436 stories by "Jonathan Blumhofer"
In the Piano Concerto, Ferruccio Busoni seemed to want to have the final word in the tradition of the Romantic concerto.
Whatever challenges there may be, the enthusiasm of the New England Philharmonic's leadership is infectious.
This was a stirring, thought-provoking, and, ultimately, moving reading of Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony.
It was a treat to experience Philip Glass's orchestral music live and in-person.
Front and center was Andris Nelsons, who, interpretively, seemed more than happy to try on a bunch of different hats.
Pianist Denis Kozhukhin does right by Brahms and an all-Saint-Saens disc that, at its best, is a winner.
Gustavo Dudamel takes over the reins of the Vienna Philhamronic's annual New Year's concert; a disc of chamber music by Andre Previn.
BMOP releases a fitting, moving tribute to a giant of contemporary music; Johannes Moser turns in a sweeping performance of Elgar's Cello Concerto.
Odyssey Opera's first commercially-released album is a fun showcase; BMOP delivers an excellent performance of Four Saints in Three Acts.
Ken Thomson's Restless doesn't hide from dark places or things; Oberlin Orchestra does right by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera.
Jerusalem Quartet's Bartók is more elegant than hard-edged; Heath Quartet's Tchaikovsky is vigorous and sweeping.
Adam Schoenberg is also one of the most widely-performed living composers of orchestral music; in fact, he's among the top-ten in that category.
Cameron Carpenter played the Terry Riley composition commandingly.
Lara Downes' America Again is a great album, and one with multiple layers of meaning.
Three CD reviews, including a disc featuring Joshua Bell, Steven Isserlis, and Jeremy Denk teaming up to play less-than-barn-burning favorites by Brahms.
Picks for the top live classical performances of 2016. Feel free to agree, disagree, add to them, come up with your own list, etc.
Mason Bates' music isn't afraid to smile. If it doesn't always run deep, it's at least always engaging and pleasant to encounter.
Among the three CDs reviewed is a particular treat -- a new recording that really, truly matters.
I've been most impressed by the manner in which these composers, in these works, took strong moral and/or political stands.
The biggest musical takeaway was the sheer brilliance of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra's playing, which is the gold standard.
These BSO concerts, conducted by Thomas Adès, were the culminating event in his impressive first season.
GH's best playing of the day was edgy: a little rough around the edges, yes, but still punchy and vibrant.
"Playing these standard pieces on period instruments is a little bit like reading a novel or poem in its original language."
For recorded sound, for brilliance of orchestral execution, and for interpretive concept, Janowski is one of the 21st century's best Wagnerians.
Conductor Benjamin Zander and his band were at their collective best performing Tchaikovsky's Symphony no. 6.
