Each Saturday at 8 p.m., WHRO-FM invites you to experience the vibrant pulse of today’s classical music world with “This Just In,” hosted by Raymond Jones. This week’s edition features an excellent lineup of fresh releases that infuse new life into familiar and lesser-known masterworks performed by leading soloists and ensembles.
The program begins with a powerful new interpretation of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, courtesy of the renowned Russian pianist Mikhail Rudy and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Mariss Jansons. Issued on the boutique French label "Le Palais des Dégustateurs," this 2024 release unleashes the raw drama and virtuosity of one of Prokofiev's most difficult works.
Also, from the same imprint is another chamber gem: Schubert's Piano Trio No. 2 in E-flat major, a radiant work of lyricism and emotional breadth. Joining pianist Robert Levin are Noah Bendix-Balgley, the Berlin Philharmonic's first concertmaster, and celebrated cellist Peter Wiley.
Listeners are also treated to a very unusual choral composition by Gustav Holst: “The Vision of Dame Christian.” It's a haunting piece performed by the Paulina Voces, from St. Paul's Girls' School in London, and BBC Concert Orchestra, led by Leigh O'Hara, and recorded on the new EM Records issue “Fide et Literis.”
We’ll also have Benjamin Britten’s “Nocturne,” an elegiac and reflective tenor and chamber orchestra song cycle. Tenor Allan Clayton contributes his crystal tone and expressive authority to the piece, joined by the adventurous Aurora Orchestra.
Finally, the program returns to 1716 with excerpts from François Couperin's “Douzième Ordre,” a collection of harpsichord pieces from his “Second Livre.” This is from the new Brilliant Classics release “The Couperin Dynasty,” a comprehensive 4-CD overview of the vast output of this great French musical dynasty.
From Baroque elegance to 20th-century modernism, “This Just In” offers a slice of the newest and most enjoyable classical records available. Don't miss it—this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. on WHRO-FM 90.3, and also online through the Media Player.
