December 28, 2011

Old and brand new music here, with something of a Left Coast emphasis and a profusion of independent labels — some of my favorite classical CDs from 2011.

Matt Haimovitz and Christopher O’Riley: “Shuffle. Play. Listen.” (Oxingale). A recital for the 21st century from the cellist and pianist, who play Janacek, Martinu and Stravinsky (Disc 1), as well as O’Riley’s arrangements of Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Cocteau Twins and the Mahavishnu Orchestra (Disc 2). Surprising connections emerge: Martinu sounds like the blues, Radiohead like a time-honored funeral march.

by Richard Scheinin

View at San Jose Mercury News