Alpha

Classical Album Reviews: “A Lionel Tertis Celebration” and “Laws of Solitude”

February 21, 2024
Posted in , , ,

Violist Timothy Ridout’s new double-album “A Lionel Tertis Celebration” is heartily recommended; soprano Asmik Grigorian’s “Laws of Solitude” not so much.

Read More

Classical Album Reviews: Emerson String Quartet’s “Infinite Voyage” and Robert Trevino conducts Respighi

November 12, 2023
Posted in , , ,

The Emerson String Quartet concludes its recorded legacy pretty much the way it began it — in musical glory. Robert Trevino and the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale della RAI’s Respighi has plenty of spirit and heart.

Read More

Opera Album Review: A Splendiferous First Recording of an Opera by the Near-Legendary Composer Marin Marais

September 14, 2023
Posted in , , ,

Marin Marais, memorably enacted by Gérard Depardieu (and his son Guillaume) in the film “Tous les matins du monde,” proves a master of Baroque opera in this splendid recording.

Read More

December Short Fuses — Materia Critica

December 3, 2022
Posted in ,

Each month, our arts critics — music, book, theater, dance, television, film, and visual arts — fire off a few brief reviews.

Read More

Classical Album Review: “John Adams” — Mastering the Style of an Iconic American Composer

October 3, 2022
Posted in , , ,

This recording presents one of the most lucid and well-programmed portraits of John Adams to emerge, well, in a long while.

Read More

Classical CD Review: Cellist Nicolas Altstaedt plays Salonen and Ravel

April 9, 2022
Posted in , , ,

Cellist Nicolas Altstaed’s recording features a fascinating pairing of pieces by Salonen and Ravel, a stirring reminder of the mysterious powers of common origins and creative invention. Don’t miss it.

Read More

Classical Album Reviews: “Dance With Me” and “Eden”

March 20, 2022
Posted in , , ,

Marvelously accomplished albums from American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato and Canadian soprano Barbara Hannigan.

Read More

Classical CD Reviews: “La Damnation de Faust,” Villa-Lobos’ Guitar & Harmonica Concertos, and Messiaen Orchestral Works

December 26, 2019
Posted in , , ,

John Nelson’s La Damnation de Faust is a triumph; you will rarely encounter Villa-Lobos played with greater understanding or in better sound than here; Paavo Järvi and his orchestra’s survey of Messiaen orchestral works early and late is resplendent.

Read More

Classical CD Reviews: Seattle Symphony plays Strauss & Langgaard, Offenbach’s “Folies symphoniques,” and Salonen conducts Beethoven & Strauss

October 22, 2019
Posted in , ,

The Seattle Symphony does right by Langgaard but not Strauss; Esa-Pekka Salonen’s Beethoven is micromanaged to death; Brandenburgisches Staatsorchester offers an ideal off-the-beaten-path Offenbach disc.

Read More

Classical CD Reviews: Duo Noire’s “Night Triptych,” Justin Taylor’s “Continuum,” and Brahms’ “Ein deutsches Requiem”

September 15, 2018
Posted in , , ,

Night Triptych is an important disc, but also an inviting one that takes you to some fresh places well worth experiencing. Also, another success for harpsichordist Justin Taylor, and a well-earned one at that.

Read More

Recent Posts