Five American Ballads

Roy Harris's birthday is today (12 Feb). As a "tip of the hat", here are his Five American Ballads, written in 1946, that I recorded for the "Unsung Heroes" thread last year. I decided to post this after reading a short article about his Symphony No 3, which, once upon a time, was regarded as one of the most significant American classical works. Alas, his reputation plummeted somewhat precipitously over the years -- but I've always enjoyed his polytonal style. Hope you enjoy -- and comments are welcome.

Very nice. I think the first one has a very strong resemblance to some Christmas carol whose name I can't remember(the that has the line "The little lord Jesus asleep in the hay")

The first one is from a Western folk song "Streets of Laredo" if I am remembering correctly.

Nice, Tim! Thanks for sharing these on this stage!

P'lus, see this (para. 5):

http://www.naxos.com/mainsite/blurbs_rev...anguage=English

Pianoloverus/Musica71/Cinnamon Bear --

Thanks for your kind comments. Musica71 is correct that the first Ballad is Streets of Laredo -- but, at I listened to it, I realized that the folk song really IS quite close to the American version of "Away in a Manger" that PL was referencing.

I probably should have posted the titles:

Streets of Laredo
Wayfaring Stranger (but not the tune that I'm familiar with)
The Bird
Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair
Cod Liver Ile

Andy, thanks for providing the Link on Harris's entire solo piano output -- I didn't know some of the details surrounding the composition of these pieces.

These great pieces bring back memories. I did them for my Jr. Recital in College. So good to hear them again.