This Saturday evening at 8, tune in to WHRO-FM for a new episode of “This Just In,” as host Raymond Jones guides us through three hours of the latest classical recordings from around the world, featuring debut artists, classic reissues, and foreign treasures.
We begin with a familiar name: Virginia Symphony newcomer concertmaster Grace Park returns with a radiant performance of Dvořák's “Four Romantic Pieces,” transcribed for violin and orchestra by Alex Fortes. This is part of her debut disc with the Prague Philharmonia, led by conductor Emmanuel Villaume, released on Orchid Classics just a few weeks prior. Park’s singing phrasing and exact delicacy bring these sweet miniatures into new life, now filled out with orchestral sound.
And then there’s the grandeur of Wagner in a brand-new re-release Decca Eloquence recording that is a fascinating portal into the world of “Der Ring des Nibelungen.” Narrated by renowned British musicologist Deryck Cooke, this ageless introduction springs vividly to life thanks to the Vienna Philharmonic, led by the iconic Sir Georg Solti.
We return with a poignant rarity: the orchestral interlude from Augusta Holmès's “Ludus pro Patria,” a French composer whose expressive voice is only now receiving due attention. This piece’s luxuriant romanticism and patriotism are brought across in a forceful performance by the Rheinland-Pfalz Philharmonic, which reveals Holmès's flair for drama and orchestral color.
And finally, we have a wonderful, timeless impressionist piece: Debussy’s “Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun,” from the recent recording by The Nash Ensemble. Released this January by Hyperion Records, their delicate, chamber music-like performance invites the listener into the sensual, dream-like world that transformed modern music.
Don't miss this curated tour of some of the finest new classical music recordings. Tune in with Raymond Jones on “This Just In,” this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3 and online streaming through the WHRO Media Player.
