Classical Music

Classical Concert Review: Andris Nelsons conducts Gandolfi and Mahler

March 27, 2015
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Ascending Light is, by far, the most serious orchestral score of Gandolfi’s I’ve heard and it succeeds to a considerable extent thanks to its expressive honesty.

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Music Commentary Series: Jazz and the Piano Concerto — Mavericks, 1923-1955

March 23, 2015
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This first group of mavericks all have their roots in the 1920s, but they demonstrate that George Gershwin’s way wasn’t the only way.

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Music Commentary Series: Jazz and the Piano Concerto — French Threads

March 20, 2015
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New York and Paris both respected innovation, but Paris demanded that the new have a certain style.

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Classical CD Reviews: Simone Dinnerstein plays Ravel, Lasser, and Gershwin

March 19, 2015
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Pianist Simone Dinnerstein’s new album, Broadway-Lafayette, features her on three pieces, all written since 1924, that celebrate musical ties between France and the United States.

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Concert Review: Pianist Daniil Trifonov — Seriously Impressive

March 18, 2015
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After hearing pianist Daniil Trifonov in this recital performance, I would say no one on the celebrity circuit has a more impressive technique.

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Opera Concert Review: “Kátya Kabanová” at Boston Lyric Opera

March 18, 2015
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The opportunity to hear Leoš Janáček’s magnificent score live ultimately trumps any reservations I have about the production as a whole.

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Concert Review: Charles Dutoit and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Triumph with “King Roger”

March 11, 2015
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The BSO’s captivating performances of King Roger received unanimous rave reviews from the local press, to which I add mine.

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Music Commentary Series: Jazz and the Piano Concerto — The Great God George

March 10, 2015
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There are still some places where the genius of George Gershwin is underappreciated, and regrettably, they include most of the concert halls in his home country.

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Music Commentary Series: Jazz and the Piano Concerto — Who Will Program?

March 2, 2015
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My data might be depressing for anyone who wants a lot of novelty in the concert hall. But I found that some orchestras are taking more risks than the pessimists say.

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Concert Review: Violinist Julia Fischer and the Boston Symphony Orchestra

March 1, 2015
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Julia Fischer’s account of Brahms’s Violin Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) this weekend was nothing if not dynamic and impressive.

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