Reviews

A recital by Susan Graham presented by Cal Performances offered a host of effortlessly produced sounds so healthy, warm, and filled with beauty that it was tempting to fantasize that life was equally sweet and uncomplicated.

A semistaged production of Debussy's Martyr offered transporting performances, retaining spectacular elements of the original work, while emphasizing its beautiful music and religious mystery.

From butterflies to specters, an esteemed pianist’s rendition of Schumann remains fitfully two-dimensional, respectable but too tame.

Magi, rituals of Twelfth Night, and an engaging repertoire highlight a concert by the enthusiastic members of Coro Hispano.

Joshua Bell with accompanist Jeremy Denk go for the poetry and beauty in Ravel, Franck, and Saint-Saëns.

A pleasant outing to the Symphony provides ranges from wild to superb and back again, with music that sweeps S.F. audiences to their feet.

The small but powerful S.F. Chamber Orchestra brings the virtues of midperiod Beethoven to top of mind.

Top soprano Angela Gheorghiu records a homage album, while EMI repackages Callas's recorded legacy yet again — this time with a new twist.

Love and sacrifice gone awry lie at the heart of a famous short story, now set as a one-act opera.

An assortment of early-music forces perform a festive Christmas Vespers from 1660.