Classical

Classical music Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new collection of Renata Tebaldi's performances. The recordings are so good that he's willing to overlook the soprano's sometimes forced, theatrical effects.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz talks to Fresh Air's Terry Gross about an updated version of Mozart's Figaro. The opera, directed by Peter Sellars, is set in New York City -- but is still sung in Italian.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that few recordings do justice to cellist Yo-Yo Ma's talents. Fortunately, a new recording of Schumann's cello concerto gives Ma a chance to shine.

Conductor Roger Norrington seeks to recreate the sound of classical pieces -- particularly by Beethoven -- as they were originally performed. His orchestras plays period instruments; Norrington emphasizes the dynamics and tempos that were written in the scores -- markings often ignored by other conductors.

The Hungarian pianist isn't well-known in the United States, but a number of reissued recordings on the Price-Les$ label, which classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls "glorious," will give listeners a chance to hear what they've been missing.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue of the works of composer and conductor Alexander Zemlinsky.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recent recordings of three Schubert sonatas, performed by pianist Maurizio Pollini.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a CBS reissue of Pierre Boulez conducting the 1910 version of Stravinsky's "Song of the Nightingale."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new EMI/Angel series titled "Great Recordings of the Century," vintage recordings that have been digitally remastered.

Composer, arranger, conductor Gunther Schuller. One of the most ardent supporters of new music, Schuller is equally at home with the music of bebop and the big band era as he with the 12-tone classical composers. Schuller is the past head of the New England Conservatory of Music, where he founded the New England Conservatory's Ragtime Band. In the late 40s, when he first cultivated his eclectic approach to music, Schuller held jobs simultaneously with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and with Miles Davis' tuba band.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews "Arbos," a recent recording of compositions by Estonian composer Arvo Part. Part's music has similarities to the music of the minimalists, but is also influenced by medieval liturgical music.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD featuring French soprano Renée Doria. The selections were recorded between 1944 and 1970.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the cast recording of the contemporary opera "Nixon in China." The score was written by minimalist composer John Adams.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new recording that features the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Sir Charles Mackerras performing Mozart serenades.

Violinist Isaac Stern. During the past 50 years he has become one of the most renowned and recorded violinists in classical music.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a 1939 live performance of the Bloch Violin Concerto performed by the Hungarian soloist Joseph Szigeti and conducted by Willem Mengelberg.

British conductor Simon Rattle. While Rattle has won acclaim for his guest conducting in America and Europe, he is best known for the success of his City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Rattle's success has created a new legitimacy in England for regional orchestras. The orchestra is now touring in America.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the first two compact discs of Stravinsky conducting his own music. Included are two of Stravinsky's most accessible works, "The Rite of Spring" and "Petrushka." Also included are three abstract scores, "Symphony in C," "Symphony in Three Movements," and "Symphony of Psalms."

Pianist Ursula Oppens. She's widely regarded as one of the leading interpreters of new music. Many contemporary composers, like John Adams, have written works for her.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a recording of the score for the ballet "The Lady With the Lap Dog" by the Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin. The ballet was performed at the recent Soviet-American Music Festival in Boston. Shchedrin was one of the Soviet organizers of the event.