THIS LAND
Iconoclastic American Pianist Lara Downes presents THIS LAND, a timely and resonant project that speaks to the significance of this pivotal moment in American history. Known for her expansive and profound musical explorations, Downes offers a powerful and soulful reflection on the diversity of stories that have shaped the contrasts and contradictions of the American condition. In a collection of nine tracks, ranging from traditional folk tunes to newly commissioned works, as well as a personal audio essay, Downes reflects on the lessons of the past to imagine a path forward. She acknowledges the nation's flaws while celebrating the beauty of the American experiment, embracing hope and humanity as vital tools, and echoing the call to move forward with courage, to stand together on common ground, and embrace the radical power of joy.
In her words: “I’ve been working in these trenches for a long time, trying to understand this country and my own place in it. And I could never have imagined the urgency and the potential of this time. But I’m glad I’m here, and that the music can be present to remind us of our history and help us dream our future.”
THIS LAND centers Gershwin’s vision of the “musical kaleidoscope of America” within a full album that represents many different versions of being and becoming American, spanning a century with works by William Benton Overstreet, Paul Simon, Arturo O’Farrill, Michael Begay, Kian Ravaei, and others. The album comes with an eloquent audio essay by Downes that positions this diverse collection of music in a context both timely and timeless.
TRACK LISTING
William Benton Overstreet: There’ll Be Some Changes Made
George Gershwin/Edmar Colón: Rhapsody in Blue Reimagined*
Paul Simon: America
Michael Begay: Adéihozhdílzin / Know Who You Are*
Kian Ravaei: Variations on This Land is Your Land
Traditional: 900 Miles
Joseph C. Phillips, Jr.: Never Has Been Yet*
Arturo O’Farrill: Kaleidoscope*
Jake Heggie: Facing Forward
Lara Downes: This Land (liner notes)
* world premiere recording
“Downes is extraordinarily adept at designing an appealing program that includes challenging elements, and she has perhaps never done it better than here. ”
“In her inimitable fashion, pianist Lara Downes captures the soul of America in this embracing celebration of her homeland. The deep affection she feels for its people and places oozes from every pore of the recording, but she also doesn’t shy away from acknowledging the dark sides of her country’s history. This Land is an honest portrait, in other words, one that champions the country’s many virtues whilst also recognizing the work-in-progress’s flaws and failings. It is also a tremendous addition to a discography that over time has grown ever more distinguished.”
“On her latest album THIS LAND, by reinterpreting and reimagining “American” music such as Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” and Paul Simon’s “America,” Downes uses her skill and platform as one of classical music’s most respected pianists to question colonialist and white Eurocentric ideas about America from within its own canon.”