WILLIAM KERSTEN: Romantic Symphony

William Kersten

Romantic Symphony

© 2003 William Kersten (634479593628)

CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.

(About MP3 downloads at CD Baby)

"From its misty Mahlerian beginnings to its final burst of Wagnerian splendor, Kersten's Romantic Symphony captures a restless urge that propels this expressive and richly varied work in an inspired and engaging way." - Jack Neal

notes

In the Romantic Symphony, Kersten has provided no obvious program. Still it moves where the spirit moves him as though following the action of a drama, not where strict attention to musical form once demanded, but to where heart's desires and instincts demand. Kersten knows what many of his contemporary composers don't evidently know, or at least don't care to express: that contemporary music can reflect its time and still be accessible to listeners who want to be thrilled by modern sounds adorned with lovely melodies, without being pummeled by extraordinarily gritty dissonance. The symphony has power and drama. It also has rapture and radiance. Bright hued with touches of foreboding throughout, every theme singing smoothly, every development integrated and effortless, the work defies neat classification other than to say that at its most profound (the first movement) it's theatrical and exciting, at its most lyric (the second movement) it's poignant and richly textured, at its most exotic (the third movement) it's exhilarating and enticing, and at its most noble (the fourth movement) it's powerful and spirited and engulfs the listener with an unabashed adrenalin rush as it forges ahead to its triumphant conclusion. - Jack Neal

reviews

Please log in to review this album.

  • A Mirrored Reflection
    author: Robert Kaye

    William Kersten is one of a Few. Who have Transcended from the scoring Motion Picture Industry field to the Personal Composition Field. This Symphony is one of only a few that has successfully been accomplished by any correctly if a few. The mere pointers on how and which avenue or method he used remains but an educational one. It appears that he did go after form and Taste. Its enjoyable to listen to. And appears to never fall in a boredom phase as a lot of modern symphonies do. His Exquisite experience maintains a standard. A mature and rewarding intrench. I very much like the Composer William Kersten for he forshadows his Symphony as any Truthfulness a Mirror reflects, Transcribes or Projects. As any Personality would Accurately.

  • An amazing achievement!
    author: Denise Smith

    In his ‘Romantic Symphony’, William Kersten creates a universe of dark, menacing forces, bright beauties, intense yearnings, heroic struggle and ultimate and glorious redemption. Every theme is heartfelt and beautifully crafted, every transition organic and seamless. From the most delicate phrase to the most massive passage, Kersten wields the digital orchestras at his command with expert precision and expressiveness. Each movement is unique and multifaceted and contributes to the cathedral-like grandeur of the whole. This is music that imbues the listener with a sense of nobility and integrity, of renewed faith in the invincibility of the romantic spirit. Absolutely captivating from start to finish; uplifting, awe-inspiring, and worthy of the finest concert halls, Kersten’s symphony is a marvelous descendant of its 19th and 20th century predecessors - a modern-day romantic treasure.

  • A new beginning
    author: Alex Farmer

    William Kersten has captured something few achieve, the ability to go beyond genre. In a style so replete with the same type of music, he has set a new benchmark, writing in a new and unplagaristic way. He is a master storyteller, and these four movements represent a journey those who listen and experience will not fail to enjoy. I urge all to listen and enjoy this new masterwork of the 21st century.

  • Modern Symphonic music at its best!!
    author: Ann Ebner

    Modern symphonic music at its best and most beautiful! I love this symphony and each time I listen to it I feel like the composer has taken me on a journey. From the dramatic and powerful first movement to the achingly lovely adagio, the rich and varied scherzo and the emotionally soaring finale, Kersten's music will transport and inspire. HIGHLY Recommended!!

  • author: Jay Bacal

    William Kersten in not only a fine musician and a talented composer, he’s also a master storyteller. Like a great filmmaker from the golden age of cinema, Mr. Kersten takes the listener on a Romantic journey of the mind. His Symphony is full of passion, drama, spirituality and (to this listener) the yearning and struggle of two star-crossed lovers. This is an impressive achievement, and it’s made even more impressive when one realizes that the entire symphony is the work of just one man. William Kersten has not only composed and conducted this lush and moving piece, but with the help of state-of-the-art technology, he has performed every single instrument in the orchestra from the sprightly piccolo to the ominous trombones. I definitely recommend this recording to anyone who enjoys richly melodic music that weaves a spell and transports you to another place and time.

  • Impressive!
    author: Mathis

    This is an impressive work. A skill- and tasteful revival of the romantic symphonic genre.

  • author: Swanyce

    This cd shows the beauty, inner depth and musical accomplishment of William Kersten's creativity. "Emotions recollected in tranquillity" and "Inspiration with elegance" are the keywords to describe this touching masterpiece. I strongly recommand it!

  • The Romantic Symphony harks back to a Golden Age
    author: Paul Robbins

    The four movements of this work span a wide ranging emotional journey. Memorable themes come and go throughout the work, finally coming to the fourth movement, Finale. This is a noble, expressive movement that lifts the audience to a powerful climax. The whole symphony is a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging piece of work, and I would highly recommend it for those musically nostalgic moments, and for lovers of memorable, melodic themes. Excellent!

email

Please log in to email this artist.