Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Barbara Hannigan - An American Dream? (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): I. Catfish Row
02. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): II. Clara, Clara
03. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): III. Opening Music - IV. Summertime
04. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): V. I Got Plenty o' Nuttin' - VI. Hurricane Music
05. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): VII. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
06. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): VIII. Picnic Scene [Oh, I Can’t Sit Down] - IX. There’s a Boat That’s Leaving Soon for New York
07. Porgy and Bess, a Symphonic Picture (Arr. for Orchestra by Robert Russell Bennett): X. It Ain't Necessarily So - XI. Oh Lord, I'm on My Way
08. Dance Symphony: I. Lento - Molto allegro - Adagio molto
09. Dance Symphony: II. Andante moderato
10. Dance Symphony: III. Allegro vivo
11. The Carousel Waltz (Arr. for Orchestra by Don Walker)
12. At the Fair (Arr. for Orchestra and Voice by Barbara Hannigan and Bill Elliott): I. Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair?
13. At the Fair (Arr. for Orchestra and Voice by Barbara Hannigan and Bill Elliott): II. An American Dream
14. At the Fair (Arr. for Orchestra and Voice by Barbara Hannigan and Bill Elliott): III. Don't Rain on My Parade



With ‘An American Dream?’, Barbara Hannigan explores the concept of The American Dream. “I grew up in awe of America, but now my feelings are mainly nostalgic. With this repertoire, I want to express my admiration for the incredible creativity and tenacity of composers who shaped a musical language that was truly their own.”

The Canadian conductor and soprano collaborates with her long-time partners, the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, on this programme of works by American composers. With ‘the fair’ as a recurring theme across the repertoire, the image on the cover shows a carousel horse that is at a standstill. A pretty, painted object - but the floor is cracked and half the lights are burned out. Nostalgia and memory are mixed with underlying darkness and destruction.

From George Gershwin’s operatic masterpiece about love, addiction, racism, and hope, Robert Russell Bennett’s iconic arrangement Porgy and Bess: A Symphonic Picture is featured. Inspired by watching the silent film Nosferatu at the cinema in Paris in 1925, Aaron Copland composed a ballet which eventually became the vibrant Dance Symphony. The Carousel Waltz (arr. Don Walker) is the overture to the dark-themed Broadway musical Carousel by Richard Rodgers. For the grand finale, Barbara Hannigan reunites with American composer and arranger Bill Elliott in their joint creation, At the Fair. The suite starts with Have I Stayed Too Long at the Fair? and concludes with Jule Styne's famous hit Don't Rain on my Parade, both sung by Hannigan. The middle section of the suite is instrumental and includes a multitude of well-known American songs and themes, battling one another for pride of place.