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.

Adolphe Adam’s Le Postillon de Lonjumeau: A Captivating Revival by Monte-Carlo Philharmonic’s Stellar Cast

Composer: Adolphe Adam Works: Le Postillon de Lonjumeau Performers: John Aler (Chapelou/Saint-Phar), June Anderson (Madeleine/Madame de Latour),…

Giuliani’s and Hoffmann’s String Quartets: Quatuor PlectrArchi’s Revitalizing Performance

Composer: Giovanni Francesco Giuliani, Giovanni Hoffmann Works: Quatuor en Ré majeur, Quatuor en Sol majeur, Quatuor en…

Wills’ WONDROUS MACHINE!: Filsell’s Masterful Interpretation of British Organ Works

Composer: Arthur Wills (born 1926) Works: WONDROUS MACHINE! Organ works Performers: Jeremy Filsell (organ) Recorded: Tonbridge School…

Walton’s String Quartets: The Emperor Quartet’s Insightful Exploration of Underrated Masterpieces

Composer: William Walton Works: String Quartet (1922), String Quartet in A minor (1947) Performers: The Emperor Quartet…

Walford Davies’ Choral Works: A Captivating Journey Through Sacred Melodies and Harmonies

Recording Review: Composer: Sir Henry Walford Davies (1869-1942) Works: Solemn Melody (cello and organ arr. Fisher), Jesu…

Wagner’s Parsifal: Knappertsbusch’s Timeless Interpretation at Bayreuth Festival

Composer: Richard Wagner (1813-1883) Works: Parsifal (1865-1882) Performers: Amfortas – George London Titurel – Martti Talvela Gurnemanz…

Vivaldi’s Sacred Masterpieces: The King’s Consort’s Captivating Performance of Volume Six

Composer: ANTONIO VIVALDI (1678-1741) Works: Sacred Music Vol. 6: Beatus vir RV795, Salve Regina RV617, Laudate Dominum…

Villa-Lobos’ Chôros Nos. 8 and 9: Hong Kong Philharmonic’s Captivating Journey Under Kenneth Schermerhorn

Composer: Heitor VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959) Works: Chôros Nos. 8 (1925) and 9 (1929) Performers: Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra…

Verdi’s Falstaff: Karajan’s Dynamic Direction with the Philharmonia Orchestra

Giuseppe Verdi: Falstaff Philharmonia Orchestra & Chorus Herbert von Karajan, conductor Recorded 1956 EMI CLASSICS CMS5 67083…

Contemporary Argentinian Compositions: Villadongos’ Captivating Guitar Interpretations

Composer: Maximo Pujol, Narciso Saul, Hector Ayala, Carlos Guastavino, Juan Falu, Walter Heinze Works: Tres Piezas Rioplantenses,…

Festival of Rare Piano Music: Smith’s Ensemble Brings Hidden Gems to Life

Composer: Various Works: Highlights from the Festival of Rare Piano Music at Schloss vor Husum Performers: Ronald…

Caruso’s Vocal Mastery: A Journey Through Romantic Melodies and Italian Arias

Composer: Enrico Caruso Works: Leoncavallo, Lasciati amar; De Crescenzo, Guardann’a luna; O’Hara, Your eyes have told me;…