Classical Music
A persuasive case for MacDowell’s orchestral voice, led by pianist Xiayin Wang and conductor John Wilson.
Dominick Argento’s adventurous 1975 operatic transit through the psyche of Edgar Allan Poe proves to be both delightful and disturbing.
The Neave Trio’s new album is as well recorded as it is programmed and played.
If there is a through-line consolidating Ian Buruma’s account, it is the admonition: Do not rush to judgment.
With today’s Boston Symphony in an uproar, lacking direction, attention should be paid to Henry Higginson, who invented the Boston Symphony. He knew what he was doing. He knew how to scout and hire conductors. He knew what music he wanted played. He knew what the orchestra was for.
In Boston, Leonard Bernstein might have sustained Serge Koussevitzky’s bold adventure—and changed the course of American classical music. Today’s Boston Symphony is adrift
This is one of the most welcome, ear-opening recordings I’ve heard in recent years, easily capable of restoring Ferdinand Hiller to the position he once held as the composer of highly accomplished, enjoyable, and intriguing works.
Last Friday night, conductor Andris Nelsons and the musicians came on stage together wearing red carnations as symbols of solidarity. The applause was immediate and fervent.
This a superb album, smartly programmed and brilliantly played.
Arts Commentary: The Boston Symphony’s New Humanities Blueprint Makes Sense
Why festival programming—and humanities partnerships—can help the BSO.
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