Classical Conversations

Since 2012, Israeli-born cellist Amit Peled has famously played the 1733 Matteo Goffriller cello formerly owned by the great cellist Pablo Casals. For the first time, Peled has recorded the solo cello suites of Johann Sebastian Bach, which were made world-famous in the 1930s through Casals' recording of them, with that same instrument. Amit joins us to discuss the disc and Casals' legacy with these suites.

The last time we spoke with the Nieve Trio (violinist Anna Williams, cellist Mikhail Veselov and pianist Eri Nakamura), it was French Moments, which provided a showcase for some wonderful trios by Roussel, Debussy, and Fauré. This time Nieve is Celebrating Piazzolla, with a wonderful and wide-ranging collection of works by the Argentine master Astor Piazzolla and other musicians that came within his orbit.

Emerging star baritone Benjamin Appl, fresh off his U.S. recital debut, introduces his new album of arias and songs by his countryman Johann Sebastian Bach.

Now going on their 48th year, the Fischer Duo (Norman Fischer and Jeanne Kierman Fischer) are celebrated around the world for their rich and thoughtful performances. In their latest album from Centaur Records, the duo turn their attention to the music of Johannes Brahms, with the two cello sonatas. They also welcome their daughter, acclaimed mezzo Abigail Fischer, for two beautiful songs by Brahms. Norman and Jeanne join Brad Cresswell for a conversation about the wonderful music on this disc.

Looking for a last minute stocking stuffer? Cally Banham, solo English Horn for the Saint Louis Symphony, has released a new album of Christmas favorites in wonderful arrangements featuring a variety of styles – from Tango to Jazz. Joining Cally are the Adam Maness Trio, the Trombones of the Saint Louis Symphony and her group Cortango (pictured).

Two members of the ever-popular DePue Brothers Band (Alex and Zachary DePue) along with special guest Aria Curzon preview their upcoming Christmas Spectacular concert at Bowling Green State University.

Reigning Chopin Competition winner and piano superstar Seong-Jin Cho joins us for a preview of his latest album on Deutsche Grammophon, dedicated to the music of Mozart. On the disk is soulful and expressive renderings of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20, alongside two very different piano sonatas: No. 12 in F Major, and No.3 in Bb Major. Joining Seong-Jin for the concerto is Metropolitan Opera Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

In his debut solo album, star countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo pairs two iconic composers: George Frederic Handel and Philip Glass. While the two may seem at opposite ends of the musical spectrum, Costanzo draws fascinating parallels between Handel and Glass and ties it all together in this wonderful disc – which he joins us to preview.

Renowned pianist (and Toledo favorite) Kirill Gerstein chats up his new album The Gershwin Moment – which features classics like Rhapsody in Blue alongside piano tributes by Earl Wild and Oscar Levant.

You may know Alain Trudel as the newly-minted Music Director of the Toledo Symphony, but he is also one of the world's most acclaimed trombonists. Alain joins us in WGTE's Dana Performance Studio with pianist Valrie Kantorski for a musical menu of Eugène Bozza, Arthur Pryor, and Gabriel Fauré.