Lloyd Schwartz

Leroy Anderson was classical composer who often used popular forms in his orchestral music. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says a new collection of Anderson's Americana-infused work reveals his charm and wit.

The group Marimolin comprises marimba player Nancy Zeltsman and violinist Sharan Leventhal. Their self-titled album features new compositions written especially for them. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's delightful, and hopes the duo finds success.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says he actively seeks out performances and recordings of the orchestra, which has been revitalized by conductor Christoph von Dohnányi. Schwartz reviews two new CDs Dohnányi helmed, featuring symphonies by Mendelssohn and Schumann.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz praises two volumes of the composer's chamber music, performed expertly and honestly by the Arditti Quartet.

Music scholar Barry Cooper discovered Ludwig van Beethoven's outlines for a final symphony, and decided to complete the work himself. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz has a review of the premiere recording, on the MCA label.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new album featuring a 1932 recording of the composer's Bolero, performed by the Orchestre des concerts Lamoureux, and helmed by Ravel himself

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz praises a new release of excerpts from Tchaikovsky's Christmas-themed suite, conducted by Yevgeney Mravinsky and performed by the Leningrad Symphony Orchestra. The CD also features what Schwartz says is one of the most powerful performances of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet ballet.

There has been a spate of new recordings of Broadway musicals. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that a new CD release of Show Boat is the best of the bunch, in part because of how it addresses race relations in way that's still relevant today.

The experimental composer, who just celebrated his 80th birthday, has largely abandoned conventional technique in his recent work. But after listening back to some of Carter's earlier songs, classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says he can hear traces of melody in his more difficult pieces.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new PBS documentary about Maria Callas. He says it's not as well-organized or thoughtful as an earlier film about the opera star; the late singer would be better served by a complete broadcast of one of her performances.