Shows
Naxos Classical SpotlightAlan Hovhaness. A prolific legacy of East-West synthesis.The music of Alan Hovhaness, one of America’s most prolific composers, enchants with his signature synthesis of East and West. Influenced by his Armenian heritage and a fascination with nature and spirituality, Hovhaness sought to create music “for all people, music which is beautiful and healing.” Raymond Bisha introduces the latest Naxos album of his works which features violinist Zina Schiff, a Heifetz protégée whose international career spans five decades on five continents.2025-07-1820 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightWeinberg's complete music for cello and orchestra. Working amidst political and personal setbacks, Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-96) flourished as a composer, admired by Shostakovich and championed by the leading Soviet musicians of the day. His death in Moscow in 1996, however, went largely unnoticed. More happily, his extensive catalogue has recently secured an increasing number of performances and recordings, witness this Naxos release of his complete music for cello and orchestra, works written largely during the earlier part of his maturity. Raymond Bisha introduces the Cello Concertino, the Cello Concerto, and the Fantasia for Cello and Orchestra.2025-05-0920 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightCésar Guerra-Peixe. The Brazilian Bartók.Vol. 27 in the Naxos Music of Brazil series features music by César Guerra-Peixe (1914-1993). In this podcast, Raymond Bisha discusses the life and music of the composer, known as the 'Brazilian Bartók' on account of his ethnomusicological research, with conductor Neil Thomson. Describing Guerra-Peixe as an “extremely prolific, incredibly rounded, complete musician”, Thomson also details how the Music of Brazil series got off the ground; how the featured orchestra, the Goiás Philharmonic, has raised its profile over the last forty years; and how the stylistic differences between Guerra-Peixe's First and Second Symphonies came about.2025-04-2528 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightA Brazilian discovery. Francisco Mignone's late violin sonatasDeveloped in collaboration with the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Naxos' Music of Brazil series is part of the Brasil em Concerto project, presenting around 100 orchestral, chamber, choral and vocal works from the 19th and 20th centuries, many of which were previously unpublished or simply undiscovered. Such was the case of Francisco Mignone's (1897-1986) three late violin sonatas that lay dormant for fifty years. Hear how they were brought to life by violinist Emmanuele Baldini and pianist Lucas Thomazinho in Raymond Bisha's latest podcast.2025-01-1720 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightRegaining recognition. Paul Wranitzky's orchestral works.A student of Haydn, a masonic brother of Mozart and a fine composer in his own right, Paul Wranitzky (1756-1808) left behind 45 symphonies that are at long last stepping out of the shadows thanks to ongoing recordings and increased access to published scores. Raymond Bisha introduces Vol. 8 in Naxos' series of Wranitzky's orchestral works, which includes the Grand Characteristic Symphony for Peace with the French Republic, completed in Vienna with eager anticipation in 1797. The symphony happily survived, but the peace negotiations sadly failed, and the war resumed in 1799.2025-01-0329 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightNaxos Classical Spotlight meets the Military Music Appreciation SocietyThe Military Music Appreciation Society was founded in 2008 by Roger Kennedy so he could share his passion for this music with other like-minded individuals. The Society now has more than 5000 members, with new people joining every day. In this podcast, Roger talks with host Raymond Bisha about the society and about his love for this music. This podcast includes performances by the Royal Marine Band, the Royal Artillery Band, the US Army Band, the Black Dyke Mills Band and the Band of the Coldstream Guards …. The opening and closing music features the Canadian Scottish Regiment Pipes and Drums, together with...2024-12-1020 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightDale Kavanagh & Friends Renowned both as a distinguished soloist with some 1,800 concerts worldwide to her credit and as a member of the Amadeus Guitar Duo, Dale Kavanagh is one of the most prominent classical guitarists of her generation. Raymond Bisha discusses her latest Naxos album that features a programme of her own compositions, both solos and duos in which she is joined by an octet of acclaimed, award-winning colleagues and friends.2024-11-1527 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBruckner's Symphonies. All Versions. Part 4.Marking the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth, this is the final podcast in Raymond Bisha's four-part survey of Naxos' project to record all 18 versions of the composer's 11 symphonies. With movements performed by the Bruckner Orchester Linz under conductor Markus Poschner, together with observations from Bruckner scholar Paul Hawkshaw, this instalment features movements from Symphonies 8 and 9.2024-10-0450 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBruckner's Symphonies. All Versions. Part 3. Marking the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth, this is the third podcast in Raymond Bisha's four-part survey of Naxos' project to record all 18 versions of the composer's 11 symphonies. With movements performed by the Bruckner Orchester Linz and the ORF Radio Vienna Symphony Orchestra, plus annotations from music scholar Robert Simpson, this instalment features movements from Symphonies 6 and 7.2024-09-2740 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBruckner's Symphonies. All Versions. Part 2 Marking the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth, this