significant release and it has increased my admiration for the music of Jonathan Leshnoff. He writes excellent and very accessible music and this SACD should further enhance his reputation.”
—John Quinn, MusicWeb International