Jonathan Blumhofer
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.
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Thanks to a blend of compositional technique and solid musical grounding in each of the works, “Flames to Ashes” exceeded easy categorization.
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Johannes Brahms’s wistful 1894 Clarinet Sonatas receive fantastic performances.
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Taken together, the selections on Attacca Quartet’s latest release is something of a meditation on the human condition.
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If you’re looking for instrumental music that grapples with tumultuous events, times, and circumstances, this may well be the disc for you.
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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.
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The Crier’s program pairs three composers one doesn’t always find together. As is likewise the norm with this group and their selections, everything somehow connects – and on multiple levels.
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This disc highlights various, early-20th-century works inspired by the Kalevala, the Finnish creation epic. It is a fantastic demonstration of creative programming and invigorating orchestral performance.
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A mightily played, deeply felt, and finely recorded album from Trio Con Brio.
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Music Commentary: Top Classical Performances and Recordings of 2021
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.
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