is the second podcast in Raymond Bisha's four-part survey of Naxos' project to record all 18 versions of the composer's 11 symphonies. Featuring movements performed by the Bruckner Orchester Linz and the ORF Radio Vienna Symphony Orchestra, plus annotations from conductor Markus Poschner and Bruckner scholar Professor Paul Hawkshaw, this installment features movements from Symphonies 3, 4 and 5.2024-09-2052 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBruckner's Symphonies. All Versions. Part 1 Marking the 200th anniversary of Bruckner's birth, Raymond Bisha dips into the fruits of Naxos' project to record all 18 versions of the composer's 11 symphonies. Featuring movements performed by the Bruckner Orchester Linz and the ORF Radio Vienna Symphony Orchestra, plus annotations from conductor Markus Poschner and Bruckner scholar Professor Paul Hawkshaw, Raymond Bisha opens his 4-part survey with an introduction to Symphonies 0, 1 and 2. The Complete Symphonies Box Set is now available, Naxos catalogue number 8.5018042024-09-1338 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightThe Music of Brazil. Oscar Lorenzo Fernández (1897-1948) Five years into the celebrated Naxos Music of Brazil series, we reach Vol. 21 and the music of Oscar Lorenzo Fernández (1897-1948), who was a key figure in the cultural life of Rio de Janeiro. Lorenzo Fernández’s two symphonies suffered neglect after the composer’s untimely death at the age of fifty. Raymond Bisha introduces the world premiere recording of the powerful First Symphony, and the first modern studio recording of the programmatic Second Symphony.2024-07-0520 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightPaul Chihara's complete piano works. Quynh Nguyen's complete absorption Pianist Quynh Nguyen discusses her recording of the complete piano works of Paul Chihara, the distinguished American composer whose output includes the scores for over 100 motion pictures and television series. Past exchanges between performer and composer about the items on the programme reflect an intensely deep and detailed collaboration, with AllMusic.com warmly welcoming the album as “ingenious and richly evocative and beautifully and quietly played … this is a wonderful release.” Raymond Bisha presents.2024-06-0722 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightLukas Foss. A composer on the podium JoAnn Falletta, conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, discusses a programme of orchestral works by composer/conductor Lukas Foss, who was both a predecessor of hers in Buffalo and a mentor to her. Highlighting his eclecticism as a composer, who went wherever his mind took him, Raymond Bisha discusses the performers' latest album, which features four works that colourfully reflect Foss' wide embrace and expert craftsmanship.2024-05-2428 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightPlucked and perfectly prepped. Alon Sariel's Bach transcriptions for mandolinThis podcast spotlights Israeli mandolinist Alon Sariel, who provides an entree into the engaging world of the mandolin, an instrument that perhaps enjoys a relatively low profile but commands a fascinating global reach. Alon Sariel's second album of transcriptions of works by J. S. Bach for mandolin blends technical precision with nuanced artistry and masterly adaptations. The presenter is Raymond Bisha.2024-04-2620 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightAlsop + Adams + The Groove Marin Alsop discusses her latest release – an album of orchestral works by John Adams – with Raymond Bisha, exploring just what it is about Adams' music that makes him the leading nominee for the title of America's greatest living composer, not least for scores that inhabit 'the groove' with conspicuous relish.2024-04-1920 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightStanding with Eagles. The music of Louis Wayne BallardLouis Wayne Ballard (1931-2007) – also known as 'Honganozhe', which means 'Stands with Eagles' in the Quapaw language – was the first indigenous North American composer of art music, and his extensive knowledge of the music, dance and mythology of this culture informed his compositions. This podcast reviews a new album of his works that are eclectic in style, uniquely varied and thoroughly engaging. The presenter is Raymond Bisha. The guests are conductor John Jeter and Jerod Impich-chāachaaha Tate, who was a student, friend and colleague of the composer.2024-04-1227 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightRameau meets the accordionIn January 2024, Finnish accordionist/conductor Janne Valkeajoki released a captivating album of music by French Baroque composer Jean-Philippe Rameau, which Valkeajoki himself arranged for his instrument. Raymond Bisha's conversation with the performer delves into the various musical transformations and performance mechanics that were involved in the masterly transfer from harpsichord strings to accordion reeds.2024-03-2920 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBreathing new life into Orfeo Vecchi's motets for six voices.Orfeo Vecchi was held in high regard by his contemporaries for the sacred music he produced towards the end of the 16th century. Raymond Bisha introduces a new recording of the twenty pieces that comprise his third book of Motets for Six Voices. The works form a rich, eclectic programme, and the performances by Cappella Musicale Eusebiana directed by Don Denis Silano elegantly express the pictorial aspects of the texts that Vecchi achieved through subtle dialogue, antiphony and counterpoint.2024-03-1520 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightFlorence Price and Leo Sowerby String QuartetsRaymond Bisha introduces a new album of works for string quartet by Florence Price and Leo Sowerby, who were both prominent members of the Chicago music community in the 1930s and 1940s. Most of Florence Price’s compositions remained unpublished at her