Music
The set impressed in its diversity, boosted by the cohesive breadth of “What Now,” even as its homages grew overt in the second half.
Karina Canellakis’s tour through Bartók’s “Bluebeard’s Castle” showed why she remains a conductor who continues to exercise a remarkable interpretive power.
Once again, here was the shock in Cécile McLorin Savant’s subversive conceptual daring.
The album suggests an earlier time, but most of the music is modern, relevant, and timeless.
Sonic Youth’s fans remain passionate enough to justify the release of a slew of live albums.
Given its considerable strength and vitality, Ethel Smyth’s music deserves its newfound place in the limelight. Let’s hope the BSO programs more of her music again soon.
Composer/guitarist Richard Nelson’s followers can count on being surprised at how nimbly he can satisfy their appetites.
Guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan managed to keep the micro-opera’s crazed figure sympathetic as he blurred the lines between reality and delusion.

Music Commentary: In Memoriam, Seiji Ozawa (1935-2024)
Taking in the totality of Seiji Ozawa’s life and career, it seems clear that Boston got him in his prime and that he largely returned the favor, ingratiating himself with the community, at times truly elevating the BSO while conveying a lot of joy and energy in the process.
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