Faux Musings

Thomas Ades: Tevot, Violin Concerto, Couperin Dances
Stunning. That's all I can say about Tevot. A beautifully conceived and realized work. Ades' command of orchestral texture continues to amaze me. (*****)

Stravinsky: Oedipus Rex, Les Noces
I was floored when I first heard Les Noces at eighteen. Still one of my favorite works. Beautiful, gutsy performance and brilliant recording. (****)

Tyondai Braxton: Central Market
Wonderfully lush orchestral textures and a playful interplay of pop sensibilities and sophisticated compositions. Where the elder Braxton (Anthony) favors the obtuse, Tyondai gravitates toward the alluring. A delightfully fresh and playful recording. (****)

Thomas Gould: Seeing Is Believing
Despite (or maybe because of) the hype, I had not been impressed by earlier recordings I had heard of Muhly's, but this one makes me a believer. A beautiful, sensuous recording featuring seven of Muhly's compositions or arrangements of works by William Byrd and Orlando Gibbons played by the Aurora Orchestra. (*****)