“There are two key times in an artist’s life. The first is inventing yourself. The second, the harder part, is going the distance. How do you sustain the vision, make it grow, and share it? To be an artist means to have the courage for rebirth and growth. It’s never ending.” – Michael Tilson Thomas

In recognition of his forthcoming eightieth-birthday, on December 21, this release embraces Michael Tilson Thomas’s own music through eighteen works covering five decades of creativity performed by a stellar line-up of musicians – when a conductor is required it is mostly MTT himself at the helm, and it’s in this role that he is best-known of course (fine pianist, too), so, a collection of compositions in varied styles adds to our appreciation of his talents – within the creative axis of Bernstein, Copland, Previn and indigenous Americana (essayed with imagination) – from flippant to serious, witty to poignant, miniature to large-scale, using full forces to solo instruments, such as a trombone. The presentation of Pentatone PTC5187355 (4 CDs, each of generous length) is hard-cover, luxurious and comprehensive, as well as photo-generous. A set to dip into with rewarding results.

Ian Bousfield (trombone)
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee (soprano)
Sasha Cooke (vocals)
Renee Fleming (soprano)
Jack Van Germ (percussion)
Thomas Hampson (baritone)
Isabel Leonard (narrator)
Audra McDonald (vocals)
Ryan McKinley (trumpet)
Pat Posey (baritone sax)
Paula Robison (flute)
Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano)
Carrie VanSlyke (viola)
Jeremy VanSlyke (piano)
Lisa Vroman (vocals)
John Wilson (piano)
Nancy Zeltsman (marimba)
Bay Brass
New World Symphony
San Francisco Symphony

Repertoire, and listening tracks…