contemporary music
At Classical Music Daily our definition of contemporary music is 'music created by someone who was still alive at the date when we refer to it'. This is clearly different to the terms twentieth century music or 21st century music, but these terms do overlap.
Our articles about contemporary music are listed below, with the most recently published at the top of the list.
A selection of articles about contemporary music
Spotlight. An Immediate Impact - Geoff Pearce listens to Pärt and Shostakovich. '... something very special indeed.'
Classical music news. Edo de Waart - The Dutch conductor retires at eighty-two
Ensemble. Radically New for Western Audiences - Adam J Sacks reports from the Hong Kong Arts Festival
Ensemble. A Terrific Concert - Ron Bierman listens to Gill Shaham and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rafael Payare
Spotlight. Grammars of Space - John Dante Prevedini explores the music of composer and multi-instrumentalist Jérôme Descamps. '... a testament to the powers available to the resourceful composer-performer in the contemporary chamber idiom.'
Spotlight. A Great Release - Geoff Pearce appreciates Laura van der Heijden and Jâms Coleman's cello and piano recital. '... the performers do not appear to be recorded with microphones too close, which results in realistic blending, and also a feeling of distance, perhaps reflecting the distant and mysterious qualities of the moonlight.'
Spotlight. Sumptuously Fragile Sounds - Gerald Fenech joyously recommends keyboard music from Handel's home in London. 'Technically flawless performances ...'
Ensemble. A Runaway Success - Mike Wheeler listens to choral music by seven students from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Spotlight. Excavations of Meaning - John Dante Prevedini recommends song cycles by contemporary American composer Douglas Boyce. '... an unusual vision bravely conceived and sensitively executed by all involved.'
Spotlight. Quite Astonishing - Keith Bramich listens to the sound of Andean highland instruments used in new ways. '... surprisingly varied, unusual and different ...'
Ensemble. Refreshing and Exhilarating - Mike Wheeler starts the year with music by Dani Howard, Smetana and Richard Strauss from the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain
Spotlight. Interconnected Composers - Geoff Pearce listens to orchestral music by Ravel, Lennox Berkeley and Adam Pounds. 'The Pounds work is a revelation and I would buy this disc just for this alone.'
Inspiring Joy - Jeffrey Neil talks to American composer Jenny Wei about the use of new technologies
Spotlight. An Impressive Achievement - Geoff Pearce enjoys piano music by Christopher Brown. 'The writing requires a great deal from the pianist, both in technique and musical understanding and in this, Nathan Williamson excels.'
Spotlight. Overwhelmingly Compelling - Gerald Fenech is inspired by Eberhard Klotz's organ transcription of Bruckner's Symphony No 8. '... with every new release Albrecht's playing becomes more inspired and imaginatively alive.'
Spotlight. Synergies of Tradition - John Dante Prevedini is impressed by the Christmas music of Patrick Hawes. '... meticulously conceived across every perceptible dimension ...'
Ensemble. Piquant Stylistic Contrast - Mike Wheeler listens to the chamber group Serenata
Ensemble. Vertical and Horizontal Threads - Mike Wheeler listens to Sinfonia Viva's wind principals playing music by Maddy Aldis-Evans and Musorgsky
Ensemble. Dramatic, Frightening and Profound - Keith Bramich experiences multimedia compositions by Yannis Kyriakides
Spotlight. Raising the Profile - Paul Sarcich listens to contemporary British music for woodwind orchestra. '... some new and interesting sounds ...'
Spotlight. Nonexistence Reconsidered - John Dante Prevedini listens to a recording of John Aylward's opera 'Oblivion'. '... enigmatic and philosophically challenging ...'
A Treasure Trove - Roderic Dunnett explores the substantial catalogue of Regent Records
Spotlight. Most Innovative and Interesting - Music for horn, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... one cannot help but be impressed with the performances, the power of the music and what it is expressing ...'
Spotlight. Complex and Interesting - Songs for tenor, violin, cello and percussion, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... the tenor, Brian Thorsett, has an admirable technique ...'
Spotlight. A Fine Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to cello sonatas by Evan Fein and Johannes Brahms. '... I particularly enjoyed the new sonata by Evan Fein.'
Spotlight. East meets West - Geoff Pearce enjoys music from Türkiye and its neighbouring countries. 'Immediately one is struck by the sensitivity, technical proficiency and joy of these two performers, flautist Nicole Esposito and harpist Çağatay Akyol.'
Ensemble. Particularly Engaging - Mike Wheeler listens to Elgar, Anna Clyne, Ravel and Beethoven from Jess Gillam, Ben Gernon and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Spotlight. Evocative and Quite Compelling - On the basis of the two works heard here, Geoff Pearce believes that Emily Howard's music will stand the test of time. '... the assembled forces have done a splendid job in delivering a rather startling performance.'
Classical music news. Klein String Competition - Applications open on 1 November 2023 for the 2024 Irving M Klein International String Competition
Classical music news. World New Music Days - The International Society for Contemporary Music takes World New Music Days to South Africa for the very first time
Classical music news. October 2023 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our October 2023 one hour video newsletter - Classical Music and Artificial Intelligence
Classical music news - Quebec Appointment for Strategic Reflection - Composer Simon Bertrand is appointed as interim artistic director of the Société de musique contemporaine du Québec
Spotlight. Imaginative and Colourful - Gerald Fenech finds the latest in Chandos Records' series of film music mouth-watering. 'Performances are consistently alive, vibrant and rhythmically exciting, and Marco Albonetti's virtuosity makes the music sound even more passionate and intense.'
CD Spotlight. Expressive and Virtuosic - Music by Todd Mason, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'The Budapest Scoring Orchestra, conductor Péter Illényi and soloist Tosca Opdam are all very committed to this music and obviously enjoy performing it.'
Ensemble. A Formidable Creation - Roderic Dunnett experiences the first performance of the opera 'Anna' by English composer David Matthews
CD Spotlight. A Common Thread - Music by Kjetil Bjerkestrand and Philip Glass, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a must for contemporary music lovers ...'
CD Spotlight. Gripping, Compelling Work - Geoff Pearce is impressed by Canadian composer Evan Ware's symphonies. '... assured technique, passion, agility and grace ...'
Classical music news - Emotional Highs - Forthcoming performances in the USA and UK
Ensemble. Delightfully Unusual - Ron Bierman listens to some 'Fantastic Tales' at the La Jolla Music Society's Summerfest
CD Spotlight. Layers of Visibility - John Dante Prevedini considers an important release of music by female Korean composers. '... a prime example of grassroots leadership in the vital cause of making the field of music composition more open to the full spectrum of composers.'
Ensemble. Conjuring the Spirit of Bernstein - Adam J Sacks reports on two Boston Symphony Orchestra concerts at Tanglewood
Classical music news. August 2023 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our August 2023 one hour video newsletter - The Creative Spark
Classical music news - Previews - Looking ahead to events during the 2023/24 season
Profile. Allan Rae: Three Symphonies - A detailed look at some astounding music by one of Canada's great composers
CD Spotlight. Most Effective and Exciting - Geoff Pearce recommends Nigel Clarke's 'The Prophecies of Merlin'. 'Peter Sheppard Skærved certainly rises to the occasion in this demanding work.'
The Oblivionopolis Audio Quiz - Extracts from a dozen obscure twentieth century works ... can you guess the composers and the works?
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - More corn than gold
Ensemble. Byrd in Context - Mike Wheeler hears The Sixteen
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - A hundred not out
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Rough winds do shake
Classical music news. Rhythms of the Brain - Performance news from Iceland, New Zealand and Malta
CD Spotlight. An Intriguing Snapshot - Keith Bramich listens to piano music by Robert Matthew-Walker. 'Mark Bebbington ... is exemplary here, bringing out all the contrasts and mood changes ...'
