Recording Review

The Water Journey. David Moritz Michael. The Water Journey. Parthias 1 and 2. Pacific Classical Winds (Charles Zukovsky, Gary Bovyer, clarinets; Paul Avril, Rebecca O'Donovan, natural horns; Rose Corrigan, Michael O'Donovan, bassoons; Edward Meares, contrabass; Louise Carslake, transverse flute; Raymond Burkhart, natural trumpet). Liner notes by Nola Reed Knouse. 1996. New World Records 80490-2.

John Antes String Trios/Johann Friedrich Peter String Quintets. American Moravian Music Ensemble (Anthony Martin, violin 1 [Antes], viola 1 [Peter]; Joseph Edelberg, violin 2 [Antes]; Paul Hale, cello [Antes], Katherine Kyme, violin 1 [Peter], Carla Moore, violin 2 [Peter], George Thomson, viola 2 [Peter]; David Morris, cello [Peter]). Liner notes by Nola Reed Knouse. 1997. New World Records 80507-2.

By a Spring. David Moritz Michael. By a Spring (Suite Bey einer Quelle zu blasen). Parthias 3, 4, and 5. Pacific Classical Winds (Charles Zukovsky, Gary Bovyer, clarinets; Rebecca O'Donovan, James Patterson, Paul Avril, natural horns; Michael O'Donovan, Rose Corrigan, bassoons; Edward Meares, contrabass). Liner notes by Nola Reed Knouse. 1998. New World Records 80531-2.

During the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, both vocal and instrumental music were fostered in numerous venues within American Moravian settlements. Not only was music a focal point of certain religious services (for example, Liebesmahl and Singstunde), but it permeated daily life. From welcoming visitors to laying a cornerstone to announcing deaths, music making was synonymous with the Moravians. While they were not considered professional musicians, since Moravians engaged in other vocations, these amateurs filled their evening hours with recreational music making. Moravian clergy and laypeople came from Europe and transplanted Old World taste and culture to the New World. Thus, their settlements teemed with performances of works by current European composers.