Classical Music
Odyssey Opera’s first commercially-released album is a fun showcase; BMOP delivers an excellent performance of Four Saints in Three Acts.
Ken Thomson’s Restless doesn’t hide from dark places or things; Oberlin Orchestra does right by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera.
Jerusalem Quartet’s Bartók is more elegant than hard-edged; Heath Quartet’s Tchaikovsky is vigorous and sweeping.
Adam Schoenberg is also one of the most widely-performed living composers of orchestral music; in fact, he’s among the top-ten in that category.
Cameron Carpenter played the Terry Riley composition commandingly.
Lara Downes’ America Again is a great album, and one with multiple layers of meaning.
Three CD reviews, including a disc featuring Joshua Bell, Steven Isserlis, and Jeremy Denk teaming up to play less-than-barn-burning favorites by Brahms.
Mason Bates’ music isn’t afraid to smile. If it doesn’t always run deep, it’s at least always engaging and pleasant to encounter.
Commentary: Top Classical Recordings of 2016
I make no claims to have listened to everything released in 2016; here are my picks for the top classical recordings of the year.
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