Music

Concert Review: Discovery Ensemble at Sanders Theater

February 2, 2013
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John Adams’s Chamber Symphony brought out the best in Mr. Lewis as a conductor: it was fun watching him maneuver through the score’s intricate rhythmic patterns and his confidence was reflected by the Ensemble in a brash, involved reading of a far-too-little-heard (in these parts, at least) piece.

Classical Commentary: Breaths of Fresh Air — Discovery Ensemble’s Educational Outreach Programs

February 2, 2013
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Discovery Ensemble is already the local ensemble to watch for their brilliant programming and energized performances. Now add to that their commitment to educational outreach and Boston’s underserved communities.

Jazz Review: Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour — A Band of Virtuosic Veterans

February 2, 2013
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Vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater’s exuberance proved contagious in this performance featuring a remarkable group of jazz all-stars under the genial direction of bassist Christian McBride.

Jazz CD Review: A Song Cycle “For Langston”

February 1, 2013
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For Langston fails on its own terms, which is to produce a moving, insightful, and in some sense accurate interpretation of the poetry of Langston Hughes.

Arts Remembrance: Be the Rock Star — A Tribute to Jules Siegel

January 26, 2013
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Legendary music journalist Jules Siegel died of a heart attack on November 17, 2012 at the age of 77. There was no “New York Times” obituary, no mention in “Rolling Stone.” But to me, he was a rock star.

Classical CD Review: Two New Releases from BMOP/sound — An Indispensable Label for American Composers

January 24, 2013
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Musical quibbles aside, the performances on both albums from Boston Modern Music Project’s in-house label, BMOP/sound, are top-notch.

Classical CD Review: “Hywel Davies” — Repetitions of the Undeveloped

January 24, 2013
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To describe the contents of the CD “Hywel Davies” as trivial is to be generous.

Classical Concert Review: Worcester Chamber Music Society’s “The White House Concert and Beyond” at the Worcester Art Museum

January 16, 2013
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The Worcester Chamber Music Society’s latest concert was inspired by an ambitious concept and it was played with conviction, but the performance was continuously dogged by problems with acoustics.

Classical Music Review: Three Autumnal Schubert Sonatas

January 14, 2013
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From the moment he began to play, pianist Paul Lewis established his authority. His performance was spellbinding and eloquent, animated by a respect for precision and rhythmic clarity.

Classical Music Review: Julian Rachlin and the Boston Symphony Orchestra/Alan Gilbert

January 11, 2013
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Julian Rachlin is a Romantic violinist in the best sense: he has technique to burn, but isn’t overly showy. His tone is pure, his intonation impeccable, and in his playing the melodic line is – even in the busiest solo textures – given pride of place.

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