Search - Christopher Hodges, George Frederick Root, Frank McKinley :: George F. Root: The Haymakers, Part 2

A musical and historical treat

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 03/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have ever heard Haydn's secular oratorio "The Seasons," you will find many similarities in George F. Root's that was written in 1857 by the composer of "Rally 'Round the Flag Boys" and many other sentimental ballads demanded by a pre-bellum public. Because his religious convictions could not allow him to call it an opera, he called it "an Operatic Cantata," and even wrote stage directions, which are reproduced in the New World edition of the Second Part of this work (80234-2). The opening "Good Morning" sequence is so reminiscent of a similar song in "Singin'in the Rain" that I could not help smiling at the utter charm and simplicity of the selection. The rest of the libretto is concerned with the joys of working out in the fields and some of it is practically a textbook on how to do the job. The composer himself had hands-on experience before starting on the work, as we are told by the always-valuable New World liner notes. Being to my knowledge the only recording of this lovely cantata, it cannot be compared with any other; but it is difficult to see how it could be bettered--unless some one includes Part One. The University of North Texas Grand Chorus and soloists are conducted by Frank McKinley and accompanied by pianist Erma Rose. Truly an historical recording of an historical work. Teachers of music and sociology take note!"