Ensemble. A World-class Orchestra - Mike Wheeler is impressed by the Iceland Symphony Orchestra and chief conductor Eva Ollikainen
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - The home country grown strange
CD Spotlight. The Collective as Artist - John Dante Prevedini listens to new music from the Danish music collective Damkapellet
Ensemble. Peak Intensity - Mike Wheeler listens to Dvořák, J S Bach, Dobrinka Tabakova and Sibelius from Jakob Koranyi, Tabita Berglund and the Hallé Orchestra
CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to new orchestral music conducted by Mikel Toms on Ablaze Records. 'The playing from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and overall sound of the works showcased is very good indeed, and the programme notes are excellent.'
CD Spotlight. New and Refreshing - Geoff Pearce is impressed by the music of contemporary Swedish composer Britta Byström. 'There is a sincerity about this music that speaks directly to the soul.'
CD Spotlight. Very Enjoyable - Geoff Pearce listens to the Tailleferre Ensemble. 'This is a lovely disc which will delight most listeners ...'
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Wanted: Digital or Analogue
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Behind the Wall of Sleep
Ensemble. Celestial Spheres - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to two British composers - Thomas Adès and Gustav Holst - in Rome
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Randomness Run Riot
CD Spotlight. Lush Orchestrations - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by British composer Philip Lane. '... so much to enjoy.'
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - The Departed
Ensemble. Thoroughly Collegial - Mike Wheeler listens to Missy Mazzolli, Brahms and Beethoven from James Ehnes and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kevin John Edusei
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Going for a Song
CD Spotlight. The Piano Turned Inside-Out - John Dante Prevedini considers Carlos Cipa's new release a triumph. '... a remarkably fresh and distinctive pianistic listening experience ...'
Ensemble. Unstoppable Panache - Mike Wheeler listens to Amy Dickson and Martin Cousin
CD Spotlight. Meditative yet Impassioned - Music for solo cor anglais, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The playing in this collection of small pieces is exemplary and inspiring ...'
Classical music news. Tan Dun - Decca signs the multi-award-winning composer of 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'
Classical music news. Animal Farm - Dutch National Opera's Opera Forward Festival explores uncharted territory, plus Conlon Collective news
Profile. Fascination with the Macabre - Ron Bierman talks to opera composer Nicolas Reveles
Ensemble. Total Immersion - Ron Bierman listens to Anne Akiko Meyers, Domingo Hindoyan and the San Diego Symphony
CD Spotlight. The Community Behind the Voice - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by Robert Carl and John McDonald. '... a rich, joyous and life-affirming tribute to the role of community in shaping the artistic voice.'
Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - A New Look and Format
Ensemble. Great Panache - Mike Wheeler listens to the Aquinas Trio
CD Spotlight. Very Worthwhile and Creative - Geoff Pearce discovers the music of Macedonian-born Mihailo Trandafilovski. '... the performers are outstanding ...'
Ensemble. Breathtaking Energy and Commitment - Mike Wheeler listens to Filarmonica Braşov
Ensemble. Charm, Skill and Versatility - Ron Bierman listens to Isabel Leonard and Pablo Sáinz-Villegas in festive mood
Ensemble. A Triumph on Every Conceivable Level - Mike Wheeler reviews a production of Monteverdi's 'L'Orfeo' which merges cultural worlds
CD Spotlight. Generally Moving and Serenely Consoling - Gerald Fenech is impressed by choral music of Herbert Howells and Ian Venables. '... a highly attractive choral disc, refreshingly performed and sumptuously recorded ...'
Ensemble. Present-day Concerns - Mike Wheeler listens to music by Valentin Silvestrov and Karl Jenkins
Ensemble. Simply Outstanding - Mike Wheeler listens to Dukas, Elgar, Tabakova and Walton from Zlatomir Fung, Ben Gernon and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Attuned - Robert McCarney listens to music by Kevin Raftery. '... this is one of the most richly stimulating, impressive and sheerly enjoyable CDs of music, new or old, that I have heard in quite some time.'
CD Spotlight. Dante's Paradise in Three Parts - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Salvatore Sciarrino. '... the three soloists depict the protagonists of the journey to the top of Paradise very well.'
CD Spotlight. Freshness and Vigour - Robert McCarney listens to music by British composer Robert Saxton. 'This is a very well prepared and presented disc that does an excellent job of providing a portrait of the composer.'
Ensemble. Preljocaj is Back in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on two contemporary ballets at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Classical music news. Winners, Projects, Cancellations - Items in the news
CD Spotlight. Criminal Exploits - Geoff Pearce listens to Adrian Williams' chamber concerto 'Portraits of Ned Kelly'. 'The playing is very impressive and delivers a compelling performance.'
Ensemble. A Welcome Opportunity - Mike Wheeler listens to the recital 'Colour My Song' at the 2022 Buxton Festival
Ensemble. Effectively Communicated - Mike Wheeler listens to Kate Whitley and Laura Attridge's oratorio 'Our Future In Your Hands' at Buxton
CD Spotlight. Dimensions of Accessibility - John Dante Prevedini is inspired by Takashi Yoshimatsu's piano suites. '... Oshima-Ryan brings a remarkable clarity and precision to the performance ...'
Classical music news. July 2022 Newsletter - Watch and listen to our July 2022 newsletter - Youth Involvement in Classical Music
Ensemble. Commemorating Malcolm Goldring - The Sitwell Singers pay tribute to their former conductor, with help from various friends and colleagues, including a new work written for the occasion by Bob Chilcott, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Crash Between Worlds - Adam J Sacks describes something entirely new, combining Brahms and Radiohead
CD Spotlight. Shooting and Madness - Geoff Pearce listens to a powerful opera about the Vietnam War. 'This disk will shock you like very few other recordings ...'
Ensemble. Winter and Spring - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to orchestral music in Rome
CD Spotlight. Bright and Pleasing Music - Geoff Pearce listens to works by Eric Biddington. 'The orchestra is solid, the brass section is particularly impressive and the recording does full justice to this bright and pleasing music.'
CD Spotlight. Fascinating Listening - Music by Wolfgang Rihm, recommended for those who enjoy the challenges of listening to contemporary music, by Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here really excel and do this music justice.'
Classical music news. Ana Sokolovic - Quebec's contemporary music society appoints Serbian-born Ana Sokolovic as its new artistic director
Ensemble. An Interesting Contamination of Genres - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the first Italian performance of 'The Passion according to St Mark' by contemporary Polish composer Paweł Mykietyn
CD Spotlight. Bruckner the Trumpet - Gerald Fenech listens to Bruckner's Symphony No 3, transposed for organ. '... Hansjörg Albrecht's renditions of these spectacular transcriptions by Erwin Horn are absolutely flawless.'
Ensemble. Simply Outstanding - Mike Wheeler is impressed by performances of Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky and Myroslav Skoryk from Patricia Kopatchinskaya, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble. Three Contemporary Ballets in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi was in the audience for 'Herman Schmerman', 'Walking Mad' and 'From Afar', to music by Thom Willems, Maurice Ravel, Arvo Pärt and Ezio Bosso
CD Spotlight. Noble Grief - Music from Leonard Slatkin and his family, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... legendary renditions full of mesmerizing violin playing ...'
Ensemble. Excitement at Coventry Cathedral - Roderic Dunnett experiences Nitin Sawhney's new work 'Ghosts in the Ruins'
CD Spotlight. Stimulating and Challenging - Concertos by Kalevi Aho, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Invigorating stuff in excellent sonics and detailed annotations.'
