Lamia / Royal Invitation

Released in 1976 as part of the First Edition Records series, this LP showcases two significant American orchestral works commissioned and performed by the Louisville Orchestra. The label was established by the orchestra to document its extensive commissioning program, which sought to bring contemporary classical music to a wider audience through high-quality studio recordings. By the mid-1970s, First Edition had become a vital archive for twentieth-century composition, offering listeners access to challenging modern scores that might otherwise have remained unrecorded.

The album features Jacob Druckman's 'Lamia' and Dominick Argento's 'Royal Invitation.' Druckman’s work, a complex and atmospheric piece, reflects the mid-century shift toward textural experimentation and avant-garde orchestral color. Argento, known for his lyrical vocal music, contributes a score that demonstrates his sophisticated command of orchestration. The performances were conducted during a period when the Louisville Orchestra, under the leadership of Jorge Mester, was internationally recognized for its commitment to commissioning and recording new works, a project that solidified its reputation as a champion of contemporary American composers.