‘Please Enjoy This Album. Or Don’t! Whatever.’

Does classical music drive loiterers out of public places? Studies say so, and violinist GIL SHAHAM is counting on his music to further the burgeoning trend on MUSIC TO DRIVE LOITERERS AWAY. He hopes everyone enjoys the album. ...
by David McGee
 

 
 

The Many ‘Worlds’ of Mandolinist Extraordinaire Avi Avital

Israeli-born mandolinist AVI AVITAL is blurring the classical-folk lines anew with BETWEEN WORLDS, featuring the work of 'classical composers inspired by folk music.'
by David McGee
 

 

 

A Fresh Take on Fibich

Among Czech nationalistic composers, Zdenek Fibich's work has been woefully overlooked. The Czech National Symphony offers a partial corrective on its new CD.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Melody and Drama from a Baroque Master

As part of CECILIA BARTOLI's Steffani Project, I BAROCCHISTI, under the direction of DIEGO FASOLIS, has recorded 'a first-class collection of instrumental suites and movements from Agosto Steffani's operas, DANZE E OUVETURES. P...
by David McGee
 

 

 

‘It Seethes Rather Than Boils’

On his new album, OVER LIGHT EARTH, Icelandic composer DANIEL BJARNASON mirrors the current climate--it seethes rather than boils and speaks to the mood of its time
by David McGee
 

 
 

Bach by Thile (Not Thile Does Bach)

It was inevitable: after flirting with Bach for his entire professional career, CHRIS THILE has released a solo album of the Baroque giant's Sonatas & Partitas. Reviewer CHRSITINE N. LAYTON hails it as a big winner.
by David McGee
 

 

 

A Search for Unity Within the Miraculous

Ireland's LOUTH CONTEMPORARY MUSIC SOCIETY has one of the year's most intriguing new releases in IN SEARCH OF THE MIRACULOUS, which mirrors George Gurdjieff's populist, pan-global approach to spiritual teaching.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Christopher O’Riley at the Top

CHRISTOPHER O'RILEY, host of NPR's popular 'From the Top,' offers his own bold takes on Liszt on his acclaimed new solo piano album, O'RILEY'S LISZT.
by David McGee
 

 

 

Fleshing Out New Dimensions in Bach’s Music

On his new album, lutenist HOPKINSON SMITH is fleshing out new dimensions of J.S. Bach's Suites nos. 4, 5 and 6 in what he describes as a 'non-violent approach.' Review and interview herein.
by David McGee
 

 
 

Exploring Celestial Harmony

On 'Spheres,' his new album, violin great DANIEL HOPE explores Music of the Spheres, the junction between philosophy, mathematics and music. Blame Pythagoras.
by David McGee
 

 

 

The Luxurious Perfection of Chanticleer: 35 Years of ‘Clear Singing’

The early music vocal ensemble CHANTICLEER is marking its 35th anniversary with a new album, The Siren's Call. Herewith a retrospective salute and a listener's guide to Chanticleer musts.
by David McGee
 

 
 

A Fellow Romanian Remembers Dinu Lipatti

On Piano Music of Dinu Lipatti, one Romanian virtuoso, pianist LUIZA BORAC, pays tribute to another, the late DINU LIPATTI (1917-1950), in selections of his works performed on the composer's own favored Bechstein instrument.
by David McGee