We wrap up Season 2 of Classical Breakdown with some recommended recordings for you to explore this summer. These recently released albums feature a diverse range of composers, styles, ensembles, and even world premiere recordings.
Show Notes
Randall Goosby - Roots
Rising star violinist Randall Goosby releases Roots, an exploration of the music written by Black composers and inspired by Black American culture. The album is a homage to the pioneering musicians that paved the way for Goosby and his generation of young artists, and looks to the future, opening with a specially commissioned work by New Jersey-based composer Xavier Dubois Foley.
Listen on Spotify here
Get it on Amazon here
Simone Dinnerstein - An American Mosaic
An American Mosaic is a set of fifteen miniatures, each commemorating a segment of the American population that has been affected by the pandemic – doctors, parents, children, front line workers, caretakers, and those who have lost their lives to the virus. The album also includes transcriptions by Danielpour for Dinnerstein of J.S. Bach's "Agnus Dei" from the Mass in B minor, as well as "Wenn Ich einmal soll scheiden" and "Epilogue Chorus: Wir setzen, uns mit Tränen nieder," from the St. Matthew Passion.
Listen on Spotify here
Get it on Amazon here
Budapest Festival Orchestra & Ivan Fischer - Brahms: Symphony No.3, Serenade No.2
A minor miracle! The recording commenced one day prior to Hungary closing its borders on September 1, 2020. Engineer/Producer Jared Sacks had just arrived from The Netherlands. Despite the lockdown, the venue remained accessible, and the recording could be completed.
Listen on Spotify here
Get it on Amazon here
Verona Quartet - Diffusion
As a quartet of musicians hailing from across the world, we knew we wanted our first album to reflect the essence of the cultural migration that is such a big part of our identity. Through Diffusion, we celebrate the spirit of intercultural exploration that permeates many of the great works of the string quartet canon. This music and the weaving together of global traditions is incredibly meaningful to us and we hope that listeners will love it too.
Listen on Spotify here
Get it on Amazon: Diffusion by The Verona Quartet on Amazon Music - Amazon.com