LAWHEAD: “Aleost.” HINDEMITH: Piano Concerto. ZWILICH: Symphony...

LAWHEAD: “Aleost.” HINDEMITH: Piano Concerto. ZWILICH: Symphony No. 2. Louisville Orchestra, Lawrence Leighton Smith, conductor, Lee Luvisi, piano. First Edition Recordings, LCD002. Zwilich should have little trouble elevating her already considerable visibility among living composers so long as she produces works as compelling and expressive as this symphony. Performances as tautly intense as this one don’t hurt, either. The vaunted Kentuckians bring their usual sense of commitment and sensitivity to bear. Luvisi makes a strong case for more frequent hearings of the Hindemith concerto, bringing its dance-like qualities to the fore. Lawhead’s brief trifle juxtaposes aleatoric dissonance with traditional writing to no great purpose other than giving Smith’s string players an opportunity to exhibit their virtuosity.