Michael Tilson Thomas proves he’s got Alban Berg’s style in his blood; Pablo Heras-Casado’s Mendelssohn symphony cycle continues to be stylish.
Isabelle Faust
CD Reviews: “Op. 2” and Faust/Melnikov’s Franck & Chausson
Violinist Sebastian Bohren’s album is uneven; violinist Isabelle Faust and pianist Alexander Melnikov have produced a wonder.
Commentary: Top Classical Recordings of 2016
I make no claims to have listened to everything released in 2016; here are my picks for the top classical recordings of the year.
CD Reviews: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony no. 1 and Mozart Violin Concertos plus Wagner Overtures & Preludes
For recorded sound, for brilliance of orchestral execution, and for interpretive concept, Janowski is one of the 21st century’s best Wagnerians.
Concert Review: Boston Symphony Orchestra plays Berg and Shostakovich
Andris Nelsons drew playing from the BSO that reveled in Alban Berg’s sense of color and musical drama.
Classical Music Album Review: Isabelle Faust and Alexander Melnikov play Brahms
Just about anything Isabelle Faust touches these days is gold – she’s one of the finest violinists out there
Classical CD Reviews: John Adams’ “Absolute Jest” (SFS Media); Alexander Melnikov plays Schumann (Harmonia mundi)
John Adams’ Absolute Jest is a sheer blast of fun, wildly inventive and, at its best, a vertiginous collage.
Classical CD Reviews: Isabelle Faust plays Schumann and the Dmitri Ensemble plays Shostakovich Chamber Symphonies
Listening to Isabelle Faust’s performance of Schumann’s Violin Concerto I wondered why the piece has remained on the fringes of the repertoire for so long.
CD Reviews: Isabelle Faust plays Bartók; Wolfgang Rihm’s Symphonie “Nähe fern”; Tokyo String Quartet plays Dvorak and Smetana; Thea Musgrave’s Chamber Works for Oboe (Harmonia Mundi)
A round-up review of new releases from Harmonia Mundi — an invigorating crop of albums.