CD REVIEW | Legendary Treasures: Oscar Shumsky

By Paul E. Robinson on October 8, 2014

During his long career the American violinist Oscar Shumsky (1917-2000) did not enjoy the fame of some of his colleagues but he was held in the highest esteem by violinists everywhere. He studied with Leopold Auer and appeared with the Philadelphia Orchestra under Stokowski when he was only eight years old. He had a strong Canadian connection. In addition to frequent solo appearances, starting in 1959 he served as music director with Glenn Gould of the Stratford Music Festival.

CD Review | Wagner: Die Walküre

By Paul E. Robinson on September 23, 2014

Sir Georg Solti was the conductor for the first-ever complete recording of Wagner’s Ring cycle. It was an historic event and Decca Records and producer John Culshaw deserve enormous credit for undertaking the enormous risk involved. Against all odds – EMI producer Walter Legge thought it would be a disaster - the cycle was spectacularly successful. With most of the leading Wagner singers of the day taking part the performance was glorious, and John Culshaw and his team of engineers created a sound world that was far ahead of its time.

CD reviews: The Hindemith 50th Anniversary

By Paul E. Robinson on August 28, 2014

CD review: Oundjian and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra make their debut on Chandos

By Paul E. Robinson on August 22, 2014

CD review: Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5/Piano Concerto No. 3

By Paul E. Robinson on August 17, 2014

CD review: Stokowski: A Renaissance and Baroque Concert

By Paul E. Robinson on August 14, 2014

CD Review: Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 2 “Lobgesang”

By Paul E. Robinson on August 12, 2014

CD review: Is this the Schubert we should expect?

By John Terauds on June 19, 2014

CD review: Bernarda Fink sings Mahler Lieder

By John Terauds on June 18, 2014

CD review: Rachel Mercer - a compelling argument for Bach Suites for Solo Cello

By John Terauds on May 6, 2014