by Adorjan Horvát The harp has long carried the weight of cultural myth as an instrument once confined to parlors and salons, deemed “feminine” in its delicacy and domesticity. With Birds of Paradise (Azica Records, September 12, 2025), Ember, a trio comprising Emily Levin (harp), Julia Choi (violin), and Christine Lamprea (cello), takes this stereotype … Read more
by Adorjan Horvát Wayne Alpern’s Modern Music is a program of music by the composer that demonstrates his engaging style-based recomposition expertise. Consisting of twenty works for solo piano, Alpern examines the DNA of classical form and re-sequences it in a modern aesthetic, one built equally on harmonic freedom, modern rhythmic clarity, and musical logic. … Read more
By Adorjan Horvát In Beethoven: The Complete String Quartets Vol. 1, the Ariel Quartet embarks on a profound journey through Beethoven’s Op. 18 quartets. Recorded over sessions in 2022 and 2023 at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, this release captures the Ariel Quartet’s interpretation in a heartfelt reconnection. The quartet’s history with these … Read more
by Adorjan Horvát Jeneba Kanneh-Mason’s debut solo album, Fantasie, released on March 7, 2025, via Sony Classical, is a compelling introduction to her musical artistry and curatorial vision. At 22, Kanneh-Mason presents a program rich in emotional depth and stylistic diversity, shaping each piece with a profound connection to its inner workings, crafting an immersive and … Read more
Kun-Woo Paik, Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2 Review by Adorjan Horvát Kun-Woo Paik’s Mozart: Piano Works, Vol. 2 beautifully marries two seemingly distinct musical worlds: the Classical clarity of Mozart and the Romantic intensity that would flourish in the century following his death. With his deep understanding of both traditions, Paik respects Mozart’s structural clarity and … Read more
Simone Dinnerstein, The Eye is the First Circle Review by Adorjan Horvát Simone Dinnerstein has long been celebrated as an influential figure in contemporary classical piano, known for her imaginative and boundary-pushing interpretations. From her acclaimed debut recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations to her explorations of American modernist repertoire, Dinnerstein has consistently embraced creative risk-taking and … Read more
Bryce Dessner, Solos Review by Adorjan Horvát Solos marks Bryce Dessner’s debut with Sony Classical, featuring a collection of unaccompanied instrumental works performed by a stellar cast of musicians. This album features fifteen of Dessner’s storied compositions and the extraordinary musicianship of his collaborators. Dessner pieces offers a deeply personal and introspective program that reflects his … Read more
Gwyneth Wentink, Canto Ostinato Review Simeon ten Holt’s Canto Ostinato is a monumental piece in the minimal music genre renowned for its hypnotic repetition and meditative qualities. Originally composed for multiple keyboards, it has seen various interpretations and arrangements over the years. Gwyneth Wentink’s adaptation for solo harp, released in May 2024, introduces a new … Read more
Maya Beiser, Maya Beiser x Terry Riley: In C Review Cellist Maya Beiser takes a daring step with her latest album, Maya Beiser x Terry Riley: In C. This reinterpretation of Riley’s minimalist masterpiece infuses the composition with a unique perspective. Beiser’s virtuosity on the cello and the support of drummers Shane Shanahan and Matt … Read more
Val Giamo, Stay With Me For Thirty Minutes Review Val Giamo, a multifaceted composer and pianist, continues to enchant the classical music world with her evocative compositions that bridge classical and contemporary sounds. The Russian-born artist whose journey from the diverse musical landscapes of her early career to her reflective piano compositions has always sought … Read more