Classical

Critic Lloyd Schwartz says recordings of Gyorgy Kurtag's music are few, but he was able to track down a recent LP of some of the composer's song cycles -- several of which are full of humor.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a series of recordings of pianist Artur Schanbel's performances of Mozart's music. Schwartz also shares some personal stories which illustrate why this music is so important to him.

Composer Lou Harrison studied with Arnold Schoenberg and Henry Cowell, and collaborated with John Cage. But classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that a new recording of his music reveals an Asian influence. It's a calming addition to the late-20th century repertory.

Lloyd Schwartz says that Spanish cellist's renditions of Bach are unrivaled. He reviews Casals' complete performances the composer's cello suite, as well as a more recent recording of Beethoven's trios.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new PBS documentary about Maria Callas. He says it's not as well-organized or thoughtful as an earlier film about the opera star; the late singer would be better served by a complete broadcast of one of her performances.

The experimental composer, who just celebrated his 80th birthday, has largely abandoned conventional technique in his recent work. But after listening back to some of Carter's earlier songs, classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says he can hear traces of melody in his more difficult pieces.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz praises a new release of excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Christmas-themed suite, conducted by Yevgeney Mravinsky and performed by the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra. The CD also features what Schwartz says is one of the most powerful performances of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet ballet.

Tuckwell doesn't see his shift from French horn performance to orchestra conducting as a career change -- it's all music to him. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his experiences as a soloist and working with other conductors.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new album featuring a 1932 recording of the composer's Bolero, performed by the Orchestre des concerts Lamoureux, and helmed by Ravel himself

Music scholar Barry Cooper discovered Ludwig van Beethoven's outlines for a final symphony, and decided to complete the work himself. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has a review of the premiere recording, on the MCA label.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz praises two volumes of the composer's chamber music, performed expertly and honestly by the Arditti Quartet.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says he actively seeks out performances and recordings of the orchestra, which has been revitalized by conductor Christoph von Dohnányi. Schwartz reviews two new CDs Dohnányi helmed, featuring symphonies by Mendelssohn and Schumann.

The group Marimolin comprises marimba player Nancy Zeltsman and violinist Sharan Leventhal. Their self-titled album features new compositions written especially for them. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's delightful, and hopes the duo finds success.

The classical musician says, now that she's established herself as an accomplished performer, she no longer feels the need to prove herself. She got her start early; her mother made sure she practiced. At nineteen, after a nine-month hiatus from the violin, she finally decided she wanted to devote her life to the instrument.

Leroy Anderson was classical composer who often used popular forms in his orchestral music. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says a new collection of Anderson's Americana-infused work reveals his charm and wit.

Rhys Chatham is a classically-trained, minimalist composer who incorporates rock influences into his music. He joins Fresh Air to talk about his choice of instrumentation, and the evolution of his work over the years.

Goode was recently commissioned to record all of Beethoven's piano sonatas. He joins Fresh Air to discuss the challenges of that endeavor, the process of memorizing the repertory, and his early musical training.

Classical music critic says that no music is more fun than a good operetta. A new collection of lesser known works by composer Jacques Offenbach is more fun than almost any other album this year.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews new reissues of performances conducted by the British maestro and London Philharmonic founder.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording of Harold Shapero's symphony, conducted by Andre Previn and performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic.