Pizzicato gives a four-star rating to Kansas City Symphony, Michael Stern, Stephen Powell, and Joyce Yang’s recording of Jonathan Leshnoff’s Symphony No. 3 and Piano Concerto:

“Jonathan Leshnoff’s music needs no explanation, as it speaks for itself and immediately appeals to the listener. Although it is quite complex, it is imaginatively and brilliantly orchestrated and to be remembered with very reflective passages as well as with rhythmic pulsation. … It is again evident in Leshnoff’s four-movement piano concerto, which the 1973-born American completed in 2019. It has an energetic first movement, rich in dialogue, while the second movement, Neshama (Hebrew for breathing soul), is slow and contemplative. A humorous, short scherzo precedes the urgent, pulsating final movement, which ends with a triumphant coda. The Piano Concerto, which is highly virtuosic except for the atmospheric 2nd movement, is brilliantly played by Joyce Yang and the Kansas City Symphony under Michael Stern. Leshnoff’s Third Symphony… begins with a slow and tense first movement, which ends very thoughtfully after the climax. The second movement is pulsating and contains, as the composer says, thirteen minutes of angst and tension, “my depiction of war and battles”. The last movement uses two letters that soldiers sent home from the First World War. … Leshnoff has entrusted the two touching texts to the baritone voice. Stephen Powell sings them very emotionally and is supported by Michael Stern with exciting orchestral playing. This symphony is truly a valuable piece of music and as original as it is well written. Highly recommended!”

—Remy Franck, Pizzicato

See the full review on Pizzicato.lu