Music

Concert Review: Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at Symphony Hall

November 3, 2015
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By any measure, this is an impressive orchestra, as technically accomplished as any number of professional ensembles, domestic and international.

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Concert Review: Pianist Fred Hersch—A Wonder of a Soloist

October 31, 2015
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As a soloist, Fred Hersch is a wonder: he plays with an active, to the point of restless, two-handed style that sweeps a listener along with its lyrical fervor.

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Rock Interview: Ian Anderson on “Jethro Tull: The Rock Opera”

October 30, 2015
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“This is JETHRO TULL!, expressed proudly in bold terms. And then ‘the rock opera,’ said in an embarrassed whisper.”

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Jazz Review: The Bad Plus Joshua Redman—Making Beauty Easily

October 28, 2015
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With the galvanic addition of Joshua Redman, The Bad Plus is now made up of four intense virtuosos.

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Book Review: “Real Life Rock”— Decades of Quick Hits from Critic Greil Marcus

October 26, 2015
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If Real Life Rock‘s page count seems daunting, fear not. There isn’t an entry you’ll want to skip.

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Classical CD Review: “Con eco d’amore”—Elizabeth Watts sings Scarlatti

October 21, 2015
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Soprano Elizabeth Watts’ voice is as clear as crystal in every musical context and texture.

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Fuse Blues CD Review: Blues Spirit Catcher—Ironing Board Sam Beats the Odds Again

October 21, 2015
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Blues feeling remains as unpredictable as ever. Who would have guessed that its strongest incarnation this year so far would be Ironing Board Sam’s Super Spirit?

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Rethinking the Repertoire #5: Leonard Bernstein’s “Songfest”

October 19, 2015
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Bernstein’s Songfest is Exhibit A in the argument that American orchestras and conductors need to champion the music of these shores.

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Fuse Concert Review: A High-Voltage “Elektra” at Symphony Hall

October 19, 2015
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I’ve rarely heard the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing with greater color, pliancy, or controlled energy as they delivered on Saturday night.

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Rethinking the Repertoire #4: James MacMillan’s “Tryst”

October 16, 2015
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James MacMillan is one of the few contemporary composers who has embraced elements of the avant-garde and still found a wide audience.

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