CD Spotlight. Multiple Aesthetic References - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Alessandro Perini. '... an excellent reading ...'
CD Spotlight. Music as Manifesto - John Dante Prevedini listens to contemporary music by Nastasia Khrushcheva. '... genuinely powerful and positively transformative ...'
CD Spotlight. The New Civic Composer - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by young Canadian Daniel Pelton. '... a remarkable collaboration uniting forces across Calgary's entire musical landscape despite extraordinary logistical hurdles.'
CD Spotlight. Dualities of Creation - Notated and improvised music by Tyshawn Sorey, heard by John Dante Prevedini. '... essential listening for anyone seeking a snapshot of effective synergies between process and product in contemporary music for chamber orchestra.'
CD Spotlight. Immediate and Colourful - Geoff Pearce listens to Sebastian Fagerlund. '... probably definitive performances of these works.'
Ensemble. An Unconventional and Complex Score - The first performance of 'Julius Caesar' by Giorgio Battistelli, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. An Interesting Experience - 'Nervus Vagus' by Gintas K, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'It is a fascinating journey that takes about an hour.'
Ensemble. Earth and the Future of Mankind - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences 'Koyaanisqatsi', by Philip Glass, in Rome
CD Spotlight. The Syntax of Worlds - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by American composer Pierre Jalbert. '... Jalbert ... implies a novel dimension of meaning by presenting distinct sonic universes in a syntactically suggestive sequence.'
Ensemble. With Pope Francis' Blessing - The first performance of 'L'ultima estate - Memorie di un mondo che non c'è più' by Marcello Filotei, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Chinese Contemporary Music - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Xiaoyong Chen. 'The mixture of colours is very interesting.'
CD Spotlight. Redefining the Idiomatic - Contemporary music for baroque instruments, heard by John Dante Prevedini. 'I consider the results compelling, and I hope to hear more works for these resurrected instruments in this new idiom.'
Ensemble. Water Under the Bridge - Mike Wheeler welcomes Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra back to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall for the opening of the new season
CD Spotlight. The Depths of the Singular - John Dante Prevedini listens to Victoria Jordanova's 'Kernel & Grit'. '... musical storytelling ... can be about the creative potential of something as humble as an unwatered seed or a layer of dust.'
CD Spotlight. Brief Time Well Spent - John Dante Prevedini listens to music for six solo voices and electronics by Gregory W Brown. '... engaging, provocative and full of genuine surprise.'
Ensemble. Particularly Striking - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers, performing for the first time in over two years
Ensemble. Old and New - Giuseppe Pennisi returns to the Chigiana Festival
CD Spotlight. Existential Uncertainty - Symphonic and chamber music by Christopher Gunning, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... both performances are nothing short of exhilarating ...'
Ensemble. The Early Bird Arrives - Two more concerts at the 2021 Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Utterly Compelling - Errolyn Wallen's sequel to Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas', experienced by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Fairy-tale Opera for the 21st Century - Mike Wheeler experiences Jonathan Dove's 'The Enchanted Pig' at the Buxton Festival
Ensemble. A Magical Production - Mike Wheeler reports on the Buxton Festival's first ever musical - Stephen Sondheim's 'A Little Night Music'
CD Spotlight. The Sound Frontier - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music for orchestra and electronics by Nicola Sani. '... of undoubted interest to all those who explore the new frontiers of sound.'
Classical music news - Female Grief, Sacrifice and Heroism - Announcing the release of 'iGIRL', a new electronic opera by Roger Doyle with libretto by Marina Carr
Ensemble. Everything you know is wrong! - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sixteen in Derby
Ensemble. The Seven Year Itch - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Chigiana International Festival and Summer Academy
CD Spotlight. A Monumental Composition - Bruckner's first symphony transcribed for organ, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... towering performances ...'
Profile. Paul Zicheng Fu: A Life in Music - Gordon Andrew R investigates a Chinese-born composer who has settled in Canada
CD Spotlight. The Composer-Pianist Reimagined - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by contemporary Norwegian composer-pianist Andreas Ihlebæk. '... a rich expressiveness underneath the veil of subtlety and self-restraint.'
CD Spotlight. A Bridge between Musical Cultures - Music by Lukas Ligeti, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'If you like electronic music and African (even archaic) music, this CD is your perfect cup of tea.'
CD Spotlight. Truly Breathtaking Music - Willem Jeths' Requiem, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Kelly God is phenomenal and James Gaffigan's direction of the very fine forces is inspired.'
Classical music news. Obituary - Ester Mägi (1922-2021)
CD Spotlight. Violin Concertos with Oriental Flavors - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by Nai-Chung Kuan and Joel Hoffman. '... a new musical experience ...'
CD Spotlight. The Voice of Nature - John Dante Prevedini listens to music by contemporary Latvian composer Santa Ratniece. '... the intelligence of the earth itself ...'
Ensemble. A Call from On High - Mike Wheeler listens to the Sinfonia Viva Brass Quintet
Profile. Donald Nally - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to American choral conductor Donald Nally, director of The Crossing
Ensemble. Cancel Culture and a Cryptic Message - Adam J Sacks listens to the Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Classical music news - Occurrence, Concurrence and Recurrence - A recent CD from the Iceland Symphony Orchestra has been published and recorded by Sono Luminus
CD Spotlight. Charming and Evocative - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Alexander Rahbari. 'The performances by all involved are very fine, and I hope that this will serve to open the ears, minds and heart to music that perhaps, without this fine composer, most of us would never get to hear.'
Classical music news - Dreams of a New Day - Cedille Records announces new releases for 2021
CD Spotlight. Animals or Aliens? - Keith Bramich listens, unprepared, to instrumental and chamber music by Enno Poppe. 'These academic new music works are expertly played but won't appeal to everyone.'
Classical music news - Contemporary Classical Music from Iran - Petrichor Records announces four new CD releases of contemporary classical music from Iranian and Iranian-American composers
How Audiences See the World - Reinventing music for social media during the COVID-19 pandemic, by John Dante Prevedini
CD Spotlight. A Tango Like You've Never Heard Before - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by Kuljit Bhamra and Davide Giovannini. '... always colorful, never boring, even though at times overflowing with impressions.'
Ensemble. Modern Italian Music in Rome - Works by Francesco Pennisi, Goffredo Petrassi and Marcello Panni, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Symphonic Fantasias on Songs - Peter Breiner's 'Slovak Dances, Naughty and Sad', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Elegant and full of warmth, these dances are imaginatively orchestrated and extremely well crafted, and the playing is wonderfully affective.'
CD Spotlight. Six Composers, Piano, Strings and Voice - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to works by six female composers. '... performed profoundly ...'
CD Spotlight. Stylistically Varied - Geoff Pearce recommends music by Mikis Theodorakis and Jani Christou. '... the varied moods, colours and textures are brought vividly to life.'
CD Spotlight. An Integral Part of Christmas - Carols from the SWR Vokal Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped and vocally refined and the voices come across clear and resonant.'
CD Spotlight. A Vision of Ambivalence and Incoherence - Music by Kalevi Aho, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... it makes huge demands on the listener ...'
Classical music news. Edward Chilvers - Idiosyncratic pianist Edward Chilvers has devised a dice and mathematical chart system 'to follow nature not convention'
CD Spotlight. Awakening the Joy for Life - Béla Hartmann is impressed by music for clarinet and piano by Brahms and Widmann played by Jörg Widmann and András Schiff. 'In every respect this is a superb CD, combining playing of the highest craft and musical understanding with great works of the past, as well as new contributions which are likely to become established regulars in the modern piano repertoire.'
