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.
5

Glass’s Aguas da Amazonia: Uakti’s Vibrant Fusion of Brazilian and Minimalist Sounds

Composer: Philip Glass Works: Aguas da Amazonia Performers: Uakti (Marco Antônio Guimarães: artistic direction and arrangements, strings;…

8

Schnittke’s Choral Works: Holst Singers’ Captivating Interpretation of Voices of Nature and Concerto for Mixed Chorus

Composer: Alfred Schnittke Works: Concerto for Mixed Chorus (1984/5), Voices of Nature (Golosa prirodi) (1972), Minnesang (1980/81)…

9

Finnissy’s Piano Works: Ian Pace’s Masterful Interpretations of Complex Textures

Composer: Michael Finnissy Works: Piano Concerto No.4 (1978, rev. 1996), Piano Concerto No.6 (1980/1), Snowdrift (1972), Verdi…

3

Brahms’ Violin Concerto: Szigeti’s Timeless Dialogue with London Philharmonic and Beecham’s Halle Orchestra

Composer: Johannes Brahms Works: Violin Concerto, Op. 77; Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64 (Mendelssohn) Performers:…

11

Léonin’s Sacred Music: Red Byrd’s Captivating Revival of 12th Century Paris

Composer: Léonin Works: Sacred Music from 12th Century Paris Performers: Red Byrd – John Potter (tenor), Richard…

13

Chopin’s Piano Mastery: Kempf’s Captivating Interpretations of Iconic Works

Composer: Frédéric Chopin Works: Four Ballades: G minor, Op. 23, F major, Op. 38, A flat major,…

5

Schubert’s Die schöne Müllerin: Schmidt’s Expressive Interpretation with Jansen’s Sensitive Accompaniment

Composer: Franz Schubert Works: Die schöne Müllerin D. 795 Performers: Andreas Schmidt (baritone), Rudolf Jansen (pianoforte) Recording:…

5

Cage’s Music of Changes: Schleiermacher’s Insightful Exploration of Avant-Garde Innovation

Composer: John Cage Works: Music of Changes (1951) Performers: Steffen Schleiermacher (piano) Recording: Fürstliche Reitbahn Arolsen, October…

10

Schumann’s Liederkreis and Kerner-lieder: Prégardien’s Lyrical Mastery with Gees’ Sensitive Piano

Review of Christoph Prégardien and Michael Gees: Schumann Liederkreis and Kerner-lieder Composer: Robert Schumann (1810-1856) Works: Liederkreis,…

8

Mahler’s Symphony No. 4: Zander’s Polished Yet Distant Interpretation with Philharmonia Orchestra

GUSTAV MAHLER (1860-1911) Symphony No. 4 in G major Camilla Tilling (soprano) Philharmonia Orchestra / Benjamin Zander…

8

Verdi’s Otello: Elder’s Dynamic Interpretation with English National Opera’s Captivating Ensemble

Composer: Giuseppe Verdi Works: Otello (sung in English) Performers: Charles Craig (tenor) Otello, Rosalind Plowright (soprano) Desdemona,…

5

Primrose’s Viola Mastery: A Journey Through Brahms and Beyond with Iconic Collaborators

Composer: William Primrose Works: Brahms Viola Sonata No. 1, Brahms Viola Sonata No. 2, Arthur Benjamin Elegy,…