Which of these 8 recordings will be the most Noteworthy Release of 2020?
Each week, WTJU host Ralph Graves shares album reviews of recent Noteworthy Releases. During this year's WTJU Classical Marathon, he'll feature the your favorite picks of 2020’s new releases.
Vote for your favorite(s) below. Then tune in WTJU 91.1 FM on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6 - 9 a.m. to hear the results!
When you vote, you'll be automatically entered into a free drawing for a WTJU Classical Marathon poster.
THE CANDIDATES:
1. Estonian Orchestral Works
Estonian National Symphony Orchestra; Neeme Jarvi, conductor (Chandos)
"These may be the definitive realizations of this superb music." Full review here.
2. Henry Purcell - Royal Welcome Songs for King Charles II
The Sixteen; Harry Christophers, director (Coros)
"If you’ve enjoyed the Sixteen’s previous Purcell releases, you’ll definitely want to add this to your library." Full review here.
3. American Gifts for Marimba Duo
Jack Van Geem, Nancy Zeitsman, marimba (Bridge)
"Jack Van Geem and Nancy Zeitsman are superb players." Full review here.
4. Evolution of the String Quartet
Musica Fiorita (Pan Classics)
"Musica Fiorita's phrasing is both authentic and musical, bringing out the finer details in the scores." Full review here.
5. Scott Perkins - New England Requiem
Da Capo Players and Choir; Brett Alan Judson, conductor (Gothic)
"Bottom line: this is an exquisitely beautiful album of contemporary choral music." Full review here.
6. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach - Keyboard Concertos
Michael Rische, piano; Berlin Barock Solisten
"Rische takes full advantage of his instrument, shaping the music with thoughtful phrasing and subtle dynamic changes." Full review here.
7. Johannes Ockeghem - Complete Songs, Vol. 1
Blue Heron, Scott Metcalf, director (Blue Heron)
"There are two things I can count on: blue-chip stocks, and Blue Heron recordings." Full review here.
8 Agnes Zimmerman - The Violin Sonatas
Mathilde Milwidsky, violin; Sam Haywood, piano (Toccata Classics)
"Milwidsky and Haywood play with insightful nuance." Full review here.