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!

Streaming Review
October 21, 2020
Tripping the Light Fantastic on Film (at Home)
BY Janice Berman

This year’s San Francisco Dance Film Festival hasn’t missed a step in its transition to the smaller screen.

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Streaming Review
October 20, 2020
Nathalie Joachim Has a Long Reach on Fanm d’Ayiti
BY Jonathan Leal

In concert, the layers and cumulative, syncretic power of Joachim’s music become clear.

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Streaming Review
October 19, 2020
LA Phil’s Timely Resurrection of Its “Power to the People!” Festival
BY Richard S. Ginell

In a time of bold political statements, the latest episodes of SOUND/STAGE fit the moment, as well as providing musical relief.

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Recording Review
October 19, 2020
Gothic Kinship: Ash Fure’s Something to Hunt
BY Tamzin Elliott

Fure’s new album strikes fear in the listener but makes a profoundly human point.

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Streaming Review
October 19, 2020
The Green Room Hosts Archived Magic From the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
BY Steven Winn

Copland’s original chamber setting for Appalachian Spring is revelatory.

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Recording Review
October 12, 2020
Ensemble for These Times Records Music of Relevance
BY Jason Victor Serinus

The chamber group and guests present three commissions setting haunting poetry by Paul Celan and Czeslaw Miłosz.

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Streaming Review
October 12, 2020
Korean Guitarist Jiji Thrills in a Green Center Recital
BY Scott Cmiel

A streamed concert spotlights Jiji’s fresh repertory and sparkling performance style.

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Recording Review
October 12, 2020
Joshua Bell’s Artistry Needs No Concert Stage to Impress
BY Steven Winn

The violin virtuoso shines in an eclectic recital recorded at home with a handful of gifted cohorts.

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Recording Review
October 12, 2020
Three Works From the Roaring ’20s Unearthed in Buried Alive
BY Richard S. Ginell

Conductor Leon Botstein and The Orchestra Now shine on a Dimitri Mitropoulos rarity.

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Chamber Orchestra/Orchestra Review
October 6, 2020
LA Philharmonic’s SOUND/STAGE Sounds and Looks Splendid
BY Victoria Looseleaf

The orchestra served up dramatically different soundscapes in the first two episodes, ranging from somber and brooding to upbeat and festive.

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