Jonathan Blumhofer
Mason Bates’ music isn’t afraid to smile. If it doesn’t always run deep, it’s at least always engaging and pleasant to encounter.
Among the three CDs reviewed is a particular treat — a new recording that really, truly matters.
The biggest musical takeaway was the sheer brilliance of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra’s playing, which is the gold standard.
These BSO concerts, conducted by Thomas Adès, were the culminating event in his impressive first season.
GH’s best playing of the day was edgy: a little rough around the edges, yes, but still punchy and vibrant.
“Playing these standard pieces on period instruments is a little bit like reading a novel or poem in its original language.”
For recorded sound, for brilliance of orchestral execution, and for interpretive concept, Janowski is one of the 21st century’s best Wagnerians.
Conductor Benjamin Zander and his band were at their collective best performing Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 6.
The Library of America volumes of Virgil Thomson’s writings will help reestablish him as one of the 20th century’s preeminent musical scribes.
Arts Commentary: Music for Times of Trouble
I’ve been most impressed by the manner in which these composers, in these works, took strong moral and/or political stands.
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