Classical Music
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.
The Boston Symphony Chamber Players gave a very satisfying performance of eclectic musical material.
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.
New Yorker critic Alex Ross has called the LAPO the best orchestra in the country and that appellation seems about right.
The thought of the Kissin/Emerson collaboration was very intriguing, and I anticipated amazing music making.
This is a sound I’ve never heard before at a chamber concert: over twenty musicians breathing in unison.
The Rosenbergs is small in scope but large in ambition; it is an accomplished and moving opera that demands attention.
A thoroughly charismatic Fairy Queen from start to finish, well-prepared, fulgently delivered, and received by a packed house with well-earned warmth.
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