Classical Explorer

We previously met Lucca-born Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762) on a disc on Glossa’s “Cabinet” label, a set of superb performance software the composer’s Op. 2 Concerti grossi. That was in 2020, and revisiting the disc, the […]

Mauriaio Pollini’s death was a significant blow to the piano world. His concerts in London over the years were always highlights, a great pianist of unfathomable energy who always illuminated everything he touched. A musician […]

A coupling of the Elgar Violin Concerto and Violin Sonata today; plus, a truncated performance of the concerto, all led by Albert Sammons. Born in 1886 in West London, Sammons’ remarkable life includes leaving school […]

Miachael Sanderling (son of the great Kurt Sanderling) is a conductor I am aching to hear live. His contribution to this remarkable disc of Grieg and Schumann piano concertos with Elisabeth Leonskaja was notable indeed; […]

Two discs of Mozart Horn Concertos day: Pip Eastop, who we met most recently here, with the Hanover Band and fellow horn player Anthony Halstead, on Hyperion, and Alec Frank-Gemmill with the Swedish Chamber Orchestra […]

The Dudok Quartet Amsterdam is interesting firstly in that they boast beautiful vintage instruments and they perform Tchaikovsky with unwound gut brings nd period bows. It is the continuation of a journey begun in 2020 […]

The first disc of Alpesh Chauhn’s Tchaikovsky series on Chandos with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra was well received critically, including here at Classical Explorer. Here’s the promo video for Volume Two: The disc begins […]

Vítězslav Novák (1870-1949) was a composition student of Dvořák. His music blends folk music with a late-Romantic opulence which can include hits of Impressionism. It is a fascinating mix which nevertheless always seems to keep […]

Save Our Souls VENI Ensemble. Slovenian National Gallery, Bratislava, 11.02.2025 Daniel Matej (b, 1963) Save Our Souls (2015, version for picc/piano)  Sciarrino Let me die before I wake (1982)  Lenka Novosedlkovà (b. 1989) Obraz I […]

This is a remarkable two-CD set comprised entirely of first releases including never-before-issued performances led by the renowned conductor Pierre Monteux. Among these is a legendary 50th Anniversary performance of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring with the composer in attendance, given […]