Reviews

Here is a readable, restless, illuminating study of John Cage, a musician who influenced how all of us think about music.

After a game of musical chairs in recent years, the Artemis Quartet is still up on its game, as heard on its latest CD of Schubert masterworks.

Red Tzar’s libretto is ill served by Lisa Scola-Prosek’s music at
the Thick House.

Judd Greenstein’s “thrill-ride” highlights a winning chamber music program in a Napa Valley vineyard.

Tom Chiu and Christopher Jones free notes from traditional shackles at a centenary concert in honor of a great 20th-century innovator.

The Merola Grand Finale, which presented — and said farewell to — one of the finest Merola classes in years, presented six tenors all of whom are ready for prime time.

Massed forces of the S.F. Choral Society performs a musical collage for Mother Earth, plus a semistaged version of the always-challenging Carmina Burana.

Soprano Miah Persson’s latest recital CD is essential to acquire, being so filled with beautiful, deeply felt singing.

The Cabrillo Festival celebrates 50 with an engaging program: a road-racer, a mult-cult piece by Golijov, a Harrison symphony, and a commissioned work by a mere youngster.

Brilliant playing enlivens Music@Menlo’s final program, in a mix of surprising instrumental combinations, coupled with formidable playing by young performers.