death, and her String Quartet in A minor was not performed in her lifetime. Her Five Folksongs in Counterpoint entwine and enrich the famous melodies with African American vernacular idioms and colourful harmony, while Sowerby’s String Quartet in G minor reveals music undeserving of its decades of obscurity in the Avalon Quartet's world premiere recording of the wor2024-03-0820 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightBach-Rheinberger - The Goldberg VariationsRaymond Bisha's latest podcast introduces the world premiere recording of Joseph Rheinberger's arrangement for two pianos of Bach's Goldberg Variations. Composed by Bach in 1741, the work fell into oblivion before re-emerging as part of a movement of discovery generations later. In order to breathe new life into them, such masterpieces might undergo arrangements, transcriptions and other manipulations. In this case, Rheinberger's 1883 version adds new parts to Bach's original score.2024-02-2420 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightIntroduction to Peter Boyer's Rhapsody in Red White and BlueGeorge Gershwin's ever popular Rhapsody in Blue was first performed in February 1924. To mark the centenary of that celebrated event, pianist Jeffrey Biegel commissioned composer Peter Boyer to write a work for piano and orchestra that would be a 21st-century partner to Gershwin's original. Raymond Bisha talks to both composer and soloist about the gestation of this celebratory new work that captures a similar propulsive energy, while interweaving allusions to blues influences and lyrical evocations of American vistas.2024-02-1925 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightAbbey Simon plays ChopinRaymond Bisha introduces a programme of works for piano and orchestra by Chopin, performed by legendary pianist Abbey Simon. Once hailed by renowned critic Harold C. Schonberg of The New York Times as a “supervirtuoso”, Simon was a great American pianist in the great Romantic tradition, who imbued his effortless virtuoso technique with a uniformly clear sound. Having passed away in 2019 at the age of ninety-nine, most of his recorded output was for the VOX label. This album includes Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1, Fantasy on Polish Airs and the Andante Spianato and Grand Polonaise Brillante.2024-02-0920 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightSame River TwiceRaised in Medellín, Colombia, Billy Arcila has lived in the United States for over 40 years, where he teaches and performs as one of California’s foremost guitarists. In this podcast, Raymond Bisha presents the first album to be made of his music. Performed by the composer himself, it contains works written across Ancila's entire compositional life, from his first published work to his most recent. Interspersed with the music of other admired composers, Arcila’s autobiographical guitar music embraces the nostalgic, the verdant and the vibrant. This album also includes music by Fabio Salazar Orozco, Jorge Becerra, Gustavo Gómez...2024-01-2620 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightThe Valencia Baryton Project plays HaydnA podcast featuring the Valencia Baryton Project and their new recording of music by Franz Joseph Haydn. Haydn was music director of the Esterházy Court at Eisenstadt for twenty-five years. It was where Prince Nikolaus commissioned him to write trios for the baryton, a bowed, stringed instrument similar to the viol but with extra plucked strings that enabled performers to accompany themselves. Haydn wrote string trios (baryton, viola, cello) of elegance, refinement and poise that encapsulate a rich variety of moods, a selection of which is introduced on this podcast by Raymond Bisha. Seldom performed or recorded, the ba...2024-01-1220 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightLeopold Godowsky Complete Piano Works with Konstantin Scherbakov finally finished!Raymond Bisha introduces the fifteenth and final volume in Konstantin Scherbakov's recordings of the complete piano works of Leopold Godowsky, on the Marco Polo label, in which the programme comprises a number of the arrangements Godowsky made of Chopin's Études. Reflecting on his mammoth undertaking, the virtuoso pianist notes that “this project to record Leopold Godowsky's complete piano works began in 1997 and has taken me 26 years to complete. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the largest and most important recording projects of the piano repertoire, through which many works have received their premi...2023-12-2220 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightVOX Audiophile Edition: Stanisław Skrowaczewski and the Minnesota OrchestraConductor Stanisław Skrowaczewski spent 19 years as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, from 1960 to 1979, during which time he developed it into one of the finest orchestras in North America. They made many recordings together, mostly for the VOX and Mercury labels, from which Raymond Bisha has selected two remastered albums from the VOX catalogue that demonstrate their distinguished achievements. The programmes of music by Beethoven and Mozart include Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 17 and 27, featuring Walter Klien as soloist.2023-11-1720 min
The Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX • 3. Stanisław Skrowaczewski and the Minnesota Orchestra
Stanisław Skrowaczewski spent 19 years as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, from 1960 to 1979, during which time he developed it into one of the finest orchestras in North America. They made many recordings together, mostly for the VOX and Mercury labels, from which Raymond Bisha has selected two remastered albums from the VOX catalogue that demonstrate their distinguished achievements. The programmes of music by Beethoven and Mozart include Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 17 and 27, featuring Walter Klien as soloist.
