Reviews

Jason Victor Serinus - September 8, 2012

The first night of the S.F. Opera's Rigoletto, featured three much-heralded SFO debutants, faring best in secondary roles, and inspired conducting by Luisotti.

Michelle Dulak Thomson - September 7, 2012

Even if you’re awash in recordings of the Schubert Cello Quintet piece, this recording by the Arcanto Quartet and Oliver Marron is one to hear.

Niels Swinkels - September 7, 2012

Guest conductor Semyon Bychkov launches S.F. Symphony’s 101st season with fine playing, even without the typical opening-night glitz ’n’ glamour.

Michelle Dulak Thomson - August 31, 2012

ETHEL goes to great extremes to play down the fact that it’s a classical ensemble, but in the end it doesn’t matter. The album is great and well-played.

Jason Victor Serinus - August 30, 2012

Handel’s best-known opera has achieved popularity due to a staggering succession of supremely engaging melodies. The reason for the full-house in Salzburg was the stars.

Jeff Kaliss - August 27, 2012

Here is a readable, restless, illuminating study of John Cage, a musician who influenced how all of us think about music.

Michelle Dulak Thomson - August 27, 2012

After a game of musical chairs in recent years, the Artemis Quartet is still up on its game, as heard on its latest CD of Schubert masterworks.

Jeff Dunn - August 27, 2012

Red Tzar’s libretto is ill served by Lisa Scola-Prosek’s music at
the Thick House.

Steven Winn - August 20, 2012

Judd Greenstein’s “thrill-ride” highlights a winning chamber music program in a Napa Valley vineyard.

Jeff Dunn - August 20, 2012

Tom Chiu and Christopher Jones free notes from traditional shackles at a centenary concert in honor of a great 20th-century innovator.