CD Spotlight. Time and Space - Geoff Pearce recommends accessible contemporary music for cello by French composer Dominique Lemaître, played by Dan Barrett. 'All the artists involved, and especially cellist Dan Barrett, produce truly inspirational music making.'
Profile. Until Dawn - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to Austrian composer, violinist and lecturer Thomas Wally
Ensemble. A Space to Reflect - Adam J Sacks was at the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra's season opener for music by Copland, Beethoven, Doming Lam and Richard Strauss
CD Spotlight. A Very Impressive Disc - Geoff Pearce listens to music for trumpet by Australian composer Brendan Collins. 'There is some fantastic playing by all the artists on the disc which is sure to delight all who hear it.'
CD Spotlight. Magic and Mystery - Gerald Fenech listens to music for guitar and orchestra played by Junhong Kuang, Darrell Ang and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice. 'An attractive assortment of guitar music from both sides of the Atlantic, marvellously executed and recorded, with some well researched notes thrown in for good measure.'
CD Spotlight. Somewhat Disturbing - Thought-provoking music by Naomi Pinnock, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances and attention to detail were impressive, which added to my enjoyment and comprehension of the music.'
CD Spotlight. Matching Words with Music - Gerald Fenech listens to music for soprano and clarinet by Lori Laitman, Kalmen Opperman and Diana Rosenblum. 'The programme is delivered with panache and polished maturity ...'
CD Spotlight. A Fine Composer - Orchestral music by American composer Barbara Harbach, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the London Philharmonic Orchestra is very fine and conductor David Angus obviously provides great insight into how this music should be performed.'
CD Spotlight. Delicate Textures - Songs for soprano and ensemble by Symon Clarke, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... the music is very well-written, thoughtful and beautifully performed.'
Multiple Minds - The Concert Music of Mark Arnest: A Preliminary Investigation into the eclectic American composer, by Gordon Andrew R
CD Spotlight. A British Tint - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to two recent orchestral works by British composer Philip Sawyers. 'The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kenneth Woods, gives masterly performances of the two pieces.'
Ensemble. Ariadne, Phaedra and Dido - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Spoleto to experience the first performance of a new work by Silvia Colasanti
CD Spotlight. An Unusual Debut - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Ravel, James Francis Brown and Liana Alexandra, performed by Andrea Oliva and the Hemisphaeria Trio. '... an innovative program by a very promising ensemble.'
CD Spotlight. Ostentatiously Evocative - Vadim Gluzman plays music by Pēteris Vasks, heard by Patrick Maxwell. 'The music on this impressive recording deserves much larger recognition ...'
CD Spotlight. Fascinatingly Exuberant and Bold - Gerald Fenech explores the music of American composer Aaron Jay Kernis. 'Giancarlo Guerrero and his Nashville Symphony are ardent advocates of the composer ...'
Ensemble. 'New Music' in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the last of the Accademia Filarmonica Romana's summer concerts
Ensemble. Siena Wins a Heroic Bet - Giuseppe Pennisi attends the opening performance of the completely re-designed Chigiana International Festival and Summer Academy
Profile. Beautiful Things - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to Croatian-American musician and peace activist Nenad Bach, who finds the power of music undeniable, like the power of love
Ensemble. Unlocking Creative Potential - Malcolm Miller listens to 'Lockdown Suite' by Malcolm Singer
Profile. Connecting the Natural and Human Worlds - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to the Welsh composer Hilary Tann
CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Music for strings by American composer Paul Reale, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'Paul Reale shows himself as a fine composer for string ensemble ...'
CD Spotlight. Unique and Most Compelling - Concertos by Danish composer Bent Sørensen, heard by Eugene Takeuchi-Williams. '... in these three pieces, Sørensen is the consistent champion of the understatement.'
Classical music news - Five Thoughts on Everything - Bright Shiny Things releases a recording of music by Dutch composer Jobina Tinnemans
CD Spotlight. The Host and the Guest - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to a celebration of Eastern and Western musical cultures. '... truly striking performances.'
CD Spotlight. Worth Investigating - Music for cello by J S Bach and Mike Block, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... my feeling was one of spontaneous joy and serenity.'
CD Spotlight. A Splendid Performance - Rachel Mahon plays Canadian organ music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'A hugely enjoyable album, well worth hearing ...'
CD Spotlight. Something of a Marvel - Lucas Ball listens to J S Bach, Caroline Shaw and Robert Schumann, played by Amy Yang. '... Yang's delivery can be wild and exciting and even irritable but also depressing, lonely and longing.'
Classical music news. Obituary - Krzysztof Penderecki (1933-2020)
CD Spotlight. Effervescent Beauty - Music by Pärt, Vasks and MacMillan, sung by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, impressing Patrick Maxwell. 'This recording from the Choir of Clare College Cambridge under the direction of Graham Ross cements their position as one of the finest church ensembles in the country ...'
Classical music news. Obituary - Gerard Schurmann (1924-2020)
Classical music news. Obituary - Charles Wuorinen (1938-2020)
Ensemble. A Veritable Cat's Cradle - Mike Wheeler listens to Robert and Clara Schumann, Chopin, Grieg and Cheryl Frances-Hoad, played by British pianist Tom Poster
CD Spotlight. Masterly Setting - Paul Sarcich listens to traditional Croatian song plus jazz-rock inflected arrangements. 'The recording of the women is very clear and detailed, the big band has some balance problems ...'
Ensemble. The Finest Musical Superglue - Mike Wheeler witnesses 'Energy', Sinfonia Viva's latest schools project
Classical music news - February 2020 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world lost last month
CD Spotlight. A Delight - Song cycles by Mahler, Berg and Rhian Samuel, sung by Ruby Hughes with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, impress Geoff Pearce. 'Right from the start, she shows a more flexible and somewhat lighter voice, but a very good understanding of the lyrics, and she colours her voice beautifully to express this.'
Ensemble. Exquisitely Beautiful - Music for percussion by Chou Wen-chung, Chinary Ung, Lei Liang, Michael Pisaro and Edgard Varèse, heard by Ron Bierman
Classical music news. The Elgar Festival - An annual celebration of the great British composer takes place in Worcester and Malvern, UK, during May
Classical music news. Obituary - Reinbert de Leeuw (1938-2020)
Ensemble. Undeniably Exciting - Mike Wheeler listens to Bizet, Ravel, Debussy, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Sibelius and Walton from Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Yan Pascal Tortelier and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Classical music news. Frutillar Music Weeks - The Municipal Symphonic Orchestra of Copiapó gives a spectacular concert at Chile's most important classical music event
CD Spotlight. Interesting and Varied - New music from Apollo Chamber Players, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and enjoyable.'
Ensemble. In the French Tradition - Mike Wheeler listens to Fauré, Lili Boulanger, Abdelmoula and Debussy from Swiss pianist Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula
CD Spotlight. Unusual and Colourful - Contemporary orchestral works and concertos by James Lentini, Rain Worthington, Jan Järvlepp, Peter Castine and Beth Mehocic, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and enjoyable.'
George Flynn on CD: An Overview - Esdras Mugatik explores the work of this American composer
CD Spotlight. High Praise - Gerald Fenech listens to film music by Gerard Schurmann. 'Notes and sound are superb. A must for film addicts.'
Classical music news. Music and Spirit: An Unconference - The deadline for applications has been extended for this event in Lexington, MA, USA
CD Spotlight. Contrast and Energy - Modern wind chamber music, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This is an enjoyable disc with quite a diversity of styles, performed by musicians of high calibre. I think most people who listen to these works will enjoy them.'
CD Spotlight. Interesting and Entertaining - Geoff Pearce listens to music by Paul Reale. '... a fantastic disc ...'
