Hector Berlioz’ Te Deum is one of the least known masterpieces in Western civilization. Yet it is intriguing to wonder why Berlioz, a confirmed agnostic, would write this masterpiece, dedicated to “the glory of God”?
I love Shostakovich’s 7th symphony. But this love was slow to develop. When I first became aware of this symphony in the 1960s, the consensus was that it was superficial, bombastic, and ultimately a failure. Even a joke. With friends, I laughed at its irrelevance. But, of course, I never had really studied or listened carefully […]
The Martinon/CSO recording of Nielsen’s “Inextinguishable” Symphony (No. 4) was one of the gems of the LP era. Like other recordings made during Martinon’s short reign as Music Director of the CSO, this is a distinguished recording. But, this gem had a great flaw: A side break between the Third and Fourth Movements. This horrible decision […]
Beethoven Leonore Overture, No. 2, Symphony 5. Lutoslawski Symphony No. 4. Esa Pekka Salonen/Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. DG Concert Series. Total time, 67:47 (downloaded from iTunes)
In many ways, this is an exciting release, a symbol of a new day with new opportunities for classical music. Consider the context: Attendance at classical concerts is trending downward, […]