Two recommended discs: James Brawn’s complete Beethoven piano sonata series continues while Simone Dinnerstein and A Far Cry execute Philip Glass’s chorale-like writing with remarkable fervency and warmth.
James Brawn
Classical Music Reviews: Andris Nelsons conducts Shostakovich, James Brawn plays Beethoven
This recording is the first of a partial Shostakovich cycle Andris Nelsons and the BSO are embarking upon.
Music Feature: Notable Classical Recordings of 2014
Feel free to disagree, add to them, come up with your own list, etc. Above all, enjoy!
Classical CD Reviews: Mozart’s “Haydn” Quartets and James Gaffigan conducts Dvorak (Harmonia mundi), plus James Brawn plays Beethoven (MSR Classics)
Cuarteto Casals brings out Mozart’s playfulness, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester delivers a solid Dvorak’s Sixth, and James Brawn continues to brilliantly play Beethoven’s piano sonatas.
CD Reviews: James Brawn’s Beethoven Odyssey (volumes 1 and 2) and In Recital (MSR Records)
In a world populated by talented pianists, James Brawn is a standout. He’s not just a virtuoso, but also a probing, thoughtful musician with strong, creative programming instincts.