Talivaldis Kenins Symphonic Cycle Finishes Strong

Andris Poga and the Latvian National Symphony Orchestra understand Kenin's music. -- both what it is and the culture it springs from. This has been an exceptional cycle of recordings.

Ralph Graves 1/25/23 Ralph Graves 1/25/23

Tālivaldis Ķeniņš: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 8 End of the Journey

If you're not familiar with Ķeniņš's work, I recommend starting here.

Ralph Graves 9/15/22 Ralph Graves 9/15/22

Simone Lamsma recovers Rautavaara's Lost Landscapes

I loved this release. But if you have yet to experience his music, I recommend "Lost Landscapes." It's just gorgeous music full of honest emotion.

Ralph Graves 3/17/22 Ralph Graves 3/17/22

Robert Trevino upgrades the repertoire with Americascapes

If I had my way, every orchestral conductor in the United States would get a copy of this release. There is so much more to American music than Appalachian Spring.

Ralph Graves 10/21/21 Ralph Graves 10/21/21

Eduardas Balsys - the Voice of Lithuania

I had never heard of Eduardas Balsys before auditioning this release. I very much want to hear more. A lot more.

Ralph Graves 2/9/21 Ralph Graves 2/9/21

Ciurlionis Orchestral Works in Fresh Performances

The Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra directed by Modestas Pitrenas do their countryman proud. The orchestra has a lush, warm sound that suits Ciurlionis' music well.

Ralph Graves 7/30/20 Ralph Graves 7/30/20

Kaija Saariaho - True Fire true masterwork

True Fire was composed for baritone Gerald Finley, who performs it here. The Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra was one of the co-commissioning organizations. Consider this, then, an authoritative performance, and a thrilling one at that.

Ralph Graves 5/30/12 Ralph Graves 5/30/12

Joseph Martin Kraus Viola Concertos No Joke

Violist David Carpenter keeps things moving along, which is good. This is music that benefits for a lightness of touch, and the sprightly playing of the Tapiola Sinfonietta hits just the right emotional tone.

Ralph Graves 4/18/12 Ralph Graves 4/18/12

Ethereal Orchestral Works by Kaija Saariaho

As I listened to this compilation, the words I kept jotting down were "mysterious," "atmospheric," and "ethereal." Those terms, I think, apply to the entire collection.

We are grateful for the generosity of the Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation and UVA Arts Council, supporting WTJU and CharlottesvilleClassical.org.