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

Upcoming Concert

November 28, 2012

This combination ought to make people sit up and take notice: conductor George Cleve and pianist Peter Serkin performing Brahms’ First Piano Concerto.

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Upcoming Concert

November 13, 2012

Peninsula Symphony

Holiday Concert

BY David Bratman

Always a seasonal highlight, the annual joint holiday concert of the Stanford Symphonic Chorus and the Peninsula Symphony, will this year feature a typically vivid pairing.

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Chamber Music Review

November 5, 2012

Calder Quartet to the Rescue

BY David Bratman

The Calder Quartet filled in at the San Jose Chamber Music Society in a program of fairly severe pieces that push, in one way or another, at the edge of the quartet idiom practice of their time.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

November 1, 2012

S.F. Symphony's Parting Gift

BY David Bratman

A program that the S.F. Symphony will play on an upcoming tour featuring Rachmaninov’s Symphony No. 2 will show the Asian audiences what our orchestra and its music director are really made of.

Chamber Music Review

October 21, 2012

Carducci Quartet Comes to Conquer

BY David Bratman

From the U.K., the Carducci String Quartet play Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Debussy in a captivating, clean, clear style.

Recital Review

October 14, 2012

Cecile Licad: Full Swoon

BY David Bratman

Whether taking listeners on a pilgrimage or in a funeral march, pianist Cecile Licad plays to the heart of Liszt and Chopin.

Chamber Music Review

October 7, 2012

Ives Quartet Full Court Impress

BY David Bratman

The always-intriguing Ives Quartet plays a quirky Cowell work, an emotionally gritty Smetana, and an ethereal Haydn.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

October 4, 2012

S.F. Symphony: Program and Performance Stand Tall

BY David Bratman

Performance, conducting, and solos impress at the San Francisco Symphony in a program that was intricate, complex, and pulled-off with elegance.

Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

September 30, 2012

Star Search at the California Symphony

BY David Bratman

The California Symphony tests another guest conductor, Robert Moody, who makes the music flow with a sense of purpose.

Upcoming Concert

October 1, 2012

Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts

Alexander String Quartet

BY David Bratman

On the cusp of its 30th anniversary, the Alexander String Quartet continues its residence at Mondavi with a performance of Schubert’s String Quartet in C Minor, D. 703, “Quartettsatz”; and his String Quartet in A Minor, D. 804, “Rosamunde.”

More about Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts »

Upcoming Concert

October 1, 2012

Ives Collective

Ives Quartet Fall Concert Series

BY David Bratman

The Ives Quartet is a locally based ensemble with a tough-grained and determined style.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review

September 29, 2012

Ringers, Rhapsody, and Rossini at Symphony Silicon Valley

BY David Bratman

Symphony Silicon Valley capitalizes on its popular appeal with a fine mixed program, with one Rossini ringer.

Season Preview

September 11, 2012

Bay to Bay: The Concert Scene From North to South

BY David Bratman

The Mondavi Center has its usual wide-angle season planned, while the Symphony Silicon Valley is focusing on classics with high-profile soloists. Here are the most exciting concert prospects from San Jose to Sacramento.

Festival Review

August 11, 2012

Menlo Festival: Fun For the Ages

BY David Bratman

Brilliant playing enlivens [email protected]’s final program, in a mix of surprising instrumental combinations, coupled with formidable playing by young performers.

Festival Review