This is really fun. Hubert Headley (1906-95) is a composer in the tradition of Gershwin, Still, Gillis, and Moross--that is, stylish, pop-influenced ('30s and '40s), and well-crafted. Howard Hanson and Pierre Monteux had nice things to say about the colorful and extremely enjoyable California Suite, and during the 1940s it enjoyed a measure of popularity. Similarly, the concertos are brilliantly scored and full of good ideas. Both are single-movement works lasting a mere 11 and 15 minutes, respectively. The First Symphony (1946) requires a mere 13 minutes, and it's likewise colorful and cogent. Certainly there is no reason why this music should not become popular again; likely it faded from view because Headley essentially gave up symphonic composition after the 1940s in favor of large-scale choral music, but then so much good tonal music vanished after the "serial interruption" that began in the 1950s. The performances here are consistently exciting, with Anna Bogolyubova a confident soloist in the two concertos, and Dmitry Yablonsky leading an orchestra that sounds like it's having a remarkably good time. You will too.
