Music
Over the past year, I’ve delved into the most significant body of work for string quartet ever written by a composer whose primary identity with the public is as a jazz musician. Here’s how to begin your own encounter with important facets of the work of an artist whose name you ought to know.
The Emerson Quartet’s greatest strength lies in its ability to temper individual excess in favor of a lush corporate blend.
Groton Hill’s stunning new venue is a beautifully designed and acoustically brilliant music hall that is certain to become a desired destination for artists touring New England.
In the hands of some, Szymanowski’s Second Violin Concerto can be tame and traditional. As conducted by Karina Canellakis, and performed by the BSO and violinist Nicola Benedetti, the piece came off as bold, colorful, and urgent.
For people who grew up on his music in the ’60s and ’70s, David Crosby’s passing, especially on the heels of Jeff Beck’s death last week, is tough to take.
Ted Olson continues bringing important location recordings of early American music back to light.
Justin Dello Joio’s Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, written especially for pianist Garrick Ohlsson, creates an emotionally satisfying canvas out of thorny harmonies and astringent lyricism.
Jeff Beck didn’t play the fastest runs but wielded dynamic emotion in every deftly spaced note – and didn’t even use a pick.
MJQ pianist John Lewis would have loved to have had an orchestra this well rehearsed and recorded so beautifully.
Arts Remembrance: David Crosby — One More Link to Rock ’n’ Roll’s Golden Era Lost
When I glorify or romanticize an artist like David Crosby it is because the performer has a gift for alchemizing songs into something huge, powerful, spiritual, and communal.
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