Canter Bridge

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The musical genius of Bach can be savored in any number of configurations. But you’d be hard pressed to find Bach speaking more exquisitely than via these compositions for violin and keyboard. Continue Reading »

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James Horner’s soundtrack for A Beautiful Mind is as psychologically intense as the film it so effectively embellishes. Continue Reading »

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Rostroprovich and Richter are poster children for the merits of recording the lesser-known works of past masters. It is astonishing to believe that the Beethoven of, say, Symphonies, 3, 7, and 9 also sat himself down to compose small music like these pieces for two amiable but sometimes socially incompatible instruments. Continue Reading »

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Jewel’s debut album struck a chord for the sheer non-ordinary quality of her voice. Even if the lyrics sometimes seem a bit overwrought and over-wise, the sound is convincing, especially when taken from a young artist just making her breakout. Continue Reading »

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Life without Ana Cirré is what most of the world’s music lovers endure, oblivious to this brilliantly alluring Spanish songstress and her songs of love, nostalgia, loss, and seduction. Continue Reading »

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Naxos cut its teeth on this kind of recording. Two sturdy Beethoven symphonies are played by a Central European (in this case Hungarian) orchestra with good, serviceable effect. Continue Reading »

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I find Brahms’ symphonies ponderous, at least over against his undeniable brillance with, say, a violin concerto. Continue Reading »