Lloyd Schwartz

Classical musical critic Lloyd Schwartz says the new CD, The Bernstein Songbook, avoids the composer's orchestral flops, instead featuring excerpts from his exuberant operas and musicals.

Cuban-born pianist Jorge Bolet was a mainstay of the concert circuit; only recently have his recording garnered much attention. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that some of his performances of classic Chopin pieces have interpretive nuance, while others -- white pretty -- lack depth.

Composer Bela Bartok was also an accomplished pianist. A new CD features a 1940 recital he gave at the Library of Congress with his longtime friend and collaborator, violinist Joseph Szigeti. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says it's amazing the recording exists at all; it opens the door to all great performances of the past.

"Berlin" and "American Theater Songs" are now available on a single CD, featuring Weill's wife and collaborator Lotte Lenya. But some of the songs have been cut or edited for brevity. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls that decision "immoral," and says the original LPs are now more essential than ever.

Classical music Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new collection of Renata Tebaldi's performances. The recordings are so good that he's willing to overlook the soprano's sometimes forced, theatrical effects.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz says that few recordings do justice to cellist Yo-Yo Ma's talents. Fortunately, a new recording of Schumann's cello concerto gives Ma a chance to shine.

The Hungarian pianist isn't well-known in the United States, but a number of reissued recordings on the Price-Les$ label, which classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls "glorious," will give listeners a chance to hear what they've been missing.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD of the composer conducting three of his own works. Schwartz is surprised by how nuanced the pieces are, compared to the clanging aesthetic of music by other contemporary Eastern European composers.

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue of the works of composer and conductor Alexander Zemlinsky.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recent recordings of three Schubert sonatas, performed by pianist Maurizio Pollini.