Reznicek String Quartets late-Viennese Gems

The Minguet Quartett delivers sympathetic performances. The ensemble has a warmth to it that suites Reznicek's style quite well. Plus they individually and collectively play with beautiful expression.

Ralph Graves 9/30/20 Ralph Graves 9/30/20

Kaveli Aho chamber music distill composer's essence

What happens when an artist who's used to creating massive soundscapes with a host of timbres is reduced to a few instruments? For the best composers (like Aho), the process simply distills their creativity into a potent concentrate.

Ralph Graves 9/29/20 Ralph Graves 9/29/20

Blumina reveals the essence of Weinberg

Elisaveta Blumina’s playing is as mercurial as Weinberg's music. In her hands, the piano can sound sarcastic, sentimental, angry, restless, or playful.

Ralph Graves 9/28/20 Ralph Graves 9/28/20

Beethoven Cantatas Show Early Promise

Leif Segerstam conducts some impassioned performances. I suspect they sound better here than they ever would have in 1790 Bonn.

WTJU Radio 9/28/20 WTJU Radio 9/28/20

Classical Interviews – Brian Simalchik

Ralph Graves 9/25/20 Ralph Graves 9/25/20

#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalBubble Week 4

Ralph Graves 9/22/20 Ralph Graves 9/22/20

Alwyn quartets show early influences

The Villiers Quartet, as recorded here, has a clean, natural ensemble sound. There's a slight edge to the violins, but I think that just gives these works a little extra energy.

Ralph Graves 9/21/20 Ralph Graves 9/21/20

Joseph Mayseder Mass ideal for choirs

The mass is an interesting work, as there are no featured soloists. It's strictly a choral composition from start to finish, and an exceptionally beautiful one.

WTJU Radio 9/21/20 WTJU Radio 9/21/20

Classical Interviews – Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival

We are grateful for the generosity of the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation and UVA Arts Council, supporting WTJU and CharlottesvilleClassical.org.