Classical music

After seeing a performance the night the Gulf War began, classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz tells us about how music can be a poignant response to war.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma talks about how the Gulf War has affected him as an individual and as a musician.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews some commemorative recordings of the late Swiss composer and conductor Frank Martin, who isn't well known in the U.S. His music was often moody and unsettling, and religious in nature.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new (and first) recording of John Harbison's cantata "The Flight into Egypt," which won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize. The CD also includes two additional works by the composer.

Classical Music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the Great Performances telecast of Peter Sellars' production of "The Marriage of Figaro." It airs this Friday night on PBS.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a release of Artur Schnabel performing Mozart's piano concertos during a live concert. Schnabel had to stop the performance to consult the conductor's score. This was pause was edited out, but Schwartz wishes he could hear this moment of error and humanity, even just once.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz discusses the history of musicians adapting Bach's music for their own instruments -- regardless of what the piece was originally composed for. He says Sharon Isbin's new album of Bach's Four Lute Suites is in an excellent example -- it has a depth of emotion he doesn't normally associated with the guitar.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new album from electronic composer Tod Mackover. He says it's an imaginative and haunting combination of minimalism, live electronics, and rock.

The American conductor and composer died yesterday at the age of 72. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz talks with Terry about Bernstein's life and legacy.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz remembers the great American singer, who died earlier this month at the age of 76. Unfortunately, few of her recordings are currently available.