Composer, conductor, pianist and teacher, Lukas Foss was a classmate and life long friend of Bernstein. His compositions are unfortunately less known, hovering on the edge of the repertoire, more discussed than performed. The Boston Modern Orchestra Project has recorded all 4 of Foss' Symphonies ranging from the tuneful, Copland-esque 1st (1944), the Bach inspired (and quite interesting) Symphony # 2 (Symphony of Chorales) 1958, a moving and touching Symphony # 3 (Symphony of Sorrows) 1991, (the 2nd movement "Elegy for Anne Frank" can be performed separately,) and an uniquely scored Symphony # 4, with a long slow first movement laced with prominent solos for percussion, accordion, Jew's harp and harmonica, from 1995.
Well played and recorded, great to see these works recorded. One of my music history instructors long ago was an advocate of Foss' music and talked often of the Symphony # 2 (back in 1977-79 when I knew Professor Ringer, the 3rd and 4th were not yet written!)
