Marek Janowski’s extensive Pentatone catalogue includes the complete symphonies of Beethoven, Brahms, and Bruckner, as well as operas by Beethoven, Puccini, Verdi, Weber, and Wagner. Owning several of his recordings and having reviewed two of the opera releases (Fidelio and Der Freischütz), I would assert Janowski’s interpretations tend towards dependable rather than inspired. He respects the score, honoring its tempo, dynamic and articulation markings. He often sets bracing tempos for fast movements, and rarely dawdles in slow ones. Orchestras play well under him, and listeners can count on c ..read more

It’s been nearly five years since Yundi’s last release, where he tackled Chopin’s piano concertos as both soloist and conductor. This new album marks a shift, delving into Mozart‘s most famous sonatas as part of his ongoing Sonata Project and tour. The Sonata Project, Salzburg Yundi Check offers of this album on Amazon. Buy Now Yundi approaches K. 331 with dignity and elegance: it is neither hurried nor stagnant, and the right choice of tempo gives the space to appreciate each variation. The hymn-like compositional texture of the theme (track 1) comes through with sensible voicing, whil ..read more

In contrast to the historically informed performances that dominate the contemporary musical landscape, Iván Fischer’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Coriolan Overture presents a distinct contrast. His approach harks back to an earlier interpretative style, offering a welcome alternative for listeners accustomed to the currently prevalent approach. Beethoven – Symphony No. 3 (“Eroica”) Iván Fischer Check offerings of this album on Amazon. Buy Now The most immediately noticeable aspect is the overall orchestral sound. The strings are warm and expressive, employing a no ..read more

Dutch conductor Edo de Waart has decided to step back from the podium after a 60-year career. The announcement, made by HarrisonParrott management, comes as de Waart celebrates these six decades of conducting with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, where he served as Principal Conductor for 15 years. De Waart has held music director positions with numerous orchestras worldwide, including the San Francisco Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, and Sydney Symphony Orchestra. He is currently Principal Guest Conductor of the San Diego Symphony and Conductor Laureate of both the Antwerp Symphon ..read more

Lucas Debargue describes recording the complete piano works of Gabriel Fauré, a commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the composer’s death, as a transformative undertaking. Equally significant is the instrument choice for this project, an “Opus 102” piano designed by Stephen Paulello. Boasting a vastly expanded range of 102 keys (additions to both the lower and higher registers), it has parallel strings and a barless frame. Fauré – Complete Piano Music – Lucas Debargue Check offerings of Lucas Debargue’s album of Fauré’s complete piano music on Amazon. Buy Now The sonoric uniqueness ..read more

Here are the choices of the best Classical Music albums we reviewed on The Classic Review this past month. Album of the Month Vivaldi – Concerti per una Vita – Théotime Langlois de Swarte, Violin Violinist Théotime Langlois de Swarte and Le Consort offer a program of Vivaldi’s violin concertos, featuring several premier recordings. Read the full review Beatrice Rana Plays Beethoven and Chopin Piano Sonatas Beatrice Rana explores two great Piano Sonatas, the “Hammerklavier” by Beethoven and “Funeral March” by Chopin. Read the full review Smetana – Má Vlast – Czech Philharmonic, Se ..read more

The world of classical music is known for its tradition, but in a shocking announcement, the International Conservatory of Notes (ICN) declared a radical change. In an effort to attract a younger audience and modernize the musical experience, all traditional musical notation will be replaced with emojis!  Imagine a score filled with smiley faces, musical notes replaced by fire emojis for crescendos and snowflakes for decrescendos. Dynamics could be represented by a series of hearts (pianissimo) to a chorus of angry faces (fortissimo).  “This is a bold move, but we believe it’s necess ..read more

Having recorded his Beethoven, Brahms, and Schumann symphony cycles with the Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, one might have assumed Paavo Järvi would go on to record this Mendelssohn series with them, especially since they feature historically informed performance practice (HIPP). But this Zurich orchestra is quite familiar with HIPP, having adopted its principles in many recordings under their previous Music Director, David Zinman. And while those Bremen readings are played by a chamber orchestra, these new performances utilize a larger orchestra.  Mendelssohn – Symphonies – Paavo Järvi C ..read more

Maurizio Pollini, the revered Italian pianist known for his intellectual interpretations and unmatched technical skill, passed away today at the age of 82. Pollini’s career spanned over six decades, with his debut at Milan’s La Scala in 1958. He rose to international prominence after winning the prestigious Frédéric Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw in 1960. Throughout his career, Pollini performed at all the major concert halls around the world, collaborating with renowned conductors and orchestras. He was particularly admired for his interpretations of, among others, the works ..read more

This new recording of Bach’s St. Matthew Passion by the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and the Bach Festival Orchestra, led by conductor Christopher Jackson, offers a Intriguing take on the masterpiece through the lens of Felix Mendelssohn’s arrangement for a performance in 1841. The experience evokes performance style of mid-20th century conductors like Klemperer, Mengelberg, or Karl Richter. Bach – St. Matthew Passion – Arranged by Mendelssohn Check offerings of this album on Amazon. Buy Now The size of the forces employed immediately establishes this “old-school” feel. The string section, w ..read more