Classical

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that Christopher Hogwood's interpretation of the composer's symphonies fall flat compared to those of Roger Norrington.

American conductor and music director Leonard Slatkin discusses the differences between the classical music worlds of Europe and the United States. He says the fast pace of American concert production and music instruction has its benefits and drawbacks.

Pianist Shura Cherkassky claims he never plays the same piece twice. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says the versions of Liszt and Stravinsky pieces Cherkassky recently committed to tape are worth the listen.

New music composer John Harbison was drawn to classical music because the genre leant itself to longer pieces and a deeper exploration of musical ideas. He often writes for his wife, the violinist Rosemary Harbison.

Avant-garde composer and saxophonist John Zorn's most recent album reinterprets the music of film composer Ennio Morricone. His forthcoming recording pays homage to detective novelist Mickey Spillane.

Director Peter Sellars helmed a modernized production of Mozart's iconic opera at this year's Pepsico Summerfare. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwarz saw the performance in Purchase, NY. He says not all of the updates worked, but the individual performances reached the audience "on a profoundly emotional level."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz shares his admiration for the Music & Arts Programs of America, a Berkeley-based record label that reissues classic performances from earlier in the 20th century.

The renowned soloist says the nature of his instrument demands that he be flexible about also playing supportively in ensemble settings. He talks about how the death of his parents, both of whom were musicians, contributed to his artistic development.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a reissued recording of Arturo Toscanini conducting Berlioz--a composer not often associated with the maestro. Schwartz says the improved sound quality will help listeners better appreciate the performances.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has cautious admiration for the Kronos Quartet, which exclusively plays pieces from the 20th century. He says the members are excellent performers who often fail to explore the true depths of their chosen repertoire.

Classical music critic says a new recording of Elgar's Miniatures serve as a perfect vehicle for the elegant phrasing of oboist Leon Gooseens.

Celebrated by critics and opera aficionados, the singer is finally reaching a larger audience with recent recordings, like her CD of Schubert, Hayden, and Mozart lieder. She joins Fresh Air to talk about her technique, and the differences between singing lieder and opera.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz will review a Nonesuch recording featuring 95-year-old pianist Mieczyslaw Horszowski.

Dave Harrington, founder of first violinist of the Kronos Quartet, the avant-garde chamber group that's meeting with mainstream success.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz will review the new album by cellist Yo Yo Ma.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a CBS compact disc re-issue featuring the late George Szell conducting the Cleveland Orchestra in a performance of Mozart's "Sinfonia Concertante."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz will review the new Angel recording of Gustav Mahler's 8th Symphony, conducted by Klaus Tennstedt.

Ellen Pfeifer, music critic for The Boston Herald, reviews the brief career of cellist Jacqueline Du Pré, who died on Monday from the effects of multiple sclerosis. Her playing was a described as a mixture of elegance and ferocity. When the disease struck at the age of 26, it cut short one of the most promising solo careers in all classical music.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of the late pianist Glenn Gould playing Bach's Goldberg Variations.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new album of contemporary Chinese piano music performed by Jeffrey Jacob.