CD Spotlight. Jewel in the Scottish Musical Crown - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė is impressed by Mr McFall's Chamber. '... a vivid kaleidoscope of impromptu freely expressed creativity.'
CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Scottish Flavour - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music and songs by Judith Weir. '... a fantastic disc ...'
Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - Christmas with the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Tradition Still Alive - Gerald Fenech listens to Advent carols from King's College London. 'A hugely beautiful issue, full of inspiring singing and emotional joy, performed with fine control, impressive depth of tone and a dynamic range that commands one's admiration from start to finish.'
Ensemble. Trade Secrets - Mike Wheeler listens to guitarist Craig Ogden and friends
Profile. Universality of Emotion - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to American composer Rain Worthington
Ensemble. Nicely Shaped - Mike Wheeler listens to Duruflé and Ola Gjeilo from Derby Choral Union and its new musical director Paul Provost
Ensemble. Special Moments - Adam J Sacks provides a Hong Kong snapshot on the classical music world
Ensemble. Contemporary Premieres - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences three new operas in Rome
Classical music news. Christmas Carols with Libera - South London boys' choir Libera releases its Christmas album
Ensemble. 'New Music' in Palermo - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Ludovico Einaudi's opera 'Winter Journey'
CD Spotlight. An Introspective Reflection - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music created by Australian composer Mark John McEncroe. '... beautiful music is currently in demand, and there are listeners for Mark John McEncroe's emotional platform.'
Ensemble. Hausmusik in the Palatine Hall - by Giuseppe Pennisi
Classical music news. Mortality and Loss - Carolina Eyck releases 'Elegies for Theremin & Voice' on Butterscotch Records on 27 September 2019
CD Spotlight. The Connection that Musical Depth Provides - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė writes about a new CD of music by Peruvian composer Jimmy López Bellido
Classical music news. The Prometheus Revolution - Composer Keith Burstein showcases his subversive opera about revolution alongside the UK Labour Party's annual conference
Ensemble. Blaringly Unusual - Maria Nockin listens to Pittance Chamber Music's opening concert
Classical music news. Just Listening - John Morrison's shared listening workshop creates a sound haven which awakens compassion for ourselves and others
Ensemble. Back to the Future - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a gala evening in Rome dedicated to two experimental works
Classical music news. The Crossing - Donald Nally's professional chamber choir is featured on the New York Philharmonic's new recording of Julia Wolfe's 'Fire in my mouth'
Ensemble. Packed With Good Things - Roderic Dunnett reports from the 2019 Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester
Classical music news. STEIM 50 Years - Amsterdam's STudio for Electro-Instrumental Music celebrates its fiftieth birthday
CD Spotlight. Considerable Appeal - Music by Peter Lieuwen, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'Peter Lieuwen appeals on many different levels, and this offering demonstrates his recognisable and accessible style.'
Vividly Projected - Mike Wheeler listens to J S Bach, Gustav Holst, George Dyson, David Bednall, Edward Bairstow, César Franck, Purcell Mansfield, Judith Weir and Marcel Dupré, played by organist Sachin Gunga
CD Spotlight. Sound Pallette from Hong Kong - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė listens to music by members of the Hong Kong Composers' Guild
Classical music news. Barlow Winners - The Barlow Endowment for Music Composition at Brigham Young University Announces Commission Winners for 2019
Ensemble. A Double Bridge - Giuseppe Pennisi attends 'Sarang è Amore' at the Korean Cultural Institute in Rome
CD Spotlight. Quite Unusual - Orchestral storytelling by Jon Deak, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances here are very good, the music colourful and inventive, and I can imagine that this disc may appeal more to people with children than to adult listeners.'
CD Spotlight. Bold Simplicity - Patrick Maxwell listens to music from Wadham College Chapel, Oxford. 'The choral sound is well produced, if at times lacking in cohesion, and the interpretations at the hands of Katharine Pardee are well handled.'
Ensemble. In a Pleasure Garden - Music by Michele Dall'Ongaro and Verdi in a chamber music format, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Out of Nature - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening concert of the 2019 Chigiana International Festival
CD Spotlight. Evolution of a Spirit - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė reviews the latest CD from Donald Nally and The Crossing
Ensemble. 'Proserpine' in Spoleto - An opera by Italian composer Silvia Colasanti, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Joyful Combinations - Patrick Maxwell listens to Britten, McDowall, Horovitz and James Bassi, performed by Janet Lincé and The New Choir
Profile. Crafting a Musical Life - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to Austrian composer Eva Reiter
Ensemble. Lack of Originality - Anett Fodor has some reservations about Albin Fries' new opera 'Nora', which was given its first performance recently at the Bartók Plus Opera Festival
Ensemble. Three Operas in Three Different Styles - Anett Fodor reports from Miskolc on La bohème, The Golden Dragon, Duke Bluebeard's Castle and a symphonic work by Scriabin
Pleasingly Eclectic - Mike Wheeler listens to James Curnow, J S Bach, Andrew Downes, Simon Lesley, Randy Newman, Lennon and McCartney, and Irving Berlin from Curzon Brass
Ensemble. 'Music Makes a Town' - Anett Fodor reports from the opening gala of the 2019 Bartók Plus Opera Festival
Microtonal Trills and Tremolos - Luca Luciano pushes the boundaries of clarinet playing, impressing Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Particularly Thrilling - Music for strings by Alfonso Romero Asenjo intrigues Geoff Pearce. 'It showcases the composer's skill in writing for strings, and at the same time one can sense his development as a composer.'
Ensemble. On the High and Open Sea - Giuseppe Pennisi samples Italy's 2019 Ravenna Summer Festival
CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Chamber music by Nigel Osborne, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... beguiling and vivid performances ...'
Interpretation and Aporias - Richard Meszto considers Michael Kieran Harvey's recent doctoral dissertation
Profile. In Search of Musical Text - Ona Jarmalavičiūtė talks to Austrian-Czech composer Šimon Voseček
CD Spotlight. Sheer Musicianship - Geoff Pearce listens to music for viola, played by Matthew Lipman. '... a delight for the listener and aficionados of the viola.'
CD Spotlight. Spiritual and Emotional Depth - Piano trios from the Delphi Trio by Beethoven, Brahms and Bolcom, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An invigorating mixture of past and present, brilliantly executed and sumptuously recorded, which is truly worth investigating.'
CD Spotlight. An Emotional Journey? - Geoff Pearce listens to music for solo instruments and orchestra. 'The performance is very tight and exciting.'
CD Spotlight. Freshness and Imagination - Rhapsodies for Piano and Orchestra by Matej Meštrović, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... lovers of music that is tuneful and that does not require deep thought will really enjoy this disc.'
Ensemble. A Work of Great Integrity - Mike Wheeler listens to 'Lauda Creatoris' by Richard Roddis, plus choral music by Handel, Parry, André Caplet, Alessandro Costantini, Nancy Telfer and Dan Miller
CD Spotlight. Great Performances - Music for oboe and cor anglais by Phil Salathé, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'This composer is technically assured, and has a unique perspective and voice.'
Ensemble. A Not so Merry Widow - Damiano Michieletto's joint venture with La Fenice is not a success in Rome, as described by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Three Premieres in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Ivan Fidele, Taneyev, Scriabin and Stravinsky
Ensemble. Near-miraculous - Bach, Copland, Gibbons, Ramsey, Tomkins, Walton, Weelkes and Whitacre from Richard Roddis and the Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Classical music news. Obituary - Heinz Winbeck (1946-2019)
CD Spotlight. A Beacon of God's Love - Gabriel Jackson's Passion impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Emotionally charged performances, superb sound quality and highly informative annotations complete a revelatory disc that is wholly in tune with the present Lenten season.'
