Lloyd Schwartz
Stories
-
Soprano Julia Lezhneva is exceptional in this recording of early Handel arias
Critic Lloyd Schwartz tells a story about Lezhneva, a Russian singer he "discovered" a few months ago — without realizing he already owned a 2015 recording of her rendition of Handel's early oratorio.
-
2 recent releases celebrate the music and legacy of bass-baritone Paul Robeson
On Robeson, opera singer Davóne Tines pays tribute to the musician often remembered for singing "Ol' Man River." Tines' album pairs well with the 14-CD album Paul Robeson: Voice of Freedom.
-
150 years after his birth, composer Charles Ives remains a maverick
Many music lovers consider Ives, who died in 1954, to be the first truly great American composer. A new recording by pianist Donald Berman is a major addition to the Ives discography.
-
Finnish conductor Will Mäkelä thrills both in person and on recording
The 28-year-old conductor has been making news lately — getting rave reviews for renditions of Stravinsky and Debussy, and also for being the music director of more than one major orchestra.