Demarre & Anthony McGill, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra & Allen Tinkham - Winged Creatures (2019) [24/96]

Anthony McGill, the New York Philharmonics principal clarinetist, and brother Demarre McGill, the Seattle Symphony Orchestras principle flutist, return to a beloved training ground, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), for an album of works for flute, clarinet, and orchestra featuring world-premiere recordings of specially commissioned duo concertos. The albums title track, celebrated African-American composer Michael Abels Winged Creatures, was commissioned for the project by Cedille Records. Inspired by the flight of butterflies and other creatures, its solo parts are, in turns, delicate, frenetic, soaring, and powerful. The orchestra originally commissioned Joel Pucketts Concerto Duo for a 2012 concert with the McGill brothers. The work evokes family affection and sibling camaraderie. Franz Danzis virtuosic and elegant Sinfonia Concertante for Flute, Clarinet, and Orchestra, Op. 41, is a tour de force of late-Classical charm. Saint-Saëns youthful, virtuosic Tarantelle, Op. 6, draws inspiration from a southern Italian folk dance. It is something of a signature piece for the McGills, who performed the piano-accompanied version on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood when the brothers were 18 and 14, respectively.

Tracklist:
01. Winged Creatures
02. Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Op. 41, P. 226: I. Allegro moderato
03. Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Op. 41, P. 226: II. Largo
04. Sinfonia concertante in B-Flat Major, Op. 41, P. 226: III. Polonaise. Allegretto
05. Tarantelle in A Minor, Op. 6
06. Concerto Duo: I. The Great American Scream Machine
07. Concerto Duo: II. Mama Dee’s Song for Joel
08. Concerto Duo: III. For Audrey

Personnel:
Demarre & Anthony McGill
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
Allen Tinkham, conductor