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CD Review — Solomiya Ivakhiv & Antonio Pompa-Baldi: Mendelssohn early violin concertos

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by Hannah Schoepe

While Felix Mendelssohn’s Concerto in e is played by every violinist at a certain stage in their development, not many listeners are aware of the first violin concerto Mendelssohn composed — in d minor.

His double concerto for violin and piano might be even lesser known. Ukrainian violinist Solomiya Ivakhiv has dedicated her new album Mendelssohn, released by Brilliant Classics, to rediscovering these lost gems. By her side is Italian-born pianist and Cleveland Institute of Music faculty member Antonio Pompa-Baldi. Theodore Kuchar conducts the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra.

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CD Review: Launch — The Admiral Duo

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by Hannah Schoepe

As the month of Valentines Day and love, February is abundant with hearts and couples of all kinds. The Admiral Launch Duo’s new album Launch could be seen as an “opposites attract” type of situation. Not many musicians had thought of bringing the saxophone and harp together until Jonathan Hulting-Cohen (saxophone) and Oberlin and CIM grad Jennifer R. Ellis (harp) came along. Released by Albany Records in December 2018, the album showcases 18 tracks of uniquely crafted music.

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CD Review —
Ronn McFarlane: The Celtic Lute

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by Hannah Schoepe

Existence can be filled with emotional weather of various kinds. Perhaps it’s a touch of rain inspired by to-do lists, appointments, and squabbles, or it may be a storm of vehement feelings. Everyone has moments where we long for a calming presence that tells us everything will be okay, and reminds us of the big picture. If clouds are descending upon you, the Christmas tree is crooked, the turkey is too big, or the Hanukkah candles simply won’t stand up straight, there is one thing you can do — sit down with a cup of tea and listen to Grammy-nominated lutenist Ronn McFarlane in his new album The Celtic Lute. [Read more…]

Opera at Severance Hall: Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos

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by Hannah Schoepe

What could be better than an evening of opera with a world-class orchestra and stars of the opera world? There’s an easy answer: two operas, one performed within the other. (A free piece of opera cake to crown the evening would add to the final flourish — but let’s not push our luck.)

Music director Franz Welser-Möst will lead The Cleveland Orchestra in a created-for-Severance Hall production of Richard Strauss’ Ariadne auf Naxos directed by Frederic Wake-Walker on January 13 at 4:00 pm, January 17 at 7:30 pm, and January 19 at 8:00 pm. The performances mark the first time Ariadne has been programmed by the Orchestra. [Read more…]

CD Review: Veil,
Chamber Music of Greg D’Alessio
Ars Futura • Navona Records

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by Hannah Schoepe

To be “veiled” suggests a loss of orientation, dimmed sight, and a shadowy sense of mystery — ideas that are captured in Cleveland-based Ars Futura Ensemble’s newest album, Veil. Released by Navona Records on September 14, the playlist consists of five multifaceted, many-hued works by Cleveland State University faculty member Greg D’Alessio. [Read more…]

CD Review —
Finding inner chill: Michael Adcock’s Ragtime in Washington

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by Hannah Schoepe

Now that everyone is returning from summer vacations, school is in session, new seasons are starting, and the workplace is beginning to pick up the pace, the search for a window of relaxation amidst the craziness of everyday life is becoming real. Pianist and Oberlin Conservatory alum Michael Adcock’s new CD, Ragtime in Washington, might be just the thing. The tunes on this album evoke images of sitting by the fire with a warm beverage, enjoying swayed rhythms that make you want to sway too. [Read more…]

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