436 stories by "Jonathan Blumhofer"
Two new albums from BMOP Sound reflect the considerable artistry and vision of Gil Rose and the Boston Modern Orchestra Project.
A round-up review of new releases from Harmonia Mundi -- an invigorating crop of albums.
This Judicial Review deals with the Boston premiere of John Harbison's opera version of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. Read the reactions and join the conversation.
The selection of Andris Nelsons, 34, as the BSO's next chief is an inspired choice and bold, and not just because of his age.
The return to the standard repertoire, which, since January, has been the orchestra's primary focus, is safe, unassuming, and (potentially, at least) creatively stifling.
John Harbison's The Great Gatsby gets its long-overdue Boston premiere, as does Jan Dismas Zelenka's 1739 Missa Votiva. Handel's Jephtha returns to the Handel and Haydn Society after a cent…
Generally in New England we're outspoken about nearly everything " politics, social issues, sports " so why not the arts?
The Boston Lyric Opera's production of "The Flying Dutchman" may not the subtlest you will see -- the Freudian elements are slathered on pretty thick -- but the nervy dramatic concept adds t…
Next season's stale programming certainly derives from the BSO's lack of a music director guiding and shaping the overall course of the season.
Indeed, for much of the latter part of his career, Colin Davis was that rarest of breeds, a conductor seemingly without ego, one who made music simply for the love of it.
Sunday's concert had the Discovery Ensemble and conductor Courtney Lewis playing with uncommon vigor and focus: this was one of the most exciting symphonic performances that any local orches…
A busy month that includes a pair of appearances by composer/conductor Oliver Knussen, turns by stellar pianists Evgeny Kissin and Lars Vogt. Also, the final concert this season in the admir…
Boston Musica Viva presented an invigorating (if early) conclusion to the season, providing an ear-catching snapshot of chamber music written in the last thirty-plus years.
Daniele Gatti's management of the orchestra " the unfolding of melodic lines and instrumental textures " was particularly noteworthy, matched here with a keen sensitivity to the music's expr…
The winter doldrums may be upon us, but the first few months of 2013 have been anything but uninteresting when it comes to releases from Harmonia Mundi (HM).
This album manages to impressively realize the depth and versatility of John Adams's music for string quartet. It also announces the arrival of a phenomenal ensemble that plays with a mix of…
March is a month to hear amazing pianists - Jeremy Denk, George Li, Charlie Albright, Jeffrey Swann, Wu Han, and Lydia Artymiw - as well as inspiring choruses and unusual chamber music
Handel and Haydn artistic director Harry Christophers placed a composer who is familiar, but not always the focus of attention, front and center, and, in the process, reminded us just how go…
In the slow third movement, Mr. Zander, the BPO, and the Symphony seemed to really be in sync: the music breathed, sighed, sang, and unfolded at a natural pace that brought out the best in e…
In an effort to give the proceedings an intimate, salon feel, the Symphony Hall stage was dotted with a couple of potted plants, three armchairs, and a pair of music stands; the cavernous en…
John Adams's Chamber Symphony brought out the best in Mr. Lewis as a conductor: it was fun watching him maneuver through the score's intricate rhythmic patterns and his confidence was reflec…
Discovery Ensemble is already the local ensemble to watch for their brilliant programming and energized performances. Now add to that their commitment to educational outreach and Boston's un…
Musical quibbles aside, the performances on both albums from Boston Modern Music Project's in-house label, BMOP/sound, are top-notch.
To describe the contents of the CD "Hywel Davies" as trivial is to be generous.
The Worcester Chamber Music Society's latest concert was inspired by an ambitious concept and it was played with conviction, but the performance was continuously dogged by problems with acou…
