Thomas Fasano

Tom Fasano has been writing reviews of classical music recordings for the past quarter century. He's finally making them public on this blog.

Rachmaninov’s Vespers: Zeiner’s Ethereal Vocals with MDR Rundfunkchor Leipzig’s Spiritual Resonance

Composer: Sergei Rachmaninov Works: Vespers Op. 37 ‘All-Night Vigil’ Performers: Klaudia Zeiner (alto), Mikhail Agafonov (tenor), Lew…

Smetana’s The Bartered Bride: Krušina’s Enthralling Performance with National Opera Company of Prague

Composer: Bedřich Smetana Works: The Bartered Bride Performers: Krušina (Jan Konstantin), Ludmila (Marie Pixová), Marenka (Ada Nordenová),…

Mozart, Gluck, Myslivecek: A Journey Through Aria Masterpieces in Contemporary Interpretation

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787), Josef Myslivecek (1737-1781) Works: La clemenza di Tito:…

Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis: Zinman’s Inspiring Collaboration with Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra and Elite Soloists

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven Works: Missa Solemnis in D major Op. 123 Performers: Luba Orgonasova (soprano), Anna…

Dart’s English Keyboard Works: A Captivating Journey through Byrd to Boyce

Composer: Thurston Dart Works: William Byrd: A Fancy, A Voluntarie; John Bull: Salvator Mundi Deus, Fantasia; Orlando…

Giacinto Scelsi’s Chamber Works: Klangforum Wien’s Explorative Journey Through Sonic Landscapes

Composer: Giacinto Scelsi Works: String Quartet No. 4 (1964), Elohim (1965/7), Duo for Violin and Cello (1965),…

Bach’s Complete Cantatas: Stokes’ Thoughtful Translation and Neary’s Insightful Introduction

Composer: J. S. Bach Works: The Complete Cantatas Performers: Richard Stokes (Translator), Martin Neary (Introduction) Recording: published…

Elgar’s Orchestral Masterpieces: Sir Andrew Davis’s Insightful Direction with BBC Symphony Orchestra

Composer: Edward Elgar Works: Cockaigne Overture, Op. 40; Introduction and Allegro, Op. 47; Enigma Variations, Op. 36…

Hahn’s Orchestral Treasures: Clavier and Pondepeyre’s Captivating Performances with Philharmonie de Lorraine

Composer: Reynaldo Hahn Works: Violin Concerto, Piano Concerto, Suite Hongroise Performers: Denis Clavier (violin), Angéline Pondepeyre (piano),…

Lazzari’s Piano Trio and Sonata: Trio de France’s Revelatory Exploration of Forgotten Masterpieces

Composer: Sylvio Lazzari (1857 – 1944) Works: Piano Trio op. 13 in G minor, Sonata for violin…

Messiaen’s Livre du Saint-Sacrament: Page’s Spiritual Journey through Organ Soundscapes

Composer: Olivier Messiaen Works: Livre du Saint-Sacrament (1984) Performers: Anne Page, organ Recording: Recorded in Norwich Cathedral,…

Verdi’s Aida: Caballé and Domingo’s Timeless Performance in Historic Recording

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Works: Aida – Opera in four acts Performers: Montserrat Caballé (soprano), Plácido Domingo (tenor),…