Featured releases:
VOX-NX-3017CD: Beethoven Overtures and Incidental Music
VOX-NX-3012CD: Mozart Piano Concertos Nos...2023-11-0920 min
The Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX • 3. Stanisław Skrowaczewski and the Minnesota Orchestra
Stanisław Skrowaczewski spent 19 years as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra, from 1960 to 1979, during which time he developed it into one of the finest orchestras in North America. They made many recordings together, mostly for the VOX and Mercury labels, from which Raymond Bisha has selected two remastered albums from the VOX catalogue that demonstrate their distinguished achievements. The programmes of music by Beethoven and Mozart include Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 17 and 27, featuring Walter Klien as soloist.
Featured releases:
VOX-NX-3017CD: Beethoven Overtures and Incidental Music
VOX-NX-3012CD: Mozart Piano Concertos Nos...2023-11-0920 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightMusic of Brazil • Villa-Lobos • Works for Cello and OrchestraBrazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos was also an accomplished guitarist and cellist, and his wonderful music for the latter instrument takes full advantage of the lyrical and dramatic capabilities of the instrument. In this episode of Naxos Classical Spotlight, Raymond Bisha explores a new recording of his two Cello Concertos, together with his Fantasia for Cello and Orchestra, that features solo cellist Antonio Meneses and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Isaac Karabtchevsky.2023-11-0720 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: Music of Brazil • Villa-Lobos • Works for Cello and Orchestra
Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos was also an accomplished guitarist and cellist, and his wonderful music for the latter instrument takes full advantage of the lyrical and dramatic capabilities of the instrument. In this podcast, Raymond Bisha explores a new recording of his two Cello Concertos, together with his Fantasia for Cello and Orchestra, that features solo cellist Antonio Meneses and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Isaac Karabtchevsky.
View album details
Catalogue No.: 8.574531
The post Podcast: Music of Brazil • Villa-Lobos • Works for Cello and Orchestra appeared first on The Na...2023-11-0220 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: Music of Brazil • Villa-Lobos • Works for Cello and Orchestra
Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos was also an accomplished guitarist and cellist, and his wonderful music for the latter instrument takes full advantage of the lyrical and dramatic capabilities of the instrument. In this podcast, Raymond Bisha explores a new recording of his two Cello Concertos, together with his Fantasia for Cello and Orchestra, that features solo cellist Antonio Meneses and the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra conducted by Isaac Karabtchevsky.
View album details
Catalogue No.: 8.574531
The post Podcast: Music of Brazil • Villa-Lobos • Works for Cello and Orchestra appeared first on The Na...2023-11-0220 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightUnited at Last, 2 Operas by James P Johnson.This podcast features Raymond Bisha in conversation with conductor Kenneth Kiesler about the rediscovery, rescue and reconstruction of two operas by James P. Johnson (1894–1955), De Organizer with a libretto by Langston Hughes, and The Dreamy Kid, with words by Eugene O'Neill. JP Johnson was renowned as an influential jazz pianist but was largely unknown as a composer of opera. It was Johnson’s express hope that two of his short stage works, written in the late 1930s, would one day form a double-bill. Which they did, but not until they were finally performed in 2006, and released on disc in 2023.2023-10-2229 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: United at Last. 2 Operas by James P Johnson.
This podcast features Raymond Bisha in conversation with conductor Kenneth Kiesler about the rediscovery, rescue and reconstruction of two operas by James P. Johnson (1894–1955). Renowned as an influential jazz pianist but with a lower profile as a composer of opera, it was Johnson’s express hope that two of his short stage works, written in the late 1930s, would one day form a double-bill. Which they did, but not until 2006, after a long swathe of tender loving care.
View album details
Catalogue No.: 8.669041
The post Podcast: United at Last. 2 Operas by James...2023-10-1929 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: United at Last. 2 Operas by James P Johnson.
This podcast features Raymond Bisha in conversation with conductor Kenneth Kiesler about the rediscovery, rescue and reconstruction of two operas by James P. Johnson (1894–1955). Renowned as an influential jazz pianist but with a lower profile as a composer of opera, it was Johnson’s express hope that two of his short stage works, written in the late 1930s, would one day form a double-bill. Which they did, but not until 2006, after a long swathe of tender loving care.
View album details
Catalogue No.: 8.669041
The post Podcast: United at Last. 2 Operas by James...2023-10-1929 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX • 2. The legacy of Maurice Abravanel.
