Classical Music

Opera Review: The Comic Ravings of a “Madman” — Opera As Political Pastiche

May 3, 2018
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The performance’s excellent musicianship and many amusing moments were at the service of a relevant evening of commentary on the lighter side of the current news cycle.

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Classical CD Reviews: Michael Brown’s Piano Works, Ferdinand Ries Piano Concertos, and Andris Nelsons’ Bruckner Symphony no. 4

May 1, 2018
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Variations and fugues are the overriding themes of pianist/composer Michael Brown’s captivating new album. If you’re an Andris Nelsons fan, this Deutsche Grammophon album won’t disappoint, and a disc that features three pieces by composer Ferdinand Ries, who was friendly with Beethoven, is worth hearing.

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Concert Review: Emmanuel Music’s Late Night Show

May 1, 2018
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David Lang’s score is hypnotic, and Emmanuel Music’s quartet of singers gave wonderful renditions.

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Classical CD Reviews: Birringer Duo’s “Lifelines,” Steve Reich’s “Drumming,” and Liza Stepanova’s “Tones and Colors”

April 30, 2018
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The Birringer Duo’s disc is a terrific, engaging release, The Colin Currie Group’s performance is nothing short of a powerhouse, and pianist Liza Stepanova plays with lots of character and color.

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Concert Review: Boston Symphony Chamber Players

April 29, 2018
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The Boston Symphony Chamber Players gave a very satisfying performance of eclectic musical material.

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Classical CD Reviews: Peter Oundjian conducts John Adams and Leonard Bernstein conducts Mahler

April 28, 2018
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Peter Oundjian and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra deliver a great album, smartly programmed and played to the hilt. Leonard Bernstein’s live Mahler was often electrifying; this performance, even with some cracked notes and hairy transitions, certainly is.

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Concert Review: Los Angeles Philharmonic at Symphony Hall

April 26, 2018
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New Yorker critic Alex Ross has called the LAPO the best orchestra in the country and that appellation seems about right.

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Concert Review: Evgeny Kissin and the Emerson String Quartet — Brilliant

April 26, 2018
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The thought of the Kissin/Emerson collaboration was very intriguing, and I anticipated amazing music making.

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Concert Review: A Healing Space — A Far Cry and the Miró Quartet Present “Loss and Resurrection”

April 16, 2018
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This is a sound I’ve never heard before at a chamber concert: over twenty musicians breathing in unison.

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Opera Review: “The Rosenbergs” — A Morally Complicated Tale, Well Told

April 15, 2018
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The Rosenbergs is small in scope but large in ambition; it is an accomplished and moving opera that demands attention.

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