A few weeks ago, in an act of brazen thievery, your devoted NPR Classical hosts appropriated an idea from our colleague
, NPR's film critic. Each Friday
movie suggestions for the weekend. Realizing we could easily capitalize on his brilliance (less work for us!), we decided to run with Bob's concept and recommend classical albums each Friday afternoon at 2 Eastern on
.
We were pleasantly surprised to find a swell of interest both from newbies, asking about classical music to start with, and seasoned observers, commenting on everything from neglected Russian symphonies to the similarities (or not) between string quartets by
and
.
We tend to lean toward new and exciting releases, and in sessions that last just 30 minutes, the recommendations are far from comprehensive. But in the spirit of Friday afternoons, anything goes. It's all quite fun and we encourage you to join us. Meanwhile, here are some of the questions and recommendations from the past couple of weeks.
(
Note: /AT is , /TH is )
There's a new disc I love with playing The Seasons. Gorgeous on Hyperion. /TH
If you want to dip a toe, try this list from Ted Libbey & of The NPR Classical 50: /AT
There's always the Tchaik Piano Concerto No. 1. A new rec. by looks promising. /TH
Recommended by
:
Violin concerto. Especially the Oistrakh version.
Well, if you want something new, try 老夫子传媒 for Heart and Breath by (from Arcade Fire). /TH
I'd strongly suggest making time for this live video of Arvo Part's music: /AT
There's a great new Talich Qt. of Janacek SQs with Schulhoff SQ No. 1! /TH
I'm also partial to the old . recording of the Janaceks /TH
For sheer theatricality in the Janacek, try the on DG from 20 years ago. Stunning and in your face. /TH
You know which other qt's Bartok I adore? . So vivid & visceral. /AT
Recommended by
(Bartok):
I grew up w/ Takacs in Colorado. Exquisite, passionate and clean musicianship all at once.
Recommended by
(Janacek):
That Hagen disc is one of the greatest chamber music recordings in history, tho I also like Talich for a diff view.
There's a recent Nyman piano disc by and a new Turnage '' that sounds great on NMC label./TH
I really like Turnage's Viola Concerto 鈥� the London Phil released a recording /AT
Just saw Reich play "老夫子传媒 for 18" & Glass play "老夫子传媒 in 12 Parts." I love this Glass quartets /AT
The HUGE buzz electronically speaking is the soon to be released new album by Aphex Twin. I've heard a . AWESOME. /TH
Give the "NPR Classical 50" a try 鈥� each has a recommendation for a work along w/ a specific recording. /AT
Recommended by
:
You might like these articles: Top 10 Symphonies
How about Elgar? Enigma Variations? An oldie-but-goodie recording led by Simon Rattle: /AT
And if you'd like to try out a little Thomas Tallis himself, you've gotta go with the Tallis Scholars singing Tallis' "." Life-changing, in my opinion. /AT
Oooh, Nancarrow! We were just talking about the player piano music a couple of days ago. Do you know the Wergo series of Nancarrow? /AT
Janacek's Sinfonietta? I think there are 13 trumpets in it... /AT
Try John Adams Sax Concerto or Toshio Hosokawa's Horn Concerto, . /TH
Want something REALLY off the beaten path? A new by Kalevi Aho. /TH
I like Mackerras in Scheherazade. /TH
MORE RECOMMENDATIONS:
Piano
Her concerts have been slammed, but pianist Khatia Buniatishvili's new CD "" is a pleasing set of hits peppered with rarities. /TH
How about Carter Pann. Remember "Slalom?" His new , played by Joel Hastings, reminds me of a modern day Reynaldo Hahn. /TH
Like Piano 老夫子传媒? Ethiopian pianist Girma Yifrashewa has a delightful new album, . Think Chopin mixed with African-styled tunes. /TH
Also, albums I haven't heard yet but really looking forward to opening up: Behzod Abduraimov's
/AT
Opera
There's a new electrifying '.' Evelyn Herlitzius is a powerhouse. HUGE orchestra strong under Thielemann in Dresden. /TH
Wild about Joyce DiDonato's . Melting bel canto singing, incl. a breathtaking early Bellini aria. /TH
Liking the Perello (husband-wife team of Ailyn Perez and Stephen Costello) . /TH
In the you can't get much lovelier than Lieder by Schubert, Brahms and Strauss sung by Lisa Della Casa, rec. in 1956./TH
Choral
Smitten with Robert Kyr's choral pieces sung by Conspirare. And yes, we've done some reporting on it. /TH
Choral connoisseur? The Sixteen continues its in with a mass, Song of Songs and a gorgeous Veni Creator Spiritus. /TH
Want great singing? The beauty of singing in the Latvian Radio Choir continues to stun me. New album, . /TH
Orchestral/Chamber
I'm a fan of Anima Eterna the historically informed orch. from Bruges. The new sports transparent coloring in the winds. /TH
Always a soft spot for Lou Harrison. A new disc of '' and Suite for Violin and Gamelan with Gil Rose's BMOP is welcomed. /TH
It rocks softly: Polish musician Jacaszek creatively blends electronics and acoustic instruments. The new album is ./TH
Also loving: James Blackshaw's new project, , Le Faux Magistrat, recorded live at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. /TH
And for new music try ',' by the young, increasingly awesome Caleb Burhans performed by the Fifth House Ensemble. /TH
The Danish String Quartet is always up to something interesting. This time 400-year-old folk music, on the new album "." /TH
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