The Whole Music Experience

  If you take a look at my classical and early music list for 2011, you'll see that classical music is here to stay and diverse as ever.  I considered including an Indian classical CD on this list then added it to the Best World and Jazz Albums of 2011 list instead.  And yes, I find the music on this list healing. 1.      San Francisco Symphony with Michael Thomas and Emanuel Ax, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, San Francisco Symphony 2.      Stephen Hough and Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Grieg and Liszt Piano Concertos, Hyperion 3.      21 st Century Symphony Orchestra, Howard Shore’s Lord of the Ring Symphony, Howe Records 4.     Anonymous 4, Secret Voices, Harmonia Mundi 5.     Trio Mediaeval, A Worcester Lady Mass, ECM 6.      Jerusalem Quartet, Mozart String Quartets, Harmonia Mundi 7.       Elizabeth Watts, JS Bach Cantatas and Arias, Harmonia Mundi 8.      The Byrd Ensemble, Our Lady (Music from the Peterhouse Part B

Top 15 World and Jazz Recordings for 2011 I struggled with compiling a top 10 list of recordings for 2011 so I came up with a top 15 list which made my life easier. The first criteria for an artist or recording ending up on the list was how I felt when I first listened to the recording. I admit I am subjective in my approach as are most journalists.  Yet, each of the recordings on the list possess merit too.  Some of these musicians preserve musical traditions, other musicians have mastered their tradition, and others engage their audience through their love of their tradition as in the case of Ana Moura.  You can't help but fall in love with these performers.  The last question I ask, "Do I find these recordings healing for me?" Most years I find that I'm heavier with African recordings, but this year Latin music from the new and old worlds dominate.  If you have not had a chance to hear these recordings I hope you will get on your favorite search en