Here is an outstanding recording from the Escher String Quartet of music by two stylistically divergent 20th-century American composers, Samuel Barber and Charles Ives.
Classical Album Review: Composer Joan Tower’s “Strike Zones”
For Joan Tower fans, this disc is a must; for the Tower-curious, it offers an excellent introduction to the composer’s wider work, all of it compellingly played.
Classical Album Review: Andris Nelsons Conducts Shostakovich
Interpretively, this installment in the BSO’s cycle of Dmitri Shostakovich’s fifteen symphonies is occasionally (and a bit surprisingly) spotty.
Classical Album Review: Lincoln Trio’s Splendid “Trios from the City of Big Shoulders”
One of the year’s stand-out releases: full of wonderful music, all of it well worth getting to know, and played to the hilt.
Classical Album Reviews: John Adams’ Chamber Symphonies — Built on Trust
BMOP’s performances of three John Adams chamber symphonies, all conducted by music director Gil Rose, offer welcome, distinctive takes on the triptych.
Classical Album Review: Sibelius Tone Poems — Focused and Bold Performances
The Norwegian soprano’s execution of the vocal line in Luonnotar is nothing short of astounding.
Concert Review: John Williams’s Violin Concerto no. 2 at Tanglewood
On first impression, John Williams’ second violin concerto didn’t strike me as an instant classic, but there’s more than a little here to warrant repeated listening.
Classical Album Review: American Quintets — Why Has it Taken so Long?
This disc from the London-based Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective pairs piano quintets by Amy Beach and Florence Price with Samuel Barber’s haunting “Dover Beach.”
Classical Album Review: “One Movement Symphonies” — Let’s Have a Follow-Up
This is a disc that begs for a sequel (or a whole series).
Concert Review: The Boston Symphony Orchestra Performs Carlos Simon, Sibelius, and Dvorak
The orchestra’s summer home is operating at reduced capacity this season, but it’s wonderful to have the BSO and its public reunited.