Classical Music

CD Reviews: John Adams — Harmonielehre and Short Ride in a Fast Machine (SFSO/Tilson Thomas)

February 21, 2012
Posted in , ,

The recording was made in December 2010 in San Francisco’s Davies Symphony Hall, and reveals an orchestra fully at home in John Adams’ distinctive idiom.

Read More

Concert Review: Peter Serkin/BSO/Stéphane Denève

February 20, 2012
Posted in , ,

Perhaps most remarkably, BSO conductor Stéphane Denève managed to create an atmosphere in which the Symphony Hall audience, which at this time of year sometimes sounds like it’s made up of inpatients from a tuberculosis ward, was utterly captivated: even the quietest moments were accompanied by a welcomed, attentive silence.

Read More

Classical Concert Review: Emmanuel Ax and the Boston Symphony Orchestra/Jaap van Zweden at Symphony Hall

February 15, 2012
Posted in , ,

To judge from the all-around energetic playing of the BSO, it seems conductor Jaap van Zweden has struck a good rapport with the players and I, for one, look forward to hearing more from him in coming seasons.

Read More

Classical Concert Review: Chameleon Arts Ensemble Heads North

February 7, 2012
Posted in , ,

Ms. Bolden’s goal of evoking wintry climes was achieved because of her choice of pieces and musicians, who performed these compositions so well.

Read More

Concert Review: A Spectacular Performance by Cellist Pieter Wispelwey

February 5, 2012
Posted in , ,

Dutch cellist Pieter Wispelwey first performed, as the soloist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra. in the Celebrity Series line-up back in 2007. He made his second appearance at NEC’s Jordan Hall two nights ago. It was a spectacular performance.

Read More

Concert Review: Two Memorable Productions of Charming Ravel Operas

February 4, 2012
Posted in , , ,

Aside from the intrinsic entertainment value of these operas, they show Ravel in quite a different light than we are used to from his chamber and other orchestral music.

Read More

Book Review: The Precarious Existence of Symphony Orchestras

February 4, 2012
Posted in , , ,

This is a book for anyone interested not just in the economic state of the symphony orchestra, but in the overall financial health of the arts in the United States.

Read More

Jazz Commentary Drill Down: Duke Ellington’s “New World A-Coming”

February 3, 2012
Posted in , ,

Steve Elman is currently surveying works that illuminate the tradition of the jazz-influenced piano concerto. His series began with an examination of Chick Corea’s current recording, The Continents. In part two, he takes a look at eight works by jazz composers that precede the release of Corea’s work. This post is a detailed examination of…

Read More

Commentary Drill Down: George Russell’s “Living Time”

February 1, 2012
Posted in , ,

Fuse Jazz Critic Steve Elman is currently surveying works that illuminate the tradition of the jazz-influenced piano concerto. His series began with an examination of Chick Corea’s current recording, The Continents. In part two, he takes a look at eight works by jazz composers that precede the release of Corea’s work. This post is a…

Read More

Fuse Commentary Drill Down: Donal Fox’s “Peace Out”

February 1, 2012
Posted in , ,

Fuse Jazz Critic Steve Elman is currently surveying works that illuminate the tradition of the jazz-influenced piano concerto. His series began with an examination of Chick Corea’s current recording, The Continents. In part two, he takes a look at eight works by jazz composers that precede the release of Corea’s work. This post is a…

Read More

Recent Posts