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!

Recording Review
February 22, 2021
A Fresh Perspective on the Dave Brubeck Quartet’s Classic Time Out Album
BY Richard S. Ginell

A new release of outtakes, practice runs, and studio chatter illuminates the evolution of a jazz classic.

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Recording Review
February 22, 2021
MTT and SF Symphony Pay Tribute to Alban Berg’s Evocative Music on a New Disc
BY Steven Winn

Violinist Gil Shaham and soprano Susanna Phillips are featured soloists in this new release from concerts recorded in 2015 and 2018.

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Recording Review
February 15, 2021
Where are you? Nick Cave and Nicholas Lens Reflect the Pandemic in L.I.T.A.N.I.E.S.
BY Tamzin Elliott

A cycle of songs that chart “birth, blooming, fracturing, and rebirth” in the year of the coronavirus.

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Streaming Review
February 15, 2021
SF Ballet Breaks New Ground in Colorforms
BY Janice Berman

Harsh reality begets a brilliant multimedia dance fantasy.

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Streaming Review
February 13, 2021
The Brain that Brought Us Bolero
BY Tom Jacobs

Jake Broder’s UnRavelled explores the relationship of creativity and dementia via the landmark composition and the painting it inspired.

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Streaming Review
February 8, 2021
SFSymphony+ Takes Nostalgia Up a Notch
BY Steven Winn

A kaleidoscope of imagery and effects supercharge three powerful string works in the online SoundBox opener.

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Recording Review
February 8, 2021
Jake Heggie’s Intonations Resonates at Kohl Mansion
BY Gil French

All-stars including Sasha Cooke, Daniel Hope, and members of the SF Opera Orchestra highlight a splendid new recording featuring the Violins of Hope.

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Recording Review
February 1, 2021
Nathalie Stutzmann Scales the Contralto Heights
BY Jason Victor Serinus

Joined by Orfeo 55 on her latest disc, the ambitious singer/conductor puts her unique stamp on a wide swath of Baroque arias and songs.

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Recording Review
February 1, 2021
Baritone Will Liverman’s Dreams of a New Day Delivers Protest and Grace
BY Steven Winn

Featuring powerful settings of Langston Hughes texts, a new recording with pianist Paul Sánchez highlights a century of works by Black composers.

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Recording Review
January 25, 2021
Manuel Barrueco Illuminates Musical Connections Between Cuba and Spain
BY Scott Cmiel

A new sonata by Puerto Rican composer Roberto Sierra highlights the Cuban guitarist’s latest disc.

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