David Bratman
David Bratman is a librarian who lives with his lawfully wedded soprano and a wall full of symphony recordings.
Articles by this Author
Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
May 2, 2013
Michael Tilson Thomas began a two-week “Beethoven Project” with his S.F. Symphony, appropriately enough, with a concert of early Beethoven.
More about San Francisco Symphony »News Report
April 28, 2013
San José’s best venue for chamber music is continuing through a financial restructuring. But as the time to announce next year’s season arrives, some presenters are unsure of its availability and are making other plans.
More "Le Petit Trianon: Next Season is On" »Chamber Music REVIEW
April 19, 2013
The Cypress String Quartet “Call and Response” has come full circle, commissioning new works for long enough that is has come around to composer Jennifer Higdon for the second time.
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April 17, 2013
Herbert Blomstedt draws mixed results and leaking energy from the S.F. Symphony, conducting Beethoven and Nielsen.
More about San Francisco Symphony »Chamber Music REVIEW
March 29, 2013
The San Francisco Performances presentation of Jonathan Biss showcases Schumann and the strength of the Elias String Quartet.
More about San Francisco Performances »Chamber Music REVIEW
February 22, 2013
The Escher Quartet comes to rescue to fill a program in San José, with its amply satisfying playing of Beethoven quartets.
More about San Jose Chamber Music Society »Chamber Music REVIEW
February 15, 2013
The Ives Quartet parlayed a feast of chords into an enjoyable recital in Palo Alto, featuring David Conte’s strong second quartet.
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February 13, 2013
Philharmonia Baroque outdoes even itself in “storm and stress” works by Mozart, Haydn, and J.C. Bach.
More about Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
February 9, 2013
Recently composed scores get exemplary readings by the Redwood Symphony, and invite future encounters.
More about Redwood Symphony »Recital REVIEW
January 19, 2013
An expert pianist/lecturer, Jeffrey Siegel presents music by George Gershwin and other American icons.
More about Montalvo Arts Center (Previously Villa Montalvo) »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
January 11, 2013
Stanford University’s new Bing Concert Hall received its first public outing with a gala opening night celebration on Friday, the first program on a crowded Stanford Live winter/spring schedule.
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Critics' Picks
January 12 - 13
Symphony Silicon Valley is returning once more to the historical theatrical roots of its venue, the California Theatre in San Jose, with an all-Kurt Weill program on January 12-13.
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Critics' Picks
January 11 - 13
The unavoidable, heavyweight event of the new year in Peninsula and South Bay concert-going is the opening of Stanford’s new, intimately-sized, acoustically cutting-edge Bing Concert Hall.
More about Stanford Live »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
January 6, 2013
The San José Chamber Orchestra tribute to Lou Harrison and his and all his colleagues brought richness and depth, also evinced in the dedication that Turner and her musicians brought to the music.
More about San Jose Chamber Orchestra »Chamber Music REVIEW
December 16, 2012
In an at-home yet grand setting, the Aulos Ensemble play music the large Bach family might have assembled for its own entertainment.
More about Music at Kohl »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
December 12, 2012
The New Century Chamber Orchestra’s concert featuring The Four Seasons was bursting with soloists; almost every member of the 20-strong string (and harpsichord continuo) ensemble had a turn.
More about New Century Chamber Orchestra »Chamber Music REVIEW
December 7, 2012
The Del Sol Quartet, local purveyor of contemporary music, celebrated its 20th anniversary with a small festival at Z Space, where tangy precision was much on display.
More about Del Sol String Quartet »
Critics' Picks
December 8
The adventurous nine-member choral ensemble Cantus, along with Theatre Latté Da, will perform works from its recording All Is Calm, a selection of songs, poetry, letters, and journal excerpts relating to the extraordinary World War I “Christmas Truce.”
More about Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts »
Critics' Picks
December 8
If there’s a Great American Symphony, it’s Roy Harris’ rugged Third from 1938, a fitting companion for “Decoration Day” from Charles Ives’ Holiday's Symphony also on the program from an intrepid amateur community ensemble, the Palo Alto Philharmonic.
More about Palo Alto Philharmonic »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
December 1, 2012
Heavy holiday fare takes some time to digest, as served up by Symphony Silicon Valley, with soloist Peter Serkin.
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