May 2018 Staff Picks
The May edition of staff picks features fantastic albums and playlists that we’ve been listening to this month! Each featured release has been handpicked by our staff along with a brief quote. Want to listen to the featured release? Simply click “listen now” in each review section. Happy listening!
“Gabriel Schwabe’s performance on this release is truly exceptional- his range of expression is incredible and features impressive virtuosity but also remarkable tenderness. The Royal Northern Sinfonia accompanies the soloist perfectly, providing just the right amount of color and support without ever overwhelming the solo line. As a pianist, I also find it fascinating that Lars Vogt has become so successful not only as a pianist but now as a conductor- much like Ashkenazy has done. Would absolutely recommend.” – Jesse | Listen Now
“I’d like to suggest a brand new unCLASSIFIED playlist called Kids Around the World. It’s a fun way for kids (and adults) to take a virtual trip around the world by exploring classical music from every corner of the globe.” – Dan | Listen Now
“The live setting of this recording really makes the piano ring and captures the emotion of the performance in a really special way.” – Zack | Listen Now
“Meshell Ndegeocello’s ‘Ventiloquism’ is a masterpiece. The artist reinvents some classic tunes from the eighties’ MTV era with stunning results. I predict this title will appear on many critics’ Best Of… lists at the end of this year.”
– Jim | Listen Now
“James Galway is one of my favorite flutists, mainly because of his lovely, very expressive tone. His performance on Linen & Lace gives me chills!”
– Mara | Listen Now
“One of my favorite playlists on unClassified’s curator profile is Chill Piano. It features some incredibly beautiful music that is soothing, interesting to listen to but not too distracting, so it’s the perfect thing to listen to while I’m at work!”
– Kayla | Listen Now
“Really lovely readings of these two concertos, both of which I enjoy immensely. This is Ms. Lee’s debut recording, and after a bit of online reading, I learned she is the first chair of the Staatskapelle Berlin. She plays with passionate virtuosity and it should come as no surprise that she was awarded the first prize at the Carl Nielsen Violin Competition in 2016. If you favor these works this is a recording I would highly recommend.” – Mark | Listen Now