As many artists in 2020, Leonidas Kavakos joined Beethoven’s 250 years celebrations with this CD as a tribute to the composer. Starting with the “Violin Concerto”, it includes works clearly marked by romantic and ancient traditions. Kavakos himself, as he usually does during concerts, also takes the baton. The minor pieces of the recording are also very interesting and shouldn’t be disregarded. 

Throughout his long career, the distinguished Greek violinist has astonished us on many occasions, both in concerts with orchestra and in chamber recitals. 

Indeed, Kavakos’ noble phrasing in his outstanding interpretation of the Violin Concerto, is prominent. We can clearly appreciate his embellishing sound and his scrupulous respect for Beethoven’s score, especially during the particularly attractive and exceptional performance of the Cadenza of the first movement. There is a beautiful dialogue between the violin and the timpani (alla marcia, written by Beethoven) and an amazing artistry, full of double strings and delightful ornaments, but without losing the rigor with the soul of the work. 

The second movement, Larghetto, is very elegant and highly eloquent, performed and conducted by Kavakos with great intimacy, and the transition to the final Rondo is also very creative but faithful to Beethoven at the same time. 

The Greek’s remarkable musical ability in both the conducing and solo roles in this movement is clearly visible in the phenomenal final Rondo. It is fresh, bright, strong and superbly played and conducted by Kavakos.  

His interpretations are pure and genuine. He is not looking to impress. He seeks fidelity, purity of sound and spirit. His deep understanding of Beethoven’s works shows in every single interpretation, and the powerful romantic energy that moves the artist during his performances is highly contagious to the listener. Absolutely recommendable recording and a “must have” of any Beethoven fan.

Jonas Kaufmann rejoins with his music companion Helmut Deutsch the recording of these lieder, a repertoire so adored by the singer, recorded at the heart of an exceptional period, marked by the pandemic that paused our lives. 

Reunited during confinement around a piano, the two artists recorded a generous bouquet of twenty-seven lieder which is the result of a common choice. 

The interpretation is invigorating. Jonas Kaufmann plays with highly refined style as a liederista, with a nuanced balance between containment and expansion.  

The artist’s voice perfectly matches the chamber repertoire because he is a sui generis tenor, with the central width and bass characteristic of a baritone. His admirable control of the volume allows him to be pathetic in exclamation and minimalist intimacy, admirably adapting to the poem’s demands.  

The tenor masterfully interprets Friedrich Silcher’s Lied ‘Ännchen von Tharau’, with an accompaniment that intertwines the text with the music very well. The piano melody turns out very expressive in the Austrian pianist’s fingers. This recital could not miss ‘Auf Flügeln des Gesanges’ op. 34/2 by Felix Mendelssohn, one of the most beautiful songs in the Lied. Kaufmann’s voice flows over the subtle and ethereal melody played by Deutsch. Starting with non-German-speaking composers, the tenor sings “Ich liebe dich”, by Edvard Grieg, with a “parlado” style in some phrases. Then with a powerful and highly moving voice, he sings the declaration of love to his beloved. Kaufmann is a master in controlling the level of expressiveness; he knows how to provide exactly the right touch of passion. 

The program evolves with a constant gradation in emotion, moving from naive love to burning passion and ending with disillusion and farewell to life.  Kaufmann’s wide vocal palette acquired with maturity and experience works wonders here: he plays the heroic voice sparingly, using all his artistic resources from a seductive principal voice to a keen sense of phrasing, notably in Strauss’s Allerseelen and Zueignung.  

Kaufmann elaborates the texts with such detail and sings them with such wise application that each piece gains unity and the whole, familiarity. 

Some listeners might be surprised by the choice of Tchaikovsky but keeping in mind that this is a “romantic songs” disc, it takes on its full meaning.  The balance of its verses and the beauty of the words in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s poem Nur wer die Shensucht kennt is just divine. 

Kaufmann is an excellent storyteller and the magnificent accompaniment of Deutsch creates the perfect atmosphere for these narratives. The excellent performance of Jonas Kaufmann and Helmut Deutsch make this album a true treasure for all Lied lovers. 

Soprano Natalie Dessay published on 2017 her first Sony CD.  Inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, soprano dives herself in the American Songbook, with a series of songs arranged by distinguished jazz musicians.  

The paintings that inspired each song aren’t included in the commercial packaging, so that nothing eclipses the recording itself, which really stands out.  