CD Spotlight. Very Interesting and Original - Geoff Pearce listens to chamber music by John McCabe and David Ellis. '... superb performances delivered by the Camerata Ensemble.'
Ensemble. A Contemporary 'Stabat Mater' - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to a new work by Nicola Piovani
Ensemble. Rhythms and Algorithms - Mike Wheeler was at Sinfonia Viva's latest schools project
Ensemble. Engrossing and Thought-provoking - Ron Bierman reports on San Diego Opera's staging of Jake Heggie's 'Three Decembers'
Ensemble. A Clear Success - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to contemporary music in a baroque setting
Classical music news. Luc Ferrari Competition - Submissions are requested for a Hörspiel spectacle performed through headphones
Ensemble. All About Collaboration - Music by Steve Reich impresses Mike Wheeler
Classical music news. Rosalie Coopman - Brixworth Music Festival announces the winner of its International Competition for Women Composers
CD Spotlight. Highlights of a Composer - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Nicola Sani. 'The performances by Roberto Fabbriciani and Alvise Vidolin, frequent collaborators of Nicola Sani, were just superb.'
Classical music news. Three Composers - Three Continents - A new cello concerto is being written for German cellist Jan Vogler and will be performed at the 2019 Dresden Festival. 'Our world today could be just like this particular cello concerto: colourful, rich in contrast and in happy cultural coexistence.'
CD Spotlight. Gorgeously Sung - Choral music by Richard Allain, heard by Roderic Dunnett. 'The music is undoubtedly beautiful, without exception.'
Classical music news. Towards the Light - Helsinki Chamber Choir's new CD will be released on 1 March 2019
CD Spotlight. Diverse and Interesting - New works for large orchestra, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'All pieces on this disc are varied and the performances are satisfying.'
CD Spotlight. Scuttling Crabs - Music for vibraphone and wind quintet, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'There is some great vibraphone and bassoon work here ...'
CD Spotlight. Sensitive and Meditative - Kamyar Mohajer's 'Pictures of the Hidden' engages Geoff Pearce. 'The performers here are superb.'
Ensemble. Collective Talent - Mike Wheeler marvels at The National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain
George Flynn in Chicago - Esdras Mugatik looks forward to a concert on 27 January 2019
Ensemble. Punchy Treatment - Derby Choral Union at Christmas, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. In the Loft - The Chicago music scene in 2007, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'With chamber music writing of this calibre American audiences can rest assured; their future is in more than capable hands.'
CD Spotlight. Superbly Enjoyable - Early chamber music by Peter Dickinson impresses Malcolm Miller. '... a welcome addition to a select repertoire is Dickinson's Four Duos for flute and cello, brightly played here by Rosanna Ter-Berg and Lydia Hillerudh ...'
CD Spotlight. Woolly Publicity - The Flemish septet Aranis, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'There's no doubting Aranis' outright professionalism and faultless ensemble; and the fifty-five minute programme has a degree of variety.'
CD Spotlight. Double Meanings? - Seattle-based ensemble Torch, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the music sounds modern, jazzy, light and almost aleatoric-sounding.'
CD Spotlight. Strong on Fascination - Music by Andrew Paul Macdonald, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... excellent performances/production values ...'
Plangent and Nimble - Naples-born clarinettist and composer Luca Luciano impresses Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Much to be Gained - Jenny Q Chai explores sound and colour, impressing Geoff Pearce. 'The pianist is assured, exciting to listen to and totally compelling.'
Ensemble. The Endless Darkness of Light - Adriano Guarnieri's new opera at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
A Seasoned Champion of New Music - Argentinian-American pianist Mirian Conti in conversation with Andrew Schartmann
Ensemble. Vaguely Supernatural - George Benjamin's 'Lessons in Love and Violence' at Covent Garden, heard by Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. Absolutely Superb - Early music from Northern Europe, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'These are truly great performances of less familiar music, and all musicians featured are of the finest quality.'
Ensemble. An Exciting Whirlwind - Constantinos Carydis conducts Russian and Greek music in Rome, impressing Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Inscrutable Stillness - Music by Peter Garland impresses Anett Fodor. 'It was the first - but I am sure not the last - time that I had listened to Garland's music and for 34 minutes time stood still while I was listening to it.'
Ensemble. A Momentous Experience - Thomas Adès' 'The Exterminating Angel' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Pity for the Misbegotten - Salvatore Sciarrino's opera 'Superflumina', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Very Human - Carlo Boccadoro's chamber opera 'Shi', based on Matteo Ricci's Jesuit mission in China, impresses Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Another Gem - New music for choir and ancient instruments, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... this musical melting pot has some unexpected tastes, and surprising delights abound from beginning to end.'
CD Spotlight. Extended Discourse - Banjo music by Mark Sylvester, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... finally, I found myself caught up by Sylvester's engagingly complex work.'
CD Spotlight. Unfaltering Artistry - Contemporary music for solo violin, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Koh is magnificent in this devilish smorgasbord of chords, harmonics and subdued left hand pizzicato interjections ...'
CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploring - Music by Marshall, Bryars and Pärt, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... refreshing immediacy and striking originality ...'
CD Spotlight. Ravishingly Beautiful - Karl Jenkins' Cantata Memoria, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a deeply moving experience ...'
CD Spotlight. Religious Allegory - Jonathan Sheffer's 'The Conference of the Birds', heard by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended for its colorful, often striking orchestral effects.'
Ensemble. Idiomatically Handled - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas Concert impresses Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Master Orchestrator - The New York Philharmonic plays Christopher Rouse, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a fantastic whirl of sound and energy, guaranteed to make the most jaded listener sit up on the edge of the seat.'
CD Spotlight. A Fantastic Collection - Little-known harpsichord gems, strongly recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... succeeds utterly, as does the immaculately sensitive [Penelope] Cave.'
CD Spotlight. Major Voices - Vocal and choral music by Lennox and Michael Berkeley, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... thrilling performance.'
Ensemble. Echo of Globalization - France at the Festival of Nations, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Melody-rich Music - Piano music by Grant Foster, warmly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... romantic and deeply-felt ...'
Ensemble. Old and New - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Siena's Chigiana International Festival
Ensemble. Fighting for Justice - Florieke Beelen, Ensemble 10/10 and Clark Rundell, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Fast Forward - Giuseppe Pennisi assesses three works at a contemporary music festival in Rome
CD Spotlight. Familiar and Otherworldly - The City of Tomorrow, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... funny, playful, and full of light.'
CD Spotlight. A Boy Prodigy - Piano music by Niklas Sivelöv, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... marvelous technique and improvisational skills.'
CD Spotlight. Out of the Ordinary - Eighth Blackbird's 'Meanwhile', heard by the late Howard Smith. '... an ear-catching feather in Cedille's musical cap.'
CD Spotlight. Feral Wildness - Music by Osias Wilenski, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Lauded for his compositional style, Wilenski's unique works range from narrative symphonic poems and operatic spin-offs to instrumental miniatures.'
CD Spotlight. Mood Music - Music by Pamela J Marshall, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are professional and committed ...'
Ensemble. Santa Fe's Mountain Tops - Jennifer Higdon's 'Cold Mountain' impresses James Sohre
Ensemble. Celebrating Pierre Boulez - Giuseppe Pennisi continues his reports from the Salzburg Summer Festival
Ensemble. Helmut Lachenmann at Eighty - Malcolm Miller attends a study day and concert in London
Ensemble. An Imperial Festival - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Ravenna to hear Pierre Boulez, Adriano Guarnieri and Nicola Piovani
Ensemble. Eclectic and Attractive - Giorgio Battistelli's new opera for Expo Milano 2015 impresses Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Quite Hypnotic - Choral music by William Averitt, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the depth of sound is rich and satisfying, and the performances solid.'
