Classical Music
The more I hear performed by the BEMF, especially their operas, the more deeply impressed – and thankful – I am.
So we’ve got a mixed bag. If you get this Lang Lang disc, it should be for the Bartók, but not the Prokofiev: as things stand, the competition there simply blows Lang out of the water.
Two discs released by Harmonia Mundi benefit from the dramatic flair of conductor René Jacobs.
Violinist Joshua Bell and pianist Sam Haywood delivered a highly entertaining and substantive (if too short) Sunday afternoon recital.
In sum, this was one of those rare concerts in which everything clicked, musically and dramatically.
I have seen my share of prodigies and their gushing PR. So I was pleasantly surprised when Benjamin Grosvenor, an unassuming youth in a white shirt and black pants, walked out and played with beauty and style.
Charles Dutoit, one of the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s favorite guest conductors, drew playing of high energy and vivid color.
No pianist in his right mind is going to repeat this program. András Schiff had privileged us with a gift that only he could give.
So is the book worth reading? Depends how interested you are in twentieth century cultural history, in music and creative genius, in marriage and sexuality.
Design and Visual Arts: Affordable Housing, By Design