Music
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.
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.
Green Mountain Project has done everything right, paying careful, historically informed attention to pitch, transposition, tempi, number of performers, and tuning.
As we leave the holidays behind us and begin the New Year, it’s time to get out of Mom’s house and back into the clubs!
Music with African roots warms the January chill, percussionists raise the roof, vocalist/pianist/songwriter Patricia Barber makes a welcome return, and a sextet of touring all-stars from the Monterey Jazz Festival swings through town.
Highlights of the month include performances from the admired vocal groups A Far Cry and the Lorelei Ensemble as well as early music programs from the Green Mountain Project and Dünya.
Several merits distinguish Blue Heron’s concerts, the most salient being the always-gorgeous singing of this pre-eminent Renaissance vocal choir.
Spirits were lifted; those in need of holiday cheer got a massive dose of it. Bravo to The Boston Camerata and to Les Fleurs des Caraïbes.
We should look forward, eagerly, to hearing more lost, or previously issued music, from Jazzhaus. And be grateful to the European public for supporting these concerts and broadcasts.
Classical Music Commentary: Boston’s Lost Opportunity — How the BSO Board Chose Charles Munch over Leonard Bernstein