CD Spotlight. Unremarkable? - Music by Daniel Lentz, heard by Andrew Schartmann. 'Is the obvious pastiche element part of some profound artistic statement?'
CD Spotlight. Limited Soundscape - Music by Beth Anderson, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances were well realized ...'
CD Spotlight. A Pleasant Surprise - Sydney Hodkinson's Keyboard Odyssey, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'Much of this thoughtful compilation ... is very enjoyable ...'
CD Spotlight. Unabashedly Romantic - Orchestral music by Lee Actor, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Neoromantics should give this one a try.'
A Box of Wonders - Printemps des Arts de Monte Carlo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Beautifully Performed - Contemporary orchestral music, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'Very pleasurable and committed performances.'
CD Spotlight. Stunning Works - Music for string quartet by James MacMillan, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... expressive, virtuosic, and replete with subtle hues.'
CD Spotlight. Very Evocative - Piano music by Nils Vigeland, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the pianistic skills of Jenny Q Chai are quite astounding ...'
CD Spotlight. Northern Landscapes - Symphonies by Per Nørgård, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'It's hard to imagine a more ideal presentation ...'
CD Spotlight. Real Interest - Greg Bowers' 'Rational Passions', heard by Geoff Pearce. '... committed and skillful playing ...'
CD Spotlight. Considerable Substance - Contemporary music for cello, heard by Howard Smith. '... Marinescu ... appears to have the measure of each work on offer here.'
CD Spotlight. Unquestionably Recommended - Jennifer Koh and Jamie Laredo, heard by Howard Smith. 'This new performance ... undoubtedly earns a place ...'
Ensemble. Passage from Anger - Andrea Molino's Qui non c'è perché impresses Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Higher-level Synthesis - Music for string quartet by Toshio Hosokawa, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... the Arditti ensemble produces the effect masterfully.'
Ensemble. Rather Classical - Silvia Colasanti's 'La Metamorfosi', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Tremendous Success - Rome's 'Controtempo' contemporary music festival, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Highly Communicative - Murray Gold's first major choral work, heard by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Simple but Profound - Mark Isaacs' Children's Songs impress Andrew Schartmann. '... listen closely to this charming creation.'
Ensemble. Youthful Compoaers - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to contemporary music at two Italian festivals
Ensemble. Trends and Tendencies - Contemporary music at the Enescu Festival, discussed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Mature Style - Music by Gershwin and David Nisbet Stewart, heard by Howard Smith. '... Stewart's impressive Concerto for Piano and Orchestra.'
CD Spotlight. Filigree Textures - Contemporary music for orchestra, heard by Patric Standford. 'The orchestration is neatly balanced by an expert hand ...'
Ensemble. Household Rituals - Contemporary and modern music at Aix-en-Provence, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Jaw-droppingly Compelling - A Sciarrino and Maxwell Davies double bill from Music Theatre Wales, by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Scrupulously Represented - Chamber music by Kurt Rohde, heard by Howard Smith. '... dramatic and powerfully intimate.'
CD Spotlight. Gentle and Lyrical - Symphonies by James Cohn, heard by Patric Standford. '... persuasive championship of new music ...'
Ensemble. Prism of Time - Malcolm Miller looks back to a Simon Bainbridge performance last summer, and forward to Wigmore Hall's Bainbridge Study Day this month
Ensemble. Tough Satire - Alexander Raskatov's 'A Dog's Heart', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Unreservedly recommended! - Songs inspired by Billy Collins, heard by Howard Smith. 'The florid accompaniment with piano trio seemed wholly apt to me.'
CD Spotlight. Extraordinary Aptitude - Music by Robert Ackerman, heard by Ron Bierman. 'This is as diverse a program as I've ever heard.'
CD Spotlight. Real Worth - Orchestral music by Patric Standford stimulates Robert Anderson. 'All the music on this CD is logical, intelligible, and gripping.'
CD Spotlight. Movingly Expressive - Music by Patricia Morehead, heard by Howard Smith. '... shifting depiction of battleground lunacy.'
CD Spotlight. Wildly Original - Music by Lisa Miles, heard by Howard Smith. '... intriguingly addictive.'
CD Spotlight. Precision and Nuance - Music by American composers, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended for the mildly adventurous.'
CD Spotlight. A Major Inspiration - Recent Canadian music for string quartet, heard by Patric Standford. '... exciting drive to a stimulating ending.'
CD Spotlight. Unconventionally Scored - Quartets by Roger Reynolds and Peter Lieberson, heard by Howard Smith. 'These performances can hardly be faulted ...'
Ensemble. Heroic Treatment - Jake Heggie's new opera 'Moby-Dick' impresses Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Modern music for wind instruments, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... decent production values.'
CD Spotlight. Volatile Inventiveness - Music by Steven Mackey, heard by Howard Smith. '... eighth blackbird manage its musical complexities without a trace of demurring.'
CD Spotlight. Soundscapes and Ornithology - Music by Jonathan Harvey, heard by Jennifer Paull. '... spiritual mind and fertile imagination ...'
Ensemble. The Grand Inquisitor - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the first performance of Alessandro Solbiati's 'La Leggenda' in Turin, and raises the issue of the replicability of modern grand opera
CD Spotlight. A Cautionary Tale - Pulitzer Prize-winning choral and orchestral music, heard by Karen Haid. '... an important and largely successful undertaking.'
CD Spotlight. Compositional Thought - Piano music by John Corigliano, recommended by Karen Haid. 'Oppens and Lowenthal give strong performances of this music.'
CD Spotlight. Charming and Lively - Piano music by Ricky Ian Gordon, recommended by Robert Hugill. 'Nauman plays ... consummately ...'
CD Spotlight. Formidable Hurdles - Music by George Rochberg, heard by Howard Smith. '... an eloquent performance, effectively recorded.'
Fun to Read - 'Dwynwen's Feast' by I H Smythe, read by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Artistic Freedom - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the sophisticated music festival in a Tuscan mountain convent and stays for the full three days
Ensemble. New Ideas - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Meitar Ensemble in concert and reports on the conference 'Art Musics of Israel'
Ensemble. An Individual Spirituality - Contemporary music from London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire, heard by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Varied Moods - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... admirably captured ...'
Ensemble. The Wizard from Oz - David Arditti attends a celebration for the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Percy Grainger
Ensemble. A Riotous Production - Mark Anthony Turnage's 'Anna Nicole', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Richly Expressive - The Cleveland Orchestra begins its annual South Florida residency, by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Knowledge and Imagination - Lavinia Meijer plays recent music for harp, and impresses Paul Sarcich. '... an exceptional player ...'
An Interdisciplinary Field - Two contemporary music festivals in Rome, described by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Memorable Night - The Israel Camerata Orchestra Jerusalem, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Electronics Prevails - 'Orphée' at the Roma-Europa Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Gentle Passions - Music by John Jeffreys, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced ...'
Ensemble. Puzzling and Frustrating - Mozart's 'Idomeneo' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Contemporary Resonance - Grange Park Opera's 'Capriccio', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Darkness to Light - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Ravenna Festival
CD Spotlight. Subtle and Organic - Music by John Luther Adams, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... vast silent landscapes ...'