After a three-year forced pause caused by a vocal surgery back in 2002, Dessay had to adapt her repertoire by doing chansons and musicals. The chanson album “Entre elle et lui” with Michel Legrand from 2013 is now followed by the album “Pictures of America” devoted to the American songbook.  

She says herself in the booklet notes that she worked to “develop a new voice – a deeper and more intimate sound that would whisper into the listener’s ear. It was a voice I had to learn to control, like a small, secretive wild animal.”  

In spite of the changes in her voice, she managed to keep the essence of her brilliant, focused core of sound. Dessay adopts a delicate and subtle sound with a deeper agile voice full of wonder and nuances. The arrangements of these familiar songs are artistic and surprising, including imaginary instrumental interludes that take full advantage of the string textures.  

Her new album demonstrates solemnly that her operatic voice may well be transformed into a musical, and she succeeds satisfactorily in such transformation, without even suspecting which powerful voice is behind this singer.  Being a vastly experienced opera singer, she masters the voice control techniques being able to generate the most refined moods and sound colors to match the atmosphere matching of every respective song. 

Dessay quality of singing is very noticeable. Her English diction on Disc One is admirably clear and comprehensible. The voice, now lower in tone, sounds clean and precise, however sometimes it lacks a bit of strength and energy at the most demanding moments. 

Isolation and sadness rule the general mood of the album, Pictures of America inspired by the Pictures of the American painter Edward Hopper.  However, there is also room for joy and cheerfulness in this excellent recording by Sony where, thanks to the high-resolution technique, not a single detail is lost from the masterly interpretation of the songs by Natalie Dessay. 

With this CD the virtuoso soprano has proven that nothing can stop an innate talent when it comes together with willpower together with hard work and practice. Highly recommended. 

In May 2019 Hilary Hahn’s repertoire was enlarged with her commission to Antón García Abril of a series of new compositions for her latest album, published under Decca Records.  

García Abril has followed in the footsteps of great composers such as Bach, Ysaÿe and Ernst in writing these pieces, six movements that take their names from the acronym for Hilary: Heart, Immensity, Love, Art, Reflective and You. Being a great admirer of the Spanish composer, Hahn encouraged the composition of these pieces and premiered them between 2016 and 2017. Since then, she has performed them all over the world. 

Winner of three Grammy Awards, the violinist Hilary Hahn stands out for her virtuosity, the quality of her performances and her choice of repertoire. Her approach to the new creation and the active role that she plays in the diffusion of music and around her own experiences have made Hahn one of the favorite artists of the public. 

The six pieces collect a work passionate but very measured on each step and each note. The composer’s extensive experience and his undeniable talent was brought to the service of the demands of a performer with a prodigious technique and outstanding artistic sensitivity. The suggestive titles for each of the pieces, whose first initials form the name of the violinist-Hilary- denotes the master’s very personal dedication to the phenomenal violinist. 

Through this recording Hilary Hahn enchants the listeners with the crystalline sound of her violin, her inspired expressive vehemence and her immaculate technique. Her interpretation is passionate and dazzling, recreated in a never empty virtuosity, loaded with penetrating melodism that invades the listener and deeply moves them. 

“Every note somehow feels dedicated to me,” Hilary wrote in her blog. “The phrasings that I’ve never encountered before, that he imagined me playing, feel like they were meant for me to interpret. When I play them, I feel like they are significant. They’re beautiful, expressive, mercurial, colourful, abstract, detailed, dancing, impetuous and full of motion and emotion.” 

We are in front of a highly recommended album that combines the tradition of the solo violin with the new compositional techniques inspired on Hilary. 

This fantastic album brings together three performers: the fabulous German violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter, the distinguished French-American cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the Argentine maestro Daniel Barenboim. The album was recorded in live sessions held at the Kirchner Cultural Center in Buenos Aires and at the Philharmonie hall in Berlin.  

This recording is a triple celebration because it celebrates the 250 years of Beethoven, the 20 years of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra and the 40 years since the historic recording made by Anne-Sophie Mutter and Yo -Yo Ma with Herbert von Karajan.  

It is a fascinating album, full of astonishment, revelations and discoveries.  

Yo-Yo Ma had already performed another version of the Triple Concerto with Daniel Barenboim: in 1995, Itzhak Perlman on violin and Barenboim conducting the Berlin Philharmonic from the piano. Once again he sits in front of the Barenboim keyboard and from there now conducts the Orchestra that he founded 20 years ago with the Palestinian philosopher Edward Said, the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra.  

