For this week's Sound Advice, CapRadio's Morning Classical Host Kevin Doherty selects four new releases to keep an ear out for, including works by John Adams recorded by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, a Bach concerto recorded by pianist Simone Dinnerstein, a Mozart sonata recorded by violinist Hilary Hahn and pianist Cory Smythe and an original by guitarist Frederic Hand.
John Adams - Absolute Jest
Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Doric Quartet
Absolute Jest
Chandos - 2018
It's John Adams meets Beethoven in this new release from Chandos Records. “Absolute Jest” is no joke. Adams expertly infuses Beethoven's sonorities and thematic material into his very own sonic landscape. Beethoven fans will hear remnants of a couple of his symphonies and late string quartets all throughout this concerto for string quartet and orchestra.
Johann Sebastian Bach - Keyboard Concerto No. 7
A Far Cry
Simone Dinnerstein, piano
Circles
Orange Mountain - 2018
Very few pianists in the world play Bach quite like Simone Dinnerstein. Her rendition of Bach’s famous Piano Concerto No. 7 is composed and effortless. The other work on the album is the world premiere recording of Philip Glass’ third piano concerto written especially for Dinnerstein. For more info on the Philip Glass concerto, check out my interview with Dinnerstein from last month.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Violin Sonata No. 27 in G minor
Hilary Hahn, violin
Cory Smythe, piano
Retrospective
Deutsche Grammophon - 2018
Retrospective is a compendium of some of Hilary Hahn’s highlight recordings. Her programming is as musical and creative as her violin playing. While most of this album is from older recordings there are a couple of new tracks including Mozart’s Violin Sonata No. 27. Her playing on this track is lyrical and fluid. A side note: It’s said that Mozart composed this sonata in a day.
Frederic Hand - Heart’s Song
Frederic Hand, guitar
Samatureya
Panoramic - 2018
Frederic Hand was a student of legendary guitarist Julian Bream and was guitarist and lutenist with the Metropolitan Opera in the 80s. His new album Samatureya is a collection of the guitarist’s original works. “Heart’s Song” is based on a Brahms piano work, the Intermezzo No. 2 from his Op. 118. Hand writes in the CD liner notes: “The passion and heartfelt expression in Brahms’ music has served as a beacon throughout my life.”
