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 [...]
The process of reviewing Lise Davidsen’s Christmas From Norway is an enjoyable listen to chronicle an album that celebrates the Holiday Season. Davidsen delves into its soul to unravel the intricate layers of sounds and to celebrate the confluence of musical mastery and cultural essence of this celebrated music. This album, a collection of Yuletide melodies, shows Davidsen’s vocal skills and is a journey into the heart of Scandinavian Christmas traditions, replete with the warmth and spirit of the season.
From the outset, Christmas From Norway is a revelation of [...]
Igor Levit’s Fantasia is another outstanding addition to his discography for the world of classical piano recordings. This double album, released under the prestigious Sony Classical label, is a masterclass in both the depth and breadth of piano literature that spans centuries. At its core, Fantasia makes a powerful statement about the vast interpretive possibilities that exist within iconic piano pieces, and Levit’s execution is nothing short of mesmerizing.
From the timeless compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach to the modernistic [...]
Wayne Alpern’s Rezurrektion – A Mesmerizing Continuation of the Theme and Variations Tradition
With its rich tapestry of motifs and melodies, classical music has long celebrated the tradition of ‘theme and variations.’ This practice sees composers drawing inspiration from their predecessors, adding distinctive touches, thus ensuring the art form remains vibrant and constantly evolving. Wayne Alpern’s Rezurrektion is a stellar testament to this enduring tradition, masterfully interweaving iconic motifs from classical masterpieces with fresh, contemporary musical idioms.
The Sirius Quartet, [...]
