KBACH's First Take

Kondonassis plays Reena Esmail

Prolific contemporary composer Reena Esmail has written a harp and percussion concerto in which Yolanda Kondonassis plays all the instruments. Called "Terra Infirma," it is a response to the recent Los Angeles fires in which Esmail was displaced. It has elements of poetry, choreography, and drama besides music. The album also has two other pieces by the composer and soloist. KBACH's Michael Keelan talked with Kondonassis. More details on the recording available at: Jensen ArtistsPhoto credit: Laura Watilo Blake

Cathal Breslin's Stories and Soundscapes

ASU associate professor of piano Cathal Breslin has released a new solo album with the complete ballades of Chopin. It's called Stories and Soundscapes and also features music of John Field and Linda Buckley. KBACH's Michael Keelan talked with Breslin.For more details or to purchase Cathal Breslin's album, visit bluegriffin.com.

Tchaliks play Reynaldo Hahn

Reynaldo Hahn has always been celebrated for his songs but his chamber music was neglected until the 21st century. The Tchalik family of musicians is now the first ensemble to record all his major chamber music with strings and piano. Some pieces on this second volume have never previously been recorded, including the unfinished piano trio. KBACH's Michael Keelan talked with Louise and Marc Tchalik. Details: alkonostclassic.com

CBSO plays Walton Symphonies

Photo credit: Andrew FoxClassical music lovers are familiar with the legacy recording label Deutsche Grammophon. For the first time DG has released the symphonies of William Walton, with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra led by Kazuki Yamada. KBACH's Michael Keelan talked with one of the orchestra's leading violinists, Richard Thomas, fresh off the ensemble's tour.Find out more about this album

Francesca Aspromonte sings Alessandro Scarlatti

Alessandro Scarlatti wrote hundreds of cantatas for the soprano voice in the Baroque era. A small percentage use a string ensemble; some of those are featured on a new album by Francesca Aspromonte titled "Vieni, o Notte" (Come, oh Night) with the ensemble Arsenale Sonoro directed by Boris Begelman. KBACH's Michael Keelan talked with Aspromonte on First Take. Details