Audiophile Audition‘s Steven Ritter gives ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ to Leshnoff: Symphony No. 3 and Piano Concerto recording from the Kansas City Symphony, Michael Stern, Stephen Powell, and Joyce Yang:

“After reviewing Leshnoff’s Double Concerto for Clarinet and Bassoon recently on another marvelous Reference issue, I was most intrigued to see what was coming next. … Leshnoff writes from the heart, but with a lot of craft and intelligence. Speaking of Samuel Barber, I think he resembles that master somewhat in that every note I hear feels so perfectly placed, so inevitable, so carefully worked-out by a man who is extremely concerned about the rightness of every mark he scribes, and his orchestration is also brilliant and perfectly done, giving wonderful parts to all instruments. … His 2015 Symphony No. 3 (there is a more recent fourth) is a fascinating piece… It is highly romantic in a sense, yet tempered by unabashedly expectation-foiling moments of utter satisfaction.… Stephen Powell’s singing is radiant and heartfelt. The Piano Concerto is easily one of the most winning examples of its genre that I have heard in years. … quite gripping, not only for its technical difficulties—it is a real concerto—but for the way it lures you in right at the start. Many times, I put on a new recording, even of the tried and true, and it takes a few moments to get into its grooves, but Leshnoff takes hold immediately and doesn’t let go. … When a piece ends, and you are sorry to see it go, you know you are on to something special, and this is definitely that. Joyce Yang, well known in many circles that care about modern quality pianism, plays with devotion and sparkle in a wonderful performance. Michael Stern and his Kansas City forces are really on top of their game these days, the equal of almost any orchestra you hear, and play beautifully.”

—Steven Ritter, Audiophile Audition

See the full review on AudAud.com!