Just from the orchestral introduction of the Triple Concerto, we can already foresee an exceptional performance by the orchestra, masterfully leaded by Barenboim from the piano carried with momentum and confidence, marking the rhythms with intensity and giving flexibility to the tuttis.  Yo-Yo Ma’s entrance is brilliant, empowering the cello with charming warmth. The magic is completed by the vigorous dialogue between the cello and Mutter’s violin, which is greatly supported from the piano by Barenboim’s interpretations, always cautious but of unparalleled musical delicacy and sophistication.  

These three colossal artists achieve the excellence of chamber music with large lyrics, high technical skills in the extreme movements and absolute accomplishment in the subtle link to the second movement, where we once again enjoy the admirable opening by Ma.  

Daniel Barenboim’s readings prove his deep understanding of Beethoven’s compositions; the veteran conductor leads us to see the great truth in Beethoven’s music. The clear interpretation together with orchestra’s filling, which sounds like one of the greats, is very rewarding. It is precise and has nothing to spare or lack in a performance that shows the excellent level of the orchestra’s young members.  

We are dealing with a masterful version that will fully satisfy your expectations on their protagonists and that, with a combination of veteran and youth, achieve a Beethoven in its purest form.

The Russian pianist Arcadi Volodos returns to record music by Schubert (1797-1828) after the great success he achieved 17 years ago. The new album includes the powerful “Piano Sonata No. 20 D 959”, a piece he no longer plays live, and is completed with a series of minuets by Schubert himself (D334, D335 and D600). 

All the intensity of the work is clearly focused in the second movement, an Andantino in F sharp minor. He made it the main center, the raison d’être of the entire composition. He continues with an ethereal scherzo and ends with a controlled and eloquent allegretto. But already in the initial allegro something had happened. Volodos approaches that initial allegro with the exquisiteness of chamber music. The hands of the old keyboard master, his famous pyrotechnic virtuosism are astonishingly exposed. 

Here Schubert deceives us. And he chooses an unexpected theme for his musical display. A brief motif barely outlined at the end of the exhibition. The melody aspires to become a song, in the right hand, with the typical accompaniment of a lied, in the left. He strives to add light to it, and even he chooses to place it in the lowest and darkest register of the instrument. But suddenly Volodos shows us the solution. And we hear it heading towards a surprising punchline, in the shape of a ninth chord. A melancholic tune in C minor that, in his hands, moves us to tears. Schubert repeats it with the same result, but now from the key of A minor.  

After such riches, the inclusion of another sonata would have unfavorable the three more rarely performed Minuets that complete the recording are elegant and reveal the Schubert’s transformation from his youth years to his matured self. A pleasing makeweight but in no sense negligible. They are mostly slowly and sensitively played here, as if to emphasize their affinity with the preceding sonata; however, the opulent pace of the opening and conclusion of D.600 is pure Bach. 
 
This CD will surely be included in the collection of every devotee of Schubert’s piano music. 

In John Adams’ intriguing composition, “Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?,” the devil emerges as an unlikely yet captivating muse, inspiring a musical exploration of devilish solos and irresistible melodies. With this Deutsche Grammophon recording, the talented Yuja Wang joins forces with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, to deliver a performance that is both thought-provoking and toe-tapping.

The title of the piece alludes to an 18th-century notion that non-secular music was irreligious, highlighting the historical connection between music and the devil. In Adams’ work, this connection takes shape as devilish solos intertwine with melodies that beckon listeners to move to the rhythm. The composition cleverly weaves together these contrasting elements, resulting in a piece that challenges traditional notions of music’s role and significance.

Recorded in 2019 during a performance in LA, this rendition captures the essence of the work’s premiere, where Dudamel, Wang, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic collaborated to bring Adams’ vision to life. Wang’s prowess as a pianist shines brightly, skillfully navigating the devilish solos while infusing the melodies with infectious energy. Dudamel’s conducting adds a dynamic layer to the performance, leading the orchestra with precision and bringing out the intricate textures in Adams’ composition.

Alongside “Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?,” the album includes “China Gates,” a minimalist gem that further showcases Wang’s artistry. In this meditative and contemplative piece, Wang exhibits a different facet of her talent, delicately conveying the introspective nature of the composition.

