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 Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
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 »Opera REVIEW
April 16, 2013
Brilliant, rafter-raising performances highlight a recital by seven talented Adler Fellows from the S.F. Opera program.
More about Music at Meyer »Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra REVIEW
April 16, 2013
Consolation and beauty are offered to those mourning a loss, including SFCV founding editor Robert Commanday, in a spellbinding concert by the Marin Symphony and Orchestra.
More about Marin Symphony »Opera REVIEW
April 14, 2013
The story of noble Orpheus and virtuous Eurydice, the classic originating with Virgil in 30 BC, is given a current treatment by Pocket Opera that will shock you — in a delightful way.
More about Pocket Opera »Opera REVIEW
April 14, 2013
Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi receive propulsive, emotionally engaging performances by Opera San José.
More about Opera San José »Recital REVIEW
April 13, 2013
A young winner of an international guitar competition, Vladimir Gorbach, presents a nuanced, passionate performance of little-known works.
More about Omni Foundation for the Performing Arts »Opera REVIEW
April 12, 2013
Jonathan Berger and Dan O’Brien’s double-bill world premiere of Theotokia and The War Reporter takes advantage of Bing’s architecture and overly resonant acoustic for ... hallucinations.
More about Stanford Live »Recital REVIEW
April 10, 2013
The young Briton Benjamin Grosvenor brings vividly to mind a piano artist’s pursuit of perfection.
More about San Francisco Performances »Recital REVIEW
April 9, 2013
Garanča’s art song recital in acoustically superior Weill Hall, confirmed her reputation as one of today’s leading mezzo-sopranos, though at times she stayed in her comfort zone.
More »Recital REVIEW
April 7, 2013
Bass-baritone Philippe Sly, despite a range of gifts, may have aimed too high to suit his repertoire to his present capabilities.
More about Schwabacher Debut Recital Series »
SFCV Previews
- Wed June 5, 2013 (All day)
Recent CD Reviews
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Gardiner: Bach Cantatas
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John Wilson Orchestra: Rodgers & Hammerstein at the Movies
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Gordon Getty: Piano Pieces
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L’Arpeggiata Mediterraneo
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Emanuel Ax: Variations