June 2018 Staff Picks

The June 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!

“Without any doubt we can say that Toshio Hosokawa is one of the most important living Japanese composers. His masterpiece “Meditation”, dedicated to the victims of the tsunami, is the reflection of a fine artist deeply engaged with his society. The job of the Euskadiko Orkestra under the great lead of Jun Märkl is outstanding.” – Philippe | Listen Now | Interview with Jun Märkl

“This is excellent accompaniment to late hours around the campfire, whether in the company of close friends or in solitary contemplation. The music of Copland, Tarrega, Chopin, and more will help you unwind at the end of an adventure-filled summer day.” – Dan | Listen Now

“I wasn’t too familiar with the works of Paul Lukaszewski before listening to this record, but I’m a new fan thanks to Tenebrae’s excellent recordings!”
– Mara | Listen Now

“It’s like a musical journey around the US in a rad VW Vanagon—2nd only to being on an actual road trip around the US in a rad VW Vanagon.”
– Natalie | Listen Now

Take the journey with unClassified with their Summer Road Trip Blog and read about their latest stop in Seattle!

“This final volume of Percy Grainger’s music for wind band again shows what a natural Grainger was at composing for wind instruments. This recording includes “A Lincolnshire Posy”, one of the greatest and most inventive pieces ever composed for wind band, along with a few other original compositions and arrangements. As with the previous volumes in this series, it features the outstanding playing of the Royal Norwegian Navy Band, conducted by Bjarte Engeset.  Great stuff for those of us who like a good band tune.”
– Raymond | Listen Now

“Xiayin Wang’s recording of the Piano Concerto No. 1 is both brutal and nuanced; the Variationes Concertantes receives a warm recording from Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic, and the Concierto Argentino – a very early work – receives its world premiere here, all in glorious Chandos sound.” – Sean | Listen Now

“This playlist features a fantastic collection of Latin American-infused works, from flamenco-styled classical guitar works, orchestral works, piano compositions, and more. Some really beautiful recordings here, and a perfect soundtrack for whenever you want to relax or focus, whether at work, home, or otherwise. Great job, unClassified!” – Jesse | Listen Now