Adams’ work serves as a reminder of how composers throughout history have been fascinated by the devil’s allure, infusing their music with elements of mystery and intrigue. Through this enthralling performance, Yuja Wang and the Los Angeles Philharmonic invite audiences to reflect on the interplay between music and mythology, making “Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?” a captivating addition to the musical repertoire.

This recording of John Adams’ “Must the Devil Have All the Good Tunes?” featuring Yuja Wang and the Los Angeles Philharmonic is a thought-provoking and musically thrilling experience. With the combination of devilish solos and irresistible melodies, Adams challenges conventions and explores the timeless fascination with the devil’s influence on music. Yuja Wang’s virtuosity and Gustavo Dudamel’s masterful conducting make this album a must-listen for anyone seeking a fresh perspective on contemporary classical music.

Fatma Said’s debut recital album, “El Nour,” is a captivating exploration of cultural intersections and vocal prowess. The CD showcases an array of musical talents and styles, blending the enchanting voice of the Egyptian soprano with masterful accompaniments from a diverse ensemble. Recorded in 2020 at the historic Jesus Christus Kirche in Berlin, Germany, this album presents a unique journey through songs from France, Spain, and Egypt, marked by Said’s distinctively clear and translucent soprano.

The recital opens with Maurice Ravel’s song cycle “Shéhérazade,” delivered in its original piano and voice version. Fatma Said’s exquisite interpretation, under the skillful accompaniment of Malcolm Martineau, offers an intimate portrayal of each piece’s delicate poetry. In “Asie,” the first song of the cycle, Said’s soprano glimmers with a sense of mystery, guided by Martineau’s finely balanced piano performance. The inspired inclusion of a Middle Eastern Ney Flute in “La Flûte Enchantée” adds a layer of cultural authenticity, seamlessly intertwining with Said’s playful yet nuanced delivery.

Throughout the French selections, Said’s vocal finesse shines brightly, evoking emotions ranging from playful flirtation to profound introspection. Her rendition of Berlioz’s “Zaide” stands out for its ability to convey both festive Spanish joy and underlying emotional depth. Said’s connection to the text and her ability to live within each moment of the song lend her performance a remarkable authenticity.

The Spanish segment of the album showcases Said’s versatility and connection to the Hispanic culture. Accompanied by the sensitive guitar playing of Rafael Aguirre, her rendition of Federico García Lorca’s “Sevillana” radiates triumphant energy, while her interpretation of the lullaby exhibits the haunting beauty of her lower register. Comparisons to Victoria de los Angeles are apt, as both artists possess a keen intelligence in their vocal delivery, but Said’s approach, characterized by a more direct and concentrated tone, distinguishes her.

However, what truly sets “El Nour” apart is the inclusion of Egyptian songs, a notable departure from the traditional European repertoire. Said’s collaboration with a jazz quartet in the poignant ballad “Sahar El Layali” offers listeners an entrancing glimpse into contemporary Egyptian music. These songs not only showcase Said’s ability to adapt to diverse musical landscapes but also enrich the album’s global perspective.

The recording quality of the album is exemplary, capturing the intricate details of both voice and instrumentation in the acoustic splendor of the Jesus Christus Kirche. The English translations of the sung texts enclosed with the CD allow listeners to fully engage with the emotional nuances of the songs.

Fatma Said’s “El Nour” illuminates the listening experience with its delicate yet powerful performances. This debut recital album demonstrates her musical depth and range, offering a vibrant mosaic of cultures and emotions. As she navigates effortlessly between languages and styles, listeners are treated to a truly captivating musical journey. With this remarkable introduction, it’s evident that Fatma Said has a promising artistic future ahead, both on record and on the stage.

Víkingur Ólafsson’s album, featuring the works of two giants of French keyboard music, Rameau and Debussy, is a true masterpiece that continues to showcase his exceptional pianism and impeccable taste in programming. Following the resounding success of his Bach album, Ólafsson once again proves his musical prowess with this captivating exploration of the contrasting yet harmonious worlds of Rameau and Debussy.

The album opens with Debussy’s delicate yet evocative “La damoiselle élue – Prélude,” setting the stage for the journey ahead. From the very first notes, Ólafsson’s profound understanding of Debussy’s intricate textures and dreamlike atmospheres is evident. Moving through the collection, Ólafsson’s interpretation of the “Estampes – Jardins sous la pluie” showcases his ability to conjure images with his playing, making the raindrops come alive on the keyboard.

