Your browser does not support iframes. As a fan of Heiner Goebbels‘ work as far back as the Recommended / RèR Records days, it’s been a joy to hear his music become more full, more dense, and on occasion, more foreboding. ECM seems to be the perfect home for Continue Reading
Contemporary Classical
ǽfv – خلق و خوی هماهنگ
Two small ambient/orchestral pieces have been released by the composer ǽfv, of whom I know nothing except that she is an experimental composer and cellist whose short compositions left me wanting much more.
The Crossing – Carols after a Plague
I knew nothing about the band The Crossing, but after seeing that a composition by drummer Tyshawn Sorey was featured, I thought it prudent to listen to that track and then to the whole album. It is, unsurprisingly, a gorgeous, if dissonant, listening experience. From The Crossing’s Bandcamp site: “Throughout Continue Reading
Javi Cánovas – Twelve Improvisations For Piano Solo
Twelve Improvisations For Piano Solo is a solo piano album by Spanish pianist Javi Cánovas from 2016. It’s an elegant listening experience comfortably sitting on a corner where contemporary classical, jazz and new age congregate.
Johnny Gandelsman – This Is America – An Anthology 2020-2021
Before I left to China in 2018, the last concert I caught was Iranian-Kurdish master Kayhan Kalhor along with Brooklyn Rider. As it turns out, their violinist, Johnny Gandelsman, was selling one of his albums on vinyl, which I duly purchased (and have nearly worn out). I’m pleased to say he Continue Reading
Odeya Nini – Ode
Los Angeles-based composer Odeya Nini is a marvel to listen to. She uses her voice and body to full effect as an instrument and composes profoundly interesting contemporary classical music, and whose works are radical enough to fit into musique concrète. If you enjoy the works of Meredith Monk or Continue Reading
Santiago Fradejas – Montages, Volume Two
What a joy it is when a friend releases a new album! Argentine composer (now residing in England) Santiago Fradejas offers an experimental music album composed on an 8-string electric guitar and loops, making a soundscape album that is, at times, Fripperesque. It’s dark, but not foreboding, and gently flows Continue Reading
Víkingur Ólafsson ~ From Afar
“Never meet your heroes”. If Víkingur Ólafsson had followed this advice, this gem of an album would have never come into existence. Having loved the … Víkingur Ólafsson ~ From Afar
György Kurtág – Signs, Games and Messages (mode230)
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of going out to the picturesque town of Szentendre, about 35 minutes outside of Budapest, with my girlfriend and some fine old friends. I expected a nice trip, and instead, we not only have that but we were treated to seeing several galleries, bookstores, and Continue Reading
Kivie Cahn-Lipman – Sumna
From Kivie’s Bandcamp site: Sumna is the third solo album of Kivie Cahn-Lipman (founding cellist of the International Contemporary Ensemble, founder of baroque band ACRONYM and HiP Scottish ensemble Makaris, and co-founder of viol consorts LeStrange and Science Ficta). Here he offers first recordings of new cello solos written for Continue Reading