Jonathan Blumhofer
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.
The program is compelling, but some of violinist Yevgeny Kutik’s interpretations could sing more freely and dance more nimbly.
A young ensemble, the USE is a technically accomplished one and, regardless of the interpretive strengths or weaknesses of each reading, the group’s sheer skill level is evenly impressive.
Thanks to a blend of compositional technique and solid musical grounding in each of the works, “Flames to Ashes” exceeded easy categorization.
Here are a handful of concerts that stand out from the past several months, as well as my favorite albums of 2021 – apparently even a global pandemic can’t stop the surprisingly resilient classical music recording industry.
Johannes Brahms’s wistful 1894 Clarinet Sonatas receive fantastic performances.
Taken together, the selections on Attacca Quartet’s latest release is something of a meditation on the human condition.
If you’re looking for instrumental music that grapples with tumultuous events, times, and circumstances, this may well be the disc for you.
During the pandemic months, Conrad Tao – who, in addition to being an exceptional pianist, is also an accomplished composer – has evidently been honing his skills as an improviser.
Music Commentary: In Memoriam, George Crumb (1929-2022)
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.
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