by Steven Miller
Alexandra Dariescu, a Romanian pianist renowned for her technical skill and innovative programming, has released an album featuring the piano concertos of Clara Schumann and Edvard Grieg. Clara Schumann and Edvard Grieg Piano Concertos, released under the Signum label, present a fresh take on these classical masterpieces, offering a blend of youthful exuberance and deep emotional resonance that mirrors Dariescu’s artistic journey.
Dariescu’s choice to feature Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto is particularly compelling. Composed when Schumann was still a teenager, [...]
Maya Beiser X Terry Riley: In C features soloist Maya Beiser on cello and vocals, with Shane Shanahan and Matt Kilmer on drums. It was released by Islandia Music Records under catalog number 014. This album marks a unique reinterpretation of Terry Riley’s minimalist masterpiece, “In C,” through the lens of celebrated cellist Maya Beiser. The work is an ambitious blend of classical music traditions and modern experimental techniques.
Beiser has been profoundly influenced by her multicultural upbringing in the Galilee Mountains, her classical training, and her collaborations with iconic composers like Steve [...]
Val Giamo’s latest album, Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes, released in December 2023, is a musical journey filled with her ability to weave intricate stories through the emotive sounds of solo piano and, piano and cello. Living in Gothenburg, Sweden, Giamo has honed her craft over the years, drawing from a rich array of influences and experiences. From her classical education in Russia to her explorations in various music genres, her work culminates in this album—a narrative journey shared with cellist Axel Vilborg, who joins her for two selections.
The album opens with “Let Us Find A Place,” immediately [...]
Sony Classical’s recent unveiling of Venice by cellist Anastasia Kobekina marks a pioneering venture into the depths of classical and baroque music through the lens of Venice’s evocative landscapes. The album displays Kobekina’s unparalleled musicianship and bold journey through a city that has captivated her imagination and artistic exploration. Kobekina, celebrated for her almost overwhelming sincerity and fearless artistry, navigates through this repertoire of twenty-three selections, embracing a range of modern and baroque cello techniques with an imaginative flair that is fascinating.
Venice is a concept album where [...]