Raymond Bisha’s second podcast featuring historic recordings on the VOX label explores those made of Tchaikovsky’s music by the Utah Symphony Orchestra under Maurice Abravanel, who was the ensemble’s music director for more than 30 years. From the performances, to the production team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, the liner notes by Richard Freed, and of course Tchaikovsky’s music itself, there’s a host of engaging reasons to revisit these treasured recordings from the 1970s.
Featured releases
VOX-NX-3020CD: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 / Symphony No. 2
VOX-NX-3022CD: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 / Romeo and...2023-10-0500 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX • 2. The legacy of Maurice Abravanel.
Raymond Bisha’s second podcast featuring historic recordings on the VOX label explores those made of Tchaikovsky’s music by the Utah Symphony Orchestra under Maurice Abravanel, who was the ensemble’s music director for more than 30 years. From the performances, to the production team of Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, the liner notes by Richard Freed, and of course Tchaikovsky’s music itself, there’s a host of engaging reasons to revisit these treasured recordings from the 1970s.
Featured releases
VOX-NX-3020CD: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 1 / Symphony No. 2
VOX-NX-3022CD: Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 / Romeo and...2023-10-0500 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightJennifer Higdon. 2 Spectacular Concertos • 1 Sizzling RecordingThis podcast features American composer Jennifer Higdon in a wide-ranging conversation with Raymond Bisha, during which she describes the long swathe of influences on her composing career. The musical spotlights comprise extracts from her latest recording for Naxos of two powerfully engaging works: the Concerto for Orchestra, written in 2002 and demanding virtuosity from principal players, individual sections and the entire orchestra alike; and her pyrotechnic Duo Duel, a concerto for two percussionists written in 2020, that boasts a killer cadenza (during which you should hold on to your hat) and a diaphanous opening (for which you should hold your breath...2023-09-1737 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: Jennifer Higdon. 2 Spectacular Concertos • 1 Sizzling Recording
This podcast features American composer Jennifer Higdon in a wide-ranging conversation with Raymond Bisha, during which she describes the long swathe of influences on her composing career. The musical spotlights comprise extracts from her latest recording for Naxos of two powerfully engaging works: the Concerto for Orchestra, written in 2002 and demanding virtuosity from principal players, individual sections and the entire orchestra alike; and her pyrotechnic Duo Duel, a concerto for two percussionists written in 2020, that boasts a killer cadenza (during which you should hold on to your hat) and a diaphanous opening (for which you should hold...2023-09-1400 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: Jennifer Higdon. 2 Spectacular Concertos • 1 Sizzling Recording
This podcast features American composer Jennifer Higdon in a wide-ranging conversation with Raymond Bisha, during which she describes the long swathe of influences on her composing career. The musical spotlights comprise extracts from her latest recording for Naxos of two powerfully engaging works: the Concerto for Orchestra, written in 2002 and demanding virtuosity from principal players, individual sections and the entire orchestra alike; and her pyrotechnic Duo Duel, a concerto for two percussionists written in 2020, that boasts a killer cadenza (during which you should hold on to your hat) and a diaphanous opening (for which you should hold...2023-09-1400 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightVOX Recording, Restoring a Unique VoiceIn this episode of Naxos Classical Spotlight, Raymond Bisha presents the first in a series of podcasts that explore newly remastered recordings on the VOX label dating from the 1970s. This episode features four albums by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin, in which the orchestra and solo pianists Abbey Simon and Jeffrey Siegel variously perform works by Rachmaninov and Gershwin. The ‘silent stars’, however, are Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, the albums’ original, legendary recording engineers who are credited with producing some of the finest ever examples of recorded orchestral sound.2023-08-2623 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX: Restoring a unique voice.
Raymond Bisha presents the first in a series of podcasts that explore newly remastered recordings on the VOX label dating from the 1970s. This instalment features four albums by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin, in which the orchestra and solo pianists Abbey Simon and Jeffrey Siegel variously perform works by Rachmaninov and Gershwin. The ‘silent stars’, however, are Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, the albums’ original, legendary recording engineers who are credited with producing some of the finest ever examples of recorded orchestral sound.
Featured releases
VOX-NX-3013CD: Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2, Vocali...2023-08-2400 minThe Naxos BlogPodcast: VOX: Restoring a unique voice.
Raymond Bisha presents the first in a series of podcasts that explore newly remastered recordings on the VOX label dating from the 1970s. This instalment features four albums by the St Louis Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin, in which the orchestra and solo pianists Abbey Simon and Jeffrey Siegel variously perform works by Rachmaninov and Gershwin. The ‘silent stars’, however, are Marc Aubort and Joanna Nickrenz, the albums’ original, legendary recording engineers who are credited with producing some of the finest ever examples of recorded orchestral sound.
