Jonathan Blumhofer
Violinist Lea Birringer’s performance of the Christian Sinding selections are impressive. Her Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, though, is missing drive, excitement, and passion.
Read More
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.
Read More
Marvelously accomplished albums from American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan.
Read More
Two first-rate albums: pianist Lara Downes successfully reconsiders Scott Joplin and the New York Youth Symphony plays Florence Price and others with panache.
Read More
Conductor Klaus Mäkelä may be young, but, on the merits of this set, he sure seems to be the real deal. Buckle up: this ought to be an exciting career.
Read More
This is an album that’s at once musically significant but, more than that, thoroughly enjoyable. How tragic that, largely on account of her race and gender, Florence Price’s music was almost erased.
Read More
A major release by a pianist who, just in his mid-thirties, is already one of the most intelligent and satisfying musicians on the circuit.
Read More
The program is compelling, but some of violinist Yevgeny Kutik’s interpretations could sing more freely and dance more nimbly.
Read More
George Crumb, who crafted some of the 20th-century’s most brazenly original-sounding and haunting music, lived his life and guided his career on his own terms.
Read More
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.
Read More