America The Beautiful
Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 05/30/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Approximately 38 min. Good sound. This recording,from 1968,reflects the ideas of it's time. All during his life McFarland watched what he thought was the deterioration of his country. From unspoiled land that was cleared for development,to the violence and crowding of big cities,he felt the old America of his ideal was lost forever. This music is his lament for America. Utilizing a large orchestra and small group made up primarily of jazz players,he arranged this music into a very satisfying whole. One look at the titles of the pieces will let you know his views on a changing country. The orchestra and small group are intertwined in the arrangements in the various movements. This is music that even today has a place in how we view our surroundings. There is an ebb and flow to the arrangements that constantly change and propel the music forward. This is certainly his most personal and important work. If you're the type of person who likes big band jazz,stellar arranging and music with a great deal to say,buy this. This kind of thing comes along very rarely."