5 Must-Hear Classical Music Albums Available Now

If you're a classical music enthusiast looking for new discoveries or simply seeking some sublime listening experiences, there are five albums that you definitely shouldn't miss. These albums feature a mix of opera, orchestral works, and solo piano pieces that are sure to captivate any classical music lover. Here's a look at what each of these unique recordings has to offer.

George Lewis: 'Afterword'

The International Contemporary Ensemble under the New Focus/TUNDRA label brings us George Lewis's impressive debut opera titled 'Afterword: An Opera in Two Acts'. This opera is unconventional as it steers away from dramatic narratives, instead offering a coming-of-age opera of ideas derived from the history and development of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. The opera showcases three singers in rotating roles, emphasizing the evolution of this innovative musical community. With a blend of poetic dialogues and Lewis's signature instrumental variations, it's a contemporary take on opera that's sure to intrigue.

Ravel: 'Daphnis et Chloé'

Conductor John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London, along with their chorus, offer a stellar recording of Ravel's 'Daphnis et Chloé' under the Chandos label. Wilson's distinct approach and the dedication of the ensemble result in an ethereal performance of this canonical piece, highlighting its beauty through clarity and precision. This album is acclaimed for its breathtaking musical landscape, filled with light, air, and grandeur.

Arvo Pärt: 'Tractus'

On ECM New Series, we find Arvo Pärt's album 'Tractus', which continues the legacy of the composer's 'tintinnabuli' style. Featuring Maria Listra, the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir, and the Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Tönu Kaljuste, this collection of music ranges from the somber to the sublime. It offers both choral and orchestral arrangements that explore the spiritual elements of Pärt's music, captivating listeners with its simplicity and depth.

Lucia Dlugoszewski: 'Abyss and Caress'

The album 'Abyss and Caress', performed by Klangforum Wien and released by col legno, showcases the innovative work of Polish American composer Lucia Dlugoszewski. It features pioneering pieces that push the boundaries of contemporary music through extreme dynamics and intense expressions. This album provides listeners an opportunity to explore Dlugoszewski's distinctive style from pieces written across several decades.

'Eno Piano'

Bruce Brubaker's album 'Eno Piano', available on inFiné, presents piano arrangements of Brian Eno's ambient works, including 'Music for Airports'. With the use of electromagnetic bows inside the piano, Brubaker recreates Eno's resonant soundscape while drawing connections to early Minimalism. This solo piano interpretation brings a new dimension to Eno's music, unfolding its beauty and relevance to contemporary classical expressions.

opera, orchestral, piano