Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra / Saulius Sondeckis / St. Petersburg Camerata / Alexander Titov – Dmitri Shostakovich: The Gadfly Suite, Op. 97A I Georgy Sviridov: Snowstorm

From the Essential Classics Bandcamp site: “This album is dedicated to two masterpieces of Russian film music. It is also a reminiscence to Saulius Sondeckis, one of the figureheads of the former Soviet Union chamber music scene, who died last year, and to Georgy Sviridov, whose 20th anniversary of death Continue Reading

Duo Noire – Night Triptych

Thomas Flippin and Christopher Mallett are Duo Noire, who perform astounding guitar duets. From their Bandcamp site: “Duo Noire’s playing throughout is virtuosic, sensitive, and calibrated beautifully to the style of each work. “Night Triptych” contributes an hour’s worth of important new music into the repertoire, presenting works that will Continue Reading

Colin Stetson – SORROW – a reimagining of Gorecki’s 3rd Symphony

There is something about the contrabass clarinet that is achingly sad to hear.  American-Canadian composer Colin Stetson has an already impressive body of work, but his interpretation of Henryk Górecki’s most iconic composition is something else to behold.  As he states on his Bandcamp site: “The concept was simple, and Continue Reading

Adrián Demoč / Apartment House – Žiadba

Another Timbre is a record label based in Sheffield, England, known for producing high-quality experimental and modern classical music. This particular release features Slovak composer Adrián Demoč and is performed by the ensemble Apartment House. While only two tracks are available for listening, both are dense and calming compositions.

Alessandra Celletti – Stop Femicides

Femicide, like most other –cides, is a pernicious evil, and women suffer atrociously in parts of the world, but despite the provocative title, this album is more of a celebration of some rather amazing songs influenced by ladies, interpreted by our dear friend Alessandra Celletti.  Some of the covers were Continue Reading

Brooklyn Rider – The Wanderer: Live From Paliesius, Lithuania

Brooklyn Rider are one of America’s best contemporary classical music quartets and they simply don’t receive the exposure they so richly deserve.  In this album, the first six tracks are dedicated to modern composers like Osvaldo Golijov from Argentina and Gonzalo Grau, who hails from Venezuela.  Both come from a Continue Reading

Passepartout Duo – Argot

My, this is a lovely release.  Passepartout Duo manage to balance modern classical music with a minimal post-rock sound without the “rock” part.  It’s exquisite listening, especially for those who like minimalist music.  Think of Arvo Pärt collaborating with Sigur Rós, and this might give you an idea of what Continue Reading