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, [...]
On August 1, 2023, Albany Records unveiled a masterful tapestry of sound and emotion with the release of From Method to Madness: The American Sound. This exquisite recording is a collaborative effort between longtime friends and accomplished musicians, cellist Clancy Newman and pianist Natalie Zhu. Both artists have journeyed through deeply personal musical trajectories, and their shared album is a celebration of American composers, innovative methods, and a dynamic understanding of music.
The conception of this album is almost serendipitous. Born out [...]
