Rontgen Piano Concertos - originality in traditional forms

Pianist Oliver Triend plays with enthusiasm. Röntgen loved to perform, and Triendl conveys that feeling effectively. Plus he has the chops to handle all of Röntgen's technical challenges.

Ralph Graves 10/5/20 Ralph Graves 10/5/20

Cavatina Duo refreshes the repertoire

Euginia Moliner plays with a full, round tone that adds to the beauty of the music. And Azabagic's playing is as impeccable as always.

Ralph Graves 10/2/20 Ralph Graves 10/2/20

#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalBubble Week 5

This month we ease the restrictions even further with a theme of trios. Trios for unusual instruments etc., etc. Here are my selections for the final week of the expanded #ClassicalBubble.

Ralph Graves 10/1/20 Ralph Graves 10/1/20

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

Charlottesville composer Brian Simalchik recently spoke with WTJU about his composing style, composing for the marimba, and his latest piece "Self-Portrait(You Are Not Your Thoughts)".

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

#ClassicsaDay #ClassicalBubble Week 4

This month's Classics a Day theme follows a trend. In May 2020 we were sheltering in place. The theme was #ClassicalDistancing -- music for unusual solo instruments best played at home. In June, social bubbles were allowed, and so the theme #ClassicalBubble called for duos. Again, for unusual instruments best played at home.

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