Distinctive Voices: Three Must-Hear Violin Albums
by Tom Huizenga
From the sweet melodies by Bach to the quiet sound world of Morton Feldman, sample three fascinating new albums by today's top fiddlers.
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Despite the perennial gloomy forecasts, the classical recording industry is robust and fiercely diverse. Read our recommendations and hear samples from compelling new CDs, downloads and DVDs.
Three Must-Hear Piano Albums
by Tom Huizenga
The young Ingolf Wunder shines in Mozart, Jorge Federico Osorio reintroduces a Mexican classic and Elisveta Blumina reveals the gentle side of Valentine Silvestrov in three compelling new piano recordings.
Vespers, Habaneras And Early Morning Walks: New Classical Albums
by Tom Huizenga
From the radiant voices of a Latvian choir to a fresh young string quartet and a seasoned symphony, NPR's Tom Huizenga and host Jacki Lyden spin an eclectic mix of new classical releases.
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How A Violinist Saved 1,000 Jews In World War II
by Anastasia Tsioulcas
The story of how legendary violinist Bronisław Huberman used his prestige and fame toward a heroic end inspired a documentary film. See the trailer and learn more about the founding of what became the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Good Friday 5: Musical Passion Stories You Must Hear
Anastasia Tsioulcas and Tom Huizenga
Before Easter, hear five powerful and diverse musical portrayals of Jesus' last days and crucifixion, from Bach's monumental St. Matthew to Golijov's brilliant Latin American mashup to a dark and terrifying Russian vision from Sofia Gubaidulina.
Music We Love Now: New Albums Of Bach, Beethoven And Brahms
by Tom Huizenga
New albums of music by the "Three Bs" prove that going back to the basics has its advantages. Hear a sweet-toned violin concerto, an audacious piano sonata and a solo cello suite caressed by a lute.
Can Effective And Affecting Art Come Out Of War?
by Anastasia Tsioulcas
A new opera by David T. Little chronicles three generations of soldiers' experiences in journalistic style — and resurrects some important questions about the function of art.
Nordic Symphonies And A $100 Guitar: Music We Love Now
Anastasia Tsioulcas and Tom Huizenga
Turn your ears toward three albums now tickling ours: clever Nielsen, glowing Finland and one battered electric guitar.
The New Baroque And A Nod To Minnesota
Anastasia Tsioulcas and Tom Huizenga
From Christopher Purves' bottomless bass voice and the soaring Sibelius Fifth to a violist's new take on the Baroque, it's this week's list of albums we can't stop listening to.
Lean But Seen: The Joy Of Smaller Opera
by Anastasia Tsioulcas
A intense but modestly scaled new opera called Sumeia's Song, written by rising young Arab-American composer Mohammed Fairouz, offers clues into how chamber-sized presentations can be successfully both financially and artistically. And Philip Glass' new Walt Disney opera streams for free Wednesday.
