It’s that time of year: The Grammy Nominations! This year’s list of nominees features a number of artists you’ve likely heard on Classical 101. And if you’re also thinking ahead to the gift giving time of year, you might get some ideas here for the classical music lover on your list.
Here are a few highlights from the classical categories:
BRUCKNER: SYMPHONY NO. 9 – Manfred Honeck/Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Reference Recordings FR-733SACD
Conductor Manfred Honeck has been the music director of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for more than a decade now, and it is gratifying to see this terrific collaboration honored with another Grammy nomination. Purchase this recording.
AMERICAN RAPTURE— Yolanda Kondonassis, harp; Ware Stare/Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Azica ACD-71327
Several recordings featuring American composers made the list. It will be interesting to see if any of the contemporary concertos from Jennifer Higdon, Michael Torke or Wynton Marsalis receives a top prize. Purchase this recording.
MARSALIS: Violin Concerto and Fiddle Dance Suite– Nicola Benedetti, violin; Cristian Măcelaru /The Philadelphia Orchestra. DECCA B003052102
Wynton Marsalis has successfully moved in both classical and jazz for most of his career as both a performer and composer, and in this recording he brings the two together. He wrote the Violin Concerto for Nicola Benedetti, and in "Fiddle Dance Suite" he delves into the traditional music of Benedetti’s native Scotland. Purchase this recording.
PICKER: FANTASTIC MR. FOX – Gil Rose, Boston Modern Orchestra Project (and company). Bmop Sound 1065
Another American composer, Tobias Picker, may win in the Best Opera Recording Category for his work called “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Picker’s composition is up against some other fine performances, including standard repertoire recordings of Berg’s “Wozzeck” and Wagner’s “Lohengrin.” Purchase this recording.
The Grammy Award Ceremony takes place on January 26, 2020. Click here for a complete list of nominees.
