Classical Music
The BLO’s production was one of the troupe’s true staging triumphs of late, transforming the Steriti Ice Rink into a 1950s-style nightclub.
Andrew Manze and the RLPO have turned in one of the year’s great albums: potent, lyrical, haunting, and timely.
Two recommended discs: James Brawn’s complete Beethoven piano sonata series continues while Simone Dinnerstein and A Far Cry execute Philip Glass’s chorale-like writing with remarkable fervency and warmth.
Kevin Leong is unquestionably an inspired choice to lead this chorus.
Rarely in my experience has Ives’s visionary score sounded so fired with purpose.
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.
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.
David Lang’s score is hypnotic, and Emmanuel Music’s quartet of singers gave wonderful renditions.
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.
Rethinking the Repertoire #21– Alban Berg’s “Altenberg-Lieder”
The Altenberg-Lieder feature Alban Berg at his most direct and concise, as well as his most sumptuous.
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