Classical Music
Terrific, fiery playing from George Li, one of the most compelling young pianists on the scene; Mariss Jansons’ recording of Shostakovich’s Tenth trudges from start to finish; irrefutable proof of Andris Nelsons’ excellence as a new-music conductor.
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Simon Rattle’s Bruckner is, on the whole, lean and lively; if you’re looking for a new Mahler Four, Vladimir Jurowski’s is the one to check out; Thierry Fischer leads performances of each symphony that take Saint-Saëns’ writing seriously.
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These are two practiced masters at free improvisation. I am confident that many listeners will find them as intriguing and accomplished as I do.
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In the right hands, Shostakovich’s Twelfth can come off as nothing less than an intriguing, lively symphonic essay.
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Gounod was no mere purveyor of gentle sentiments. This 1881 opera, superbly performed, shows plenty of drama and grit.
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What if you took canonical Western works and reimagined them from an African perspective?
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This is a gem of a recording, a wonderful introduction to this often overlooked Hungarian composer.
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TRIPTYCH (Eyes of One on Another) serves up a cool emotional package.
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Skylark continues to impress me with its distinctly beautiful sound, its dazzling control over dynamics and intonation, and its unusually compelling programming.
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There can be little doubt that the urgency of the opera’s message about equality is as relevant as ever.
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Arts Commentary: Rich in Creativity — But Nothing Else