Posted on Monday, October 31, 2011
Light and Shadow in the Yosemite Valley, an overture for orchestra composed by Dr. Daniel Perttu, Westminster College assistant professor of music, is included on Light and Shadow, a nationally and internationally reviewed CD that is being played on radio stations across the country, in Canada, and in Europe.
The CD is a collection of eight modern orchestral works by six American composers. The selections range from a musical depiction of the imagery of war to a bold tonal piece inspired by a property dispute. Perttu's composition was recorded by the Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra.
Reviewers' comments ranged from "very nice, very attractive compilation of new orchestral works…a pleasure to listen to" (Daniel Coombs in Audiophile Audition) to "a succinct and powerful view into the world of modern orchestral composition. Highlights include…‘Light and Shadow in the Yosemite Valley'" (New Classics website).
Spanish critic Alejandro Clavijo named Light and Shadow Best CD of August 2011, putting it into competition for Best CD of 2011. He cited Perttu's composition as "fantastic music, a masterpiece that seems as if it could accompany a thriller film. Blending mystery, action, and excitement during eight-and-a-half minutes, the work conveys all the feelings that a listener can appreciate. Superb!"
Perttu, who joined the Westminster faculty in 2008, is the music theory program coordinator. He earned an undergraduate degree from Williams College, two masters from Kent State University, and doctorate from Ohio State University. His compositions have been performed regionally, nationally, and internationally in arts festivals, concerts, conferences, and solo recitals. His peer-reviewed articles have been published in three journals. He was recently commissioned by the Johnstone Fund for New Music at the Columbus Foundation and is working on a commission for chorus and orchestra from the Shenango Valley Chorale in Sharon.
Contact Perttu at (724) 946-7024 or email for additional information.