Featured releases
VOX-NX-3013CD: Rachmaninov Symphony No. 2, Vocali...2023-08-2400 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightJonathan Leshnoff - Recent Orchestral WorksRaymond Bisha introduces Naxos’ fifth album devoted to the music of leading American composer, Jonathan Leshnoff. The themes of this mixed programme of his recent works are remembrance, memorialisation and hopefulness. The works on this album are Elegy, Second Violin Concerto, and Of Thee We Sing. As the 25th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing was approaching, conductor Alexander Mickelthwate reached out to Leshnoff to propose a memorial commission, a piece for chorus and orchestra “that transcends the atrocity and focuses on all the good that came out of it in the last 25 years. A city growing together." Leshnoff call...2023-07-0320 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightJoseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. A polymath in Paris.Naxos Classical Spotlight looks at the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745–1799) – a brilliant swordsman, athlete, violin virtuoso and gifted composer – might well lay claim to being the most talented figure in an age of remarkable individuals. Raymond Bisha gives an overview of this remarkable life, binding the disparate elements of his career with the constant beauty of his violin concertos.2023-06-1020 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightJohn Corigiano and his music for solo pianoIn this eposode of Naxos Classical Spotlight Raymond Bisha introduces Naxos’ new album of the complete works for solo piano by leading American composer John Corigliano. During their conversation together, the composer gives insight into the creative genesis of all the works on the programme, which span a period of some fifty years: from the 1968 Piano Concerto (“The first piece I ever wrote for orchestra”) to Prelude for Paul, written in 2021 with an unusual conception. The solo pianist is Philip Edward Fisher, hailed by John Corigliano for his “consummate technique and great musical intelligence.”2023-06-1025 min
Naxos Classical SpotlightA forgotten treasure. Marin Alsop discusses Hindemith."A forgotten treasure. Marin Alsop discusses Hindemith. This podcast features Marin Alsop in conversation with Raymond Bisha following the release of her first album for Naxos as chief conductor of the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. She assumed the post in 2019 and the programme reflects that of her first public appearance in the role. Marin's advocacy of Hindemith's music is rooted in her days as a violin student and her subsequent period of tutelage under Leonard Bernstein. The educational projects she initiated during her time with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra also feature in the broadcast."2021-11-1228 minNaxos Classical SpotlightPaired to perfection. Tianwa Yang plays Prokofiev’s violin concertos.Violinist Tianwa Yang marks her fifteenth year as one of Naxos’ leading artists with a new album featuring Prokofiev’s two violin concertos. The works’ stylistic contrasts reflect the fact that they were written some twenty years apart, but they receive the same scrupulous attention to technical and musical details that hallmark every one of Tianwa’s performances. Little wonder that they consistently attract accolades and awards. Fellow Naxos artist Jun Märkl conducts the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Raymond Bisha presents.2021-10-2220 minNaxos Classical SpotlightMapping a musical monument. Giltburg’s Beethoven 32.Raymond Bisha presents an overview of Boris Giltburg’s project to learn and record all of Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas, which are now released in a 9-CD box set edition following their inception as critically acclaimed digital releases. The recordings reflect only one facet of Giltburg’s gem of an undertaking, in that performances were also filmed and subsequently fleshed out by his extended and informative notes that accompany the albums. Giltburg’s personal exploration and Beethoven’s panoply of expression unite in a cycle that runs the full gamut of human emotion.2021-09-2423 minNaxos Classical SpotlightVersatilité sans frontières. Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint–Georges (1745–1799).Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a brilliant swordsman, athlete, violin virtuoso and gifted composer, with a claim to being the most talented figure in an age of remarkable individuals. He was an early and important exponent of the hybrid symphonie concertante, a genre that draws on both the symphony and concerto traditions. In this podcast Raymond Bisha talks with Dr Allan Badley, co-founder of Artaria Editions, the music publishing house that has created performance editions for hundreds of previously unpublished 18th-century works, many of which have been recorded for Naxos.2021-09-1036 minNaxos Classical SpotlightJazz idioms, classical structures. Symphonic works by Nikolai Kapustin (1937–2020).Significantly influenced by his experience of playing in some of the earliest Soviet jazz bands, Nikolai Kapustin trained as a pianist at the Moscow Conservatory but subsequently devoted himself to composition. His output includes many works for piano, two of which are featured on this new album — the Fourth Piano Concerto and the Concerto for Violin, Piano and Orchestra, along with his Chamber Symphony, Op. 57. Raymond Bisha introduces both the music and the propulsive energy of Frank Dupree who appears variously as piano soloist and conductor throughout the program.2021-08-1320 minNaxos Classical SpotlightMusic of Brazil. The Villa-Lobos violin sonatas.Raymond Bisha prefaces his latest podcast with this introduction: “Heitor Villa-Lobos, the prolific Brazilian