Amanda Heim / Lee Poulis / the Gettysburg College Choir / Robert Natter

Dorman: Letters From Gettysburg. After Brahms. Nigunim Amanda Heim / Lee Poulis / the Gettysburg College Choir / Robert Natter

Avner Dorman has fast become one of the most sought-after composers of his generation. Letters from Gettysburg, a work scored for soprano, baritone, large chorus,and percussion, is the centerpiece in this all-Dorman release. Written in 2013 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, it was commissioned by the Gettysburg College American Civil War Sesquicentennial Planning Committee. Following its premiere, Letters from Gettysburg was broadcast on radio stations across the U. S.

The text for Letters from Gettysburg, Dorman writes, "comes mostly from letters written by 1st Lieutenant Rush P. Cady - Co. K, 97th New York Infantry, who was fatally wounded during the Battle of Gettysburg and died a few days later. "In five movements, organized in symmetrical arc form, Letters from Gettysburg displays Dorman's soulful expression as a composer, combined with inventive vocal writing. These powerful texts are poignantly supported by percussion scoring that creates an almost supernatural ambience, recalling the tragic events of the War. Coupled on this recording are two Dorman works commissioned by Orli and Gil Shaham.