green grass and violin

John Pitman Review: Violinist Margaret Batjer and the LA Philharmonic

Violinist Margaret Batjer has been associated with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra for a number of years. In their first CD for the Swedish BIS label, Batjer and the LACO begin with a new violin concerto by Quebec-born composer, Pierre Jalbert. With movements titled “Soulful, mysterious”, and “With great energy”, Jalbert’s concerto is in good hands with Ms. Batjer, no stranger to contemporary music.  She ties this newest work to established, mystical pieces by Estonian Arvo Pärt (one of his Fratres pieces), and Latvian Peteris Vasks (Lonely Angel). Completing the circle among these spiritualistic composers, J.S. Bach’s Concerto in A Minor reminds us that whether sacred or secular, Bach approached composition with equal seriousness.

Jalbert, Bach, Part & Vasks: Music for Violin & Orchestra BUY NOW

woman playing piano in white suit

John Pitman Review: Self-titled debut – Pianist Wei Luo

To introduce a pianist saying that he or she started lessons at the age of five is probably not going to raise eyebrows. However, to say that this particular pianist advanced at such a rate that she entered the Curtis Institute at age 13 is something that might catch notice. That’s the first part of Wei Luo‘s story, as the now-19 year old is introduced to the world on the Decca Classics label.

Her disc illustrates her love of Russian repertoire, including some rarities by Rodion Shchedrin (b. 1932), whose Two Polyphonic Pieces were discovered by Luo “by random.” They make for a thrilling and, in her word, “cool” conclusion to her debut disc. Ms. Luo shares more of her story with John Pitman, along with music excerpts.

Wei LuWei Lu BUY NOW
classical musicians in front of italian coast

John Pitman Review: Sharon Isbin’s “Souvenirs”

Guitarist Sharon Isbin has recorded nearly everything in her instrument’s repertoire. Still, it’s refreshing to hear that, when an artist such as Ms. Isbin revisits a work (such as the Vivaldi D Major concerto), she gives us an interpretation with subtle differences from what came before. On “Souvenirs of Spain and Italy”, Isbin partners with Pacifica Quartet, so the Vivaldi has an especially intimate feel to it. The disc also sheds light on works that have stayed in the shadows somewhat. The Quintet by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco is such a work. Turina’s “Bullfighter’s Prayer” and Boccherini’s Quintet with the Fandango finale (complete with castanets and tambourine) give us a well-rounded tour of the Iberian and Italian peninsulas.
SouvenirsSharon Isbin, Pacifica Quartet BUY NOW
Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month

In the United States, National Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th. It is a time allotted to recognize the influence of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the history of the country.

Although Hispanic and Latino are often used interchangeably, they mean two different things. The term Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish, or are descended from communities who speak Spanish, while Latino refers to people who are from or descended from people from Latin American regions. This article includes both Hispanic and Latino composers.

album cover for "lamentationes"

New York Polyphony’s “Lamentations”

New York Polyphony‘s bass, Craig Phillips, shares the story of how his group rediscovered music of the 16th century composer, Francisco de Peñalosa, and how that composer’s “Lamentations of Jeremiah” are so perfectly suited to his group’s voices, that it seems Peñalosa wrote the work for them. On the recording, New York Polyphony include works of Peñalosa’s contemporaries, to provide context for this unique style of multiple-line music.

LamentationsFrancisco de Peñalosa New York Polyphony
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cd cover with cartoon of man playing violin

Augustin Hadelich links Brahms to Ligeti

German-American violinist Augustin Hadelich says that he is attracted to the idea of contrasts in music, and in making choices of repertoire. Mr. Hadelich tells program director John Pitman that despite those contrasts, often similarities arise by putting two disparate works together.

In this case, Mr. Hadelich leads with the familiar and beloved concerto by Brahms, and follows with the concerto of Hungarian 20th century composer, György Ligeti. Hadelich also lends his own touch to the Brahms, by playing his own cadenzas. A performance notable for the intensity of Hadelich’s interpretation as well its beauty.

Brahms, Ligeti Violin Concertos – Augustin Hadelich
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American rapture

Harpist Yolanda Kondonassis: American Rapture

Yolanda Kondonassis is a harpist that may be described as “fearless”, as she enthusiastically takes on any idea that contemporary composers send her way. A while back, Ms. Kondonassis made a wonderful recording of the Ginastera concerto. Now, she shares what may become the first great harp concerto of the 21st century: a commissioned work by Jennifer Higdon.

The work is colorful, inventive, and just plain “cool” (a word that both Ms. Kondonassis and I agree with on this work). Conductor Ward Stare joins in the conversation about “American Rapture.”

American Rapture – Yolanda Kondonassis
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Lara Downes

Lara Downes is making “Holes in the Sky”

A few years back, American pianist Lara Downes found a quote by Georgia O’Keefe that stuck in “my head and my heart”, which inspired the title for her new collaboration: “I want real things – live people to take hold of – to see- and talk to – music that makes holes in the sky – I want to love as hard as I can.”

“Holes in the Sky” is an artistic presentation unlike any other that I have seen in classical music: Not only a disc made up of works entirely and exclusively by women, but with all-women artists as well. She is joined by some of the genres’ most outstanding creatives, including violinist Rachel Barton Pine, Simone Dinnerstein, and Rhiannon Giddens. The iconic singer / songwriter Judy Collins not only provides one of her songs, but sings “Albatross” (from 1967) with the pianist. Collins goes further in the liner notes by sharing her wisdom about music, art and life with Lara and, indeed, all of us. Downes’ projects, which marry excellent performance, interpretation and care in repertoire are never conventional. This one, is exceptional. – John Pitman, Director of Music and Programming

Holes in the Sky – Lara Downes
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