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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
Anastasia Tsioulcas and Tom Huizenga
Turn your ears toward three albums now tickling ours: clever Nielsen, glowing Finland and one battered electric guitar.
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.
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.
by Tom Huizenga
The Pulitzer Prize winner has written pieces inspired by places as far flung as Venice, New Hampshire and a monastery in the mountains of Northern Spain. These dramatically diverse locations spawned picturesque musical ideas ranging from classical to jazz to klezmer.