The inclusion of extracts from “Children’s Corner” offers a charming respite, with Ólafsson capturing the innocence and playfulness of these pieces. His rendition of “Préludes I – Des pas sur la neige” and “La fille aux cheveux de lin” is marked by sensitivity and a profound connection to Debussy’s introspective universe.

Ólafsson’s command over the keyboard truly shines in his performance of Rameau’s “Pièces de clavecin.” Despite the historic disparity between the harpsichord and the modern piano, Ólafsson expertly navigates Rameau’s ornate compositions, infusing them with a unique pianistic touch while preserving their Baroque essence. The contrast between Rameau’s intricate counterpoint and Debussy’s impressionistic colors is a testament to Ólafsson’s versatility as a pianist.

One of the highlights of the album is Ólafsson’s take on Debussy’s “Preludes II – Ondine.” His delicate touch and nuanced phrasing bring out the water nymph’s allure and mystique, creating an enchanting auditory experience. Similarly, his performance of Debussy’s “Images I – Hommage à Rameau” pays a fitting tribute to the connection between the two composers, allowing the listener to perceive the subtle threads that tie their music together.

In the final segment of the album, Rameau’s “The Arts and the Hours” serves as a magnificent conclusion. Ólafsson’s masterful interpretation highlights the depth of emotion present in Rameau’s compositions, a reminder of the enduring power of Baroque music.

Throughout the recording, Ólafsson’s vision of Rameau and Debussy is apparent, driven by a genuine love for their music. He manages to bridge the gap between two distinct eras, revealing the common threads that link these composers across time and style. His ability to capture the essence of each piece while infusing it with his unique artistic sensibility is truly remarkable.

Víkingur Ólafsson’s exploration of Debussy and Rameau on this DG release is an auditory delight. His extraordinary pianism, combined with his thoughtful programming, brings these composers to life in ways that are both faithful to their intentions and refreshingly innovative. This album stands as a testament to Ólafsson’s status as a pianist of unparalleled talent and an artist who continues to push the boundaries of interpretation.

Plaisir d’amour is the new cd from Soprano Angela Gheorghiu and accompanying pianist Alexandra Dariescu. Gheorghiu has been praised for possessing the greatest personality of the last decades. Angela Gheorghiu’s voice is highly distinctive. The repertoire of this cd, with famous melodies is precious and it excels in French pieces, like “Après un rève” by Fauré. Even with the lack of an orchestra accompanying her instead of the piano, the CD keeps its grandiloquence. 

Brought together by a varied melodic repertoire, soprano and pianist explore musical eras and gratefully link the pieces, around the theme of love and its poetic and dreamy illustrations. The controlled and sometimes a bit too musically restricted performance is noticeable during all the recording. Some critics might argue that she could have freed herself a bit more. However, her interpretations are honest and full of credibility.  

From the first track, the singer delights us with her vocally spectacular ability, achieved through the years. We can admire the brilliant maturity of her voice, showing off a beautiful center and bass, wrapped up with the velvet touch that has always characterized her voice, with a great sense of phrasing and almost always confortable sharp rises.  

The Romanian singer knows how to turn a no so complex program it into small scenes loaded with drama, melancholy or exuberant amusement depending on the case. She’s sheer delicacy in Debussy’s marvelous Beau soir, playful at Paisiello’s Nel cor più non mi sento, and cautious and restrained with Bellini’s Vaga luna. She definitelly shows of her admirable control of the breath control and bel canto singing line.  

The song by Martini that gives title to the album is spotless, and we can’t forget mentioning Chopin’s passionate Tristesse, to conclude with the vivid power of El vito, by Obradors, after marveling us with the two Lieder by Richard Strauss. 

On the piano, Alexandra Dariescu provides a steady and varied accompaniment in the musical and deep expressive intentions only sometimes with a little lack of rapport with Gheorghiu’s winds. Her virtuosistic qualities shine thanks to the program, especially in the piano arrangement of Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of Flowers. However, the sometimes violent energy of the play might not exactly match with the original character of the piece with its wide phrases. A marked musicality, is evident from the Trois Morceaux, enigmatic the first, more fantastic the second and cheerful and lively the third. The Romanian Dance of Ciortea was overwhelming while there was a subtle lack of precision in the Nocturne Op.6 n.2 by C. Schumann. 

All in all, this is a precious recording that should definitely have a space in the collection of any music lover.