We’ve got ourselves another winner in this ongoing Pittsburgh/Beethoven series. Warmly recommended.
Album Review: William Bolcom’s Complete Rags — Fantastically Inventive and Rigorous
This is the definitive recording of William Bolcom’s rags, complete or excerpted: a triumph for the pianist and the composer – as well as a grandly spirited, accessible, inventive journey for any who care to join them on it.
Classical Album Review: Orion Weiss’s “Arc 1” — Crafting a Strong Sense of Impending Doom
The album serves up exceptional stuff, even if the program’s a touch macabre and pianist Orion Weiss’s well-written liner notes make uncomfortable connections between the world of pre-World War 1 Europe and our own pandemic-riddled age.
Classical Album Review: The Claremont Trio’s “Queen of Hearts”
What might be the most impressive feature of this disc: everything on it was written for The Claremont Trio since 2008. The album stands as a shining testament to their adeptness as an ensemble as well as their curiosity as musicians.
Classical Music Review: Osvaldo Golijov’s “Nazareno”
Nazareno is bright, often joyous, and easy on the ears. That ought to count for something.
Classical Album Review: Violinist Lea Birringer plays Sinding and Mendelssohn
Violinist Lea Birringer’s performance of the Christian Sinding selections are impressive. Her Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, though, is missing drive, excitement, and passion.
Classical Album Review: “When There Are No Words…” — Do Music and Politics Mix?
When There Are No Words presents six pieces written between 1936 and 1980 by composers responding (at least seemingly) to contemporaneous political events and situations.
Classical Album Reviews: “Dance With Me” and “Eden”
Marvelously accomplished albums from American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan.
Classical Album Reviews: “Reflections: Scott Joplin Reconsidered” and New York Youth Symphony plays Price, Coleman, and Montgomery
Two first-rate albums: pianist Lara Downes successfully reconsiders Scott Joplin and the New York Youth Symphony plays Florence Price and others with panache.
Cultural Commentary: The Gergiev Case
There are times – and we’ve been living in these for several years now – when boldness is required, especially from artists.