Mengyiuyi Chen Performs Mel Bonis with Subtlety

Pianist Mengyiuyi Chen performs admirably. Bonis requires a certain degree of subtlety, and Chen has it. Phrasing is often nuanced rather than fully articulated. Her use of the pedal is strategic and effective.

Ralph Graves 9/26/23 Ralph Graves 9/26/23

Lorenzo Perosi Piano Quintets -- Masterful Chamber Works

The Roma Tre Orchestra Ensemble with Matteo Bevilacqua takes the right approach to this music. Perosi didn't write operas, but his aesthetic centered on the human voice. His music wants -- and needs to -- sing.

Ralph Graves 9/22/23 Ralph Graves 9/22/23

#ClassicsaDay #HispanicHeritage Week 3

This month, I'm sharing music by Hispanic composers further south. Here are my posts for the third week of #HispanicHeritage.

WTJU Radio 9/21/23 WTJU Radio 9/21/23

Sunday Opera Matinee – “Alessandro" September 24th

Catch Handel’s “Alessandro” this Sunday, September 24th from 3-6pm with Brendan O'Donnell.

Ralph Graves 9/21/23 Ralph Graves 9/21/23

Myron Silberstein Masters Creston's Rhythmicons

If you only know Creston through his greatest hits, give this album a listen. It furthered my appreciation for this American genius. It may do the same for you.

Ralph Graves 9/20/23 Ralph Graves 9/20/23

William Smethergell Regency Overtures Still Entertain

The Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim is directed by Douglas Bostock. The ensemble has a clean, clear sound. Its lightness is ideal for this music. I'm looking forward to Volume 2.

Ralph Graves 9/19/23 Ralph Graves 9/19/23

Medtner in England Paints a Sympathetic Portrait

Careful listening reveals Medtner to be an imaginative and subtly innovative composer. I was only familiar with Medtner's piano music. This release provided me with additional insights into his style.

Ralph Graves 9/15/23 Ralph Graves 9/15/23

#ClassicsaDay #HispanicHeritage Week 2

September 15 kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month. The Classics a Day team has also made it their theme for September. The challenge is to post video performances of Hispanic composers.

Ralph Graves 9/14/23 Ralph Graves 9/14/23

Tingyue Jiang Bring Fire to Henry Litolff Piano Music

Jiang makes each piece shine. There's never a question about what's foreground and what's background material. And she lovingly shapes each phrase. It maximizes the emotional impact of each melody. And that makes this release a joy to listen to from start to finish.

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