Classical Music Reviews

Every week, our professional critics attend concerts throughout the Bay Area to let you know what went well...and occasionally what didn't. Let their insights enrich your musical experiences, and feel free to share your own views!

Chamber Music REVIEW
Singing Strings From the Cypress
February 4, 2012
Singing Strings From the Cypress
BY Be'eri Moalem

Composite rhythms in a challenging program highlight a string quartet’s recital in an intimate art gallery.

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Chamber Music REVIEW
San Francisco Performances Into the Soul of Camille Claudel
February 4, 2012
San Francisco Performances
Into the Soul of Camille Claudel
BY Georgia Rowe

In a stunning performance, a new song cycle is born, capturing episodes from the life of a French sculptor.

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Choral REVIEW
Cal Performances Amassing For Glory
February 3, 2012
Cal Performances
Amassing For Glory
BY Anna Carol Dudley

Massive choral forces perform a 16th-century Italian Mass, to splendid effect.

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Recital REVIEW
San Francisco Performances/ Omni Foundation The Passionate Guitar of Zoran Dukić
January 27, 2012
San Francisco Performances/ Omni Foundation
The Passionate Guitar of Zoran Dukić
BY Scott Cmiel

An esteemed European guitarist is cheered to the rafters in his second Bay Area recital.

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Chamber Music REVIEW
Steinway Society Classical Piano Duo for the YouTube Generation
January 24, 2012
Steinway Society
Classical Piano Duo for the YouTube Generation
BY Ken Iisaka

The dynamic piano duo Anderson and Roe covers the classics, and brings new life to popular works of today from various genres.

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Recital REVIEW
San Francisco Performances Christopher Maltman's Journey Through Beauty
January 19, 2012
San Francisco Performances
Christopher Maltman's Journey Through Beauty
BY Georgia Rowe

An outstanding British baritone, blessed with a brilliant accompanist, takes listeners on an atmospheric cruise, with memorable highlights along the way.

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Recital REVIEW
Cal Performances Susan Graham: Second That Emotion
January 14, 2012
Cal Performances
Susan Graham: Second That Emotion
BY Jason Victor Serinus

A recital by Susan Graham presented by Cal Performances offered a host of effortlessly produced sounds so healthy, warm, and filled with beauty that it was tempting to fantasize that life was equally sweet and uncomplicated.

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Choral REVIEW
Coro Hispano: New World Epiphanies
January 8, 2012
Coro Hispano: New World Epiphanies
BY Anna Carol Dudley

Magi, rituals of Twelfth Night, and an engaging repertoire highlight a concert by the enthusiastic members of Coro Hispano.

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Chamber Music REVIEW
Joyful Noise From the Dresden Court
December 17, 2011
Joyful Noise From the Dresden Court
BY Thomas Busse

An assortment of early-music forces perform a festive Christmas Vespers from 1660.

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Recital REVIEW
Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts Around the World With Eduardo Fernandez
December 10, 2011
Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts
Around the World With Eduardo Fernandez
BY Scott Cmiel

An esteemed international guitarist tours two continents, then ends his peregrinations with a melancholy, romantic Russian gem.

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