composer of some 2,000 works, conductor, cellist, guitarist and music educationalist, wrote his three violin sonatas between 1912 and 1920. When he wrote the first sonata, he was still a struggling young composer trying to make a name for himself, while playing all kinds of gigs to pay the bills. By the time he wrote the third sonata in 1920, he was a much more assured composer, and well on his way to international fame and success.”2021-07-2320 minNaxos Classical SpotlightCamille Saint-Saëns. A symphonic collection.French composer Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) is remembered as someone who could spin melodies as easily as he breathed. Naxos is marking the centenary of his death with a 3-CD box set that comprises all his symphonies and a sequence of atmospheric and dramatic symphonic poems, including Phaéton and the ever-popular Danse macabre. Raymond Bisha presents an overview of these recordings by the Malmö Symphony Orchestra and conductor Marc Soustrot, a noted French music specialist.2021-07-1625 minNaxos Classical SpotlightThe Power of TowerWith multiple GRAMMY nominations and wide critical acclaim to her credit, Joan Tower’s latest album in the Naxos American Classics series demonstrates why she is so often performed, and why she is such a respected person among American composers. Raymond Bisha presents the programme on her new release that comprises four world premiere recordings. Soloists Dame Evelyn Glennie (percussion) and Blair McMillen (piano) feature alongside David Alan Miller and the Albany Symphony Orchestra.2021-07-0920 min
Penderecki in MemoriamAntoni Wit with Raymond Bisha about PendereckiPenderecki in Memoriam Podcast is produced and hosted by Max Horowitz, Crossover Media. Interview with Antoni Wit conducted by Raymond Bisha, Senior VP of Marketing at Naxos. This podcast is created by Anna Perzanowska and Klaudia Ofwona Draber, and presented by Polish Cultural Institute New York.Penderecki in Memoriam Podcast unveils a multifaceted portrait of Krzysztof Penderecki, with commentary from musicians, colleagues, radio programmers, and writers who lend insight and memories of Poland’s greatest modern composer. This podcast is part of Penderecki in Memoriam Worldwide project, honoring the life and legacy of the great composer. Thank yo...2021-04-1513 min
Naxos Audiobooks PodcastAn interview with Bill Homewood, reader of Le Morte d'Authur.Naxos Audiobooks presents an exclusive interview with Bill Homewood, reader of the recent production, Le Morte d'Authur.2021-03-0513 min
Naxos Audiobooks PodcastSherlock Holmes Podcast, with David TimsonHaving concluded the complete Sherlock Holmes canon for Naxos AudioBooks, David Timson explores the origins of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s master sleuth.2019-12-2712 min
Naxos Audiobooks PodcastFull Tilt: Interview with reader Emma Lowe.Emma Lowe talks to producer Neil Rosser about her experience of reading Dervla Murphy’s Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle for Naxos AudioBooks, touching on some of the memorable moments and the remarkable spirit of the author herself.2019-05-1007 min
Naxos Audiobooks PodcastAn Introduction to Samuel Richardson’s Clarissa.Producers Garrick Hagon and Liza Ross discuss Samuel Richardson’s landmark novel Clarissa with Lucy Scott, who plays the part of Clarissa in the Naxos AudioBooks recording. Clarissa is one of the longest novels in the English canon; its epistolary form and narrative experimentation made it a huge challenge for the veteran team of audiobook producers and readers.2019-01-1815 min
Naxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastCMS- Leroy AndersonRaymond Bisha discusses the life and music of Leroy Anderson2008-01-0215 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastCMS- Cimarosa OverturesRaymond Bisha discusses the life and music of Domenico Cimarosa2007-12-2520 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastCMS- Vaughan Williams' HodieRaymond Bisha discusses Vaughan Williams' Hodie2007-12-1818 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastCMS- Serebrier's Grammy Nominated The Golden AgeRaymond Bisha interviews Maestro Jose Serebrier about his Grammy nominated CD Shostakovich: The Golden Age2007-12-1320 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Gloria CoatesRaymond Bisha interviews composer Gloria Coates2007-12-1123 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - The Black Dyke BandRaymond Bisha discusses the history of the Black Dyke Band2007-12-0420 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - The Works of Respighi Conducted by JoAnn FallettaRaymond Bisha discusses Respighi's Church Windows - An Interview with JoAnn Falletta2007-11-2720 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Bela Bartok's Bluebeard's CastleRaymond Bisha discusses Bela Bartok's creepy yet magnificent opera Bluebeard's Castle performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra2007-11-2020 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Chants d'AuvergneRaymond Bisha discusses Joseph Canteloube's Chants d'Auvergne2007-11-1317 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Virgil Thomson's music for The Plow that Broke the PlainsRaymond Bisha discusses the importance of Virgil Thomson's score to the film, The Plow That Broke the Plains.2007-11-0520 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - A Discussion with Gary Green regarding works by Thomas Sleeper and David MaslankaRaymond Bisha chats with Gary Green about his undiminished passion for winds and new comminsioned works from David Maslanka and Thomas Sleeper2007-10-3020 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Serebrier on StokowskiRaymond Bisha discusses the life and works of Stokowski with Jose Serebrier"2007-10-1925 