The latest Bach recording from Cantata Collective, led by Nicholas McGegan, is highlighted by a spirited (and rapturously sung) ‘Easter Oratorio.’ All the components are in place, with four outstanding vocal soloists, compelling instrumentalists, and a top-notch chorus. This is another must-have recording from one of the Bay Area’s premiere ensembles.
Cantata Collective’s Easter Oratorio & Magnificat Read More »
The Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra, founded in 2022, has rapidly blossomed under artistic director Dylan Madoux. His goal is to create a self-sustaining early-music community for Oklahoma City and the region. People around the country are starting to take notice.
Putting Down Roots in the Oklahoma Soil Read More »
Charles Avison is best known as a theorist and for his 1752 ‘Essay on Musical Expression.’ But he was also a composer whose attitudes — learn the rules of harmony; break them to be expressive — reached far beyond Georgian England.
The Expressive Charms of Charles Avison Read More »
Ruckus describes itself as a ‘continuo band,’ and for its latest album the adventurous ensemble is backing fiddler Keir GoGwilt in a collection of wild, romping tunes by Niel Gow (1727-1807), a legend in the Scottish tradition. The band plays Gow’s music with all the virtuosity and flair they’d bring to Purcell and Handel.
The ‘Edinburgh Rollick’ with Ruckus Read More »
Beethoven was commissioned to transcribe the solo part of his beloved Violin Concerto for keyboard, rarely heard today. Canadian fortepianist Anders Muskens and a top period-instrument band give it a rousing go—brisk and flexible, imaginative and insightful. Much of the playing is a delight.
A Fortepianist Takes Up Beethoven’s Violin Concerto Read More »
