Daniel Asia(1953-)

[Dundonnell]

Can anyone enlighten me about the music of the American composer Daniel Asia

He appears to have written five symphonies-all of which have been recorded-and from the extracts on his website he writes in an accessible, lyrical idiom.
He is not a composer I had come across before and I wonder if he is worth further investigation

[allison]

Yes.

[Latvian]

An excellent composer -- colorful. dramatic, lyrical. Very much worth investigating!

[Dundonnell]

Right

I have ordered the New World disc with Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3

[petershott@btinternet.com]

If you find those two symphonies satisfying you could also try a Summit disc (DCD285) with James Sedares conducting the New Zealand SO in performances of Black Light (1990), Gateways (1993), and the Piano Concerto (1994).

Asia also has some rather good chamber music. Argh, so much to explore. But then wouldn't life be dreary if that was not the case!

[mbhaub]

Dang, I hate to be the contrarian, but despite Daniel Asia's talents, his symphonies leave me cold. And trust me, I've heard it all - live - usually in world premieres. He lives and teaches at the University of Arizona just 90 minutes down state and I've been to many concerts at UA when it's been played. James Sedares used to be music director of the Phoenix Symphony where we heard several of the symphonies. Not to say that Asia doesn't have something to say in his music; it just doesn't connect with me at all. It's not exactly academic, but he's lucky to be teaching because he couldn't support himself composing. But then, who can? other than Eric Whitacre and a few others. However, Asia does have a great sense of humor. For the UA centennial he did a tremendous job of arranging the school song, Bear Down (written by the late Jack Lee), for orchestra that is one of the most amazing, and hysterically funny orchestrations you can imagine.

[Mark Thomas]

one of the most amazing, and hysterically funny orchestrations you can imagine.

Intentionally so, Martin?

[JimL]

Why is the Arizona song Bear Down if they're the Wildcats?

[Dundonnell]

Must say that i am enjoying the Daniel Asia 2nd and 3rd symphonies

As has been said, colourful and dramatic music. Not necessarily in the top flight of American composers but a worthy, accessible, likeable composer

[Miles R.]

Having known the father and the sister of Daniel Asia (though not the man himself) when I lived in Seattle, I feel that I should get to know something of his music. His Second Symphony and Third Symphony can be found on YouTube.