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Gil Shaham discusses his new label, Canary Classics, and its premier release, "The Butterfly Lovers"Raymond Bisha chats with Gil Shaham about his new label, Canary Classics, and its premier release, "The Butterfly Lovers"2007-10-1520 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Composer Jefferson Friedman and his String Quartet No. 2Raymond Bisha chats with composer Jefferson Friedman about his String Quartet No. 2"2007-10-0820 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Violinist Jennifer Frautschi on the music of StravinskyRaymond Bisha chats with Jennifer Frautschi about her most recent performance on, "Stravinsky 125th Anniversary Album."2007-10-0220 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - The Music and Life of Miklos RozsaRaymond Bisha discusses the life and music of composer Miklos Rozsa"2007-09-2419 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Wagner - Stokowski TranscriptionsRaymond Bisha discusses Stokowski's transcriptions of the works of Richard Wagner2007-09-1720 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Brahms' Symphony No. 4Raymond Bisha discusses Brahms' Symphony No. 42007-09-0520 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Music From the Republic of GeorgiaRaymond Bisha discusses Georgian Guitar Music2007-08-2720 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Perform Brahms Symphony No. 1Raymond Bisha discusses the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and their recording of Brahms Symphony No. 12007-08-2020 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Mozart's Horn ConcertosRaymond Bisha discusses Wolfgang Mozart's famous Horn Concertos2007-08-1316 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - The Music of Charles Ives and the U.S. Marine Band, "The President's Own."Raymond Bisha chats with former Marine Band Conductor Col. Tim Foley about the music of Charles Ives and the U.S. Marine Band, "The President's Own."2007-08-0622 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Editon Classical Music Spotlight - The Sonic Rebellion Collection- 20th Century Music That Shunned ConformityRaymond Bisha discusses the Sonic Rebellion Collection and the composers that comprise this unconventional classical collection2007-07-3120 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Erick Korngold's Soundtrack to the Film, "The Sea Hawk"Raymond Bisha discusses the music of Erich Korngold soundtrack from the film "The Sea Hawk"2007-07-1618 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Stravinsky 125th Anniversary AlbumRaymond Bisha discusses the life and music of Igor Stravinsky on the 125th Anniversary of his birth2007-07-0918 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - William BolcomRaymond Bisha chats with William Bolcom about his music.2007-07-0525 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - Joan TowerRaymond Bisha chats with Joan Tower about her most recent release, "Made In America"2007-07-0327 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - A Conversation with Composer John HarbisonRaymond Bisha chats with composer John Harbison about his most recent work.2007-06-2727 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - A Conversation with Composer John CoriglianoRaymond Bisha chats with composer John Corigliano about his most recent work.2007-06-2726 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - A Conversation with Composer Charles WuorinenRaymond Bisha chats with composer Charles Wuorinen about his most recent work.2007-06-2730 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastSpecial Edition: Class of '38 - A Conversation with Composer Ellen ZwilichRaymond Bisha chats with composer Ellen Zwilich about her most recent work.2007-06-2726 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Interview With Stephen Hartke about his opera, "The Greater Good"Raymond Bisha interviews composer Stephen Hartke about his opera, "The Greater Good."2007-06-1922 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Classic American Love SongsRaymond Bisha chats with Carole Farley about her most recent performance on, "Classic American Love Songs."2007-06-1220 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Interview With Conductor Richard Rosenberg of the Hot Springs Festival about Louis Moreau GottschalkRaymond Bisha discusses composer Louis Moreau Gottschalk and the Hot Springs Festival with its conductor Richard Rosenberg.2007-06-0422 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Howard Hanson's opera Merry Mount with Gerard SchwarzRaymond Bisha discusses composer Howard Hanson's opera, "Merry Mount" with conductor Gerard Schwarz2007-05-2220 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Three Centuries of BagatellesRaymond Bisha discusses bagatelles and their place in Classical Music2007-05-1520 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Interview With Roberto SierraRaymond Bisha discusses composer Roberto Sierra's most recent release, "New Music with a Caribbean Accent."2007-05-0820 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastClassical Music Spotlight - Interview With Joan TowerRaymond Bisha interviews composer Joan Tower to discuss her most recent release, "Made In America."2007-05-0226 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastThe life and music of Giuseppe Tartini and Adriane Daskalakis - iTunes ExclusiveRaymond Bisha discusses the Life and Music of Giuseppe Tartini and Violinist Adriane Daskalakis.2007-04-2020 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastThe recordings of Julia Fischer - iTunes ExclusiveRaymond Bisha explores the recordings of Julia Fischer.2007-04-1120 minNaxos Classical Music Spotlight PodcastCMS- Thomas TallisRaymond Bisha discusses the life and music of Thomas Tallis2006-05-1220 min