Stimulating Fare - Eugene Alcalay plays Bartók, Dutilleux and Beethoven, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Pushing Back the Boundaries - London Sinfonietta's 'British Experiments', reviewed by Chris Graham
Ensemble. Clearly Important - The seventh Klavessiinfestival held in Tallinn, Estonia, attended by Peter Howell
Ensemble. Under the Tuscan Sun - Giuseppe Pennisi attends the beginning of the Tiroler Festspiele 2010
Ensemble. Museum Culture? - Experimental music by Cage, Cowell, Feldman, Rzewski, Satie and Wolff, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Consummate Skill - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, heard by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Lyrical Powers - Orchestral music by Louis Spohr, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Howard Shelley and the Swiss orchestra clearly relish this unusual assignment.'
Ensemble. Soulful Intimacy - A concert by Yasmin Levy lingers in Malcolm Miller's memory
CD Spotlight. Appealingly Straightforward - Music by Barbara Harbach, warmly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a worthwhile introduction to a valuable contemporary composer ...'
CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'
CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'
Ensemble. Compelling Vocal Drama - Lawrence Budmen listens to Measha Brueggergosman and the New World Symphony
World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson
Imaginative Heights - Gordon Rumson looks forward to the Calgary Art Song Competition
Ensemble. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Stimulating Recital - Contemporary music for oboe and ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... a wide range of interest.'
CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Portrayed - Friedrich Klose's 'Ilsebill', praised by Gerald Fenech. '... a risky yet rewarding adventure ...'
CD Spotlight. Forever Challenging - Symphonies by Leif Kayser, heard by Patric Standford. '... his ingenious inventiveness continues to impress.'
CD Spotlight. Jaw-Dropping Technique - Sharon Bezaly plays Gubaidulina, Beamish and Takano, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a beautiful tone at any volume in any octave ...'
Ensemble. A Classy Show - Pimlico Opera's 'Rigoletto', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Californian, Dreaming - 'The Floating Bubble' by Ron George, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... subtle long-range structures shaped with minimal scoring ...'
CD Spotlight. Mozart across Niagara - Peter Hatch's 'Wiki Mozart' delights Jennifer Paull. '... an intoxicating cocktail.'
Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall
Ensemble. Excellent Throughout - A lunchtime piano recital by Maiko Mori, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. A Heavenly Blend - Joshua Habermann conducts the Master Chorale of South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Addition - Chamber music by Brian Ferneyhough, heard by Patric Standford. '... strong and committed performances ...'
CD Spotlight. Portraits in Music - 'The Sucker Punch Requiem' by Lisle Ellis, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended ... to classical listeners interested in expanding their listening domain.'
Ensemble. Thought-provoking - John Adams' 'Dr Atomic' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'
Ensemble. A Near-perfect Occasion - Alice McVeigh braves the snow to listen to Fretwork at London's Wigmore Hall
Record Box. Dazzling Works - Contemporary music from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, recommended by Patric Standford
Record Box. An Evolving Technique - Music by Aaron Jay Kernis, recommended by Ron Bierman
Record Box. Superlative Playing - Music from the Glass Farm Ensemble impresses Malcolm Tattersall
Record Box. Technically Exemplary - Music for birds, planes and cello, heard by Malcolm Tattersall
Record Box. Superb Performances - Ursula Oppens plays Elliott Carter, celebrated by Patric Standford
Record Box. Rich Variety - Oboe music by Edwin Roxburgh, heard by Patric Standford
Record Box. Rhapsodic Cello - Music by Bruce Cale, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall
CD Spotlight. A Resounding Hurrah - Corigliano sets Dylan, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Titanic, zealous stuff.'
CD Spotlight. Superlative Performances - Nigel Westlake's 'The Hinchinbrook Riffs', recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... essential listening for anyone interested in new music.'
Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell
Record Box. An Animated Performance - Music for orchestra by Steven R Gerber, heard by Patric Standford
Record Box. Sympathetic Readings - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Other Trumpets - Fascinating electro-acoustic collaborations, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... individual works are challenging listening but stunningly achieved.'
CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Chamber music by Roger Smalley, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the performance may be regarded as definitive.'
Ensemble. Off the Wall - Contemporary opera at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Curious and Evocative - Quarter-tone keyboard music played by Joshua Pierce, reviewed by Patric Standford
Record Box. Highly Contrasting - Microtonal music, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Unsettling - Microtonal music by Monroe Golden, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... the overall effect is somehow stranger than the parts ...'
Timings - Both Sides of the Global Fence - James Gardner, by Jennifer Paull
Ensemble. Story Telling - Robert Hugill was at London's recent Judith Weir weekend
CD Spotlight. Compositional Integrity - Music by Thomas Fortmann, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Thomas Fortmann has achieved what repeatedly eludes others ...'
CD Spotlight. A World of Wonder - Song cycles by John Joubert, recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... a passionate wildness to the piano writing ...'
CD Spotlight. Temporal Constraints - Kyle Gann's 'Long Night', reviewed by Gordon Rumson. '... music that makes us think.'
Record Box. A Driving Force - Music commissioned and played by Richard Nunemaker, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Emotional Degradation - Music Theatre Wales presents Philippe Boesmans' 'Julie', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Joyous Celebration - Music by M Zachary Johnson, reviewed by Anna L Franco
Record Box. Well Produced - The structured improvisations of Alexandra Gardner, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Purity of Style - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Piano Circus event in north-west London
CD Spotlight. Contemplating Harmony - Music by Warren Burt, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... almost hypnotically attractive ...'
'Shooting the Pianist'! - The eerie case of a South-American pianistic 'revenant', by Malcolm Troup
CD Spotlight. An Interesting Mix - Sacred treasures, enjoyed by Robert Hugill. '... certainly intoxicating.'
Ensemble. Three Premières - Malcolm Miller applauds the latest concert of music by Julian Dawes
Record Box. A Fascinating Programme - Joseph Gramley plays music for percussion, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Varied Influences - Music from Indiana University Southeast, enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... a superb addition to any collection.'
CD Spotlight. Superbly Measured - Music by Haskell Small and Mussorgsky, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... indisputably fine pianism ...'
CD Spotlight. Valuable Explorations - 'My Dear Siegfried' - Despatches from No Man's Land, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. 'The work has as much affinity with trance/techno as with the modernist art music from which it developed.'
Ensemble. In Memory - Kelly Ferjutz remembers Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's visit to Cleveland
Ensemble. Music in Captivity - Malcolm Miller was at a lecture recital by Ronald Senator, with Teresa Gobel and Miriam Brickman
Ensemble. Touching Contributions - A concert by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Piano meets Sitar - Malcolm Miller at a CD launch of Peter Feuchtwanger's exotic piano music
Ensemble. Engulfing Vision - A concert at New York City's Hunter College, reviewed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Eclectic Influences - Music by Peter Blauvelt, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'There is some real passion in the sonata ...'
CD Spotlight. Musical Narrative - Works by Mark Applebaum, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... complex in surface and generally rhapsodic in feel ...'
Ensemble. pppp or ppppp? - Valentyn Silvestrov at the Pinothek der Moderne, Munich, reviewed by Sissy von Kotzebue
Ensemble. One hell of a concert - Hot - An Infernal Cabaret, the latest collaborative project by Peter Wiegold's 'notes inégales' and performance poet Murray Lachlan. Malcolm Miller was there
Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson
Writing new opera - A composer's perspective, by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. A spectacular work - Post modernist music enjoyed by Rex Harley. '... Nicolella's tremendous virtuosity ...'
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey. Ancient and modern - Preparing to be absurd.
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Time machine
Excited by music - Flautist Kathryn Thomas in conversation with Keith Bramich
Editorial musings - Finger tapping. Looking ahead, with Basil Ramsey
Now that's what I call 'contemporary'! - Beverley Crew celebrates CMN's innovative 1999/2000 touring season