Thomas Busse

A familiar Beethoven symphony works at cross-purposes with two rarities by European Jewish composers.

The Musica Pacifica ensemble gets down, and delightful, with dance and folk tunes drawn from the British Isles.

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

A multitalented string quartet continues to probe the depths of Haydn and now some of his contemporaries and students, as well.

The Palace of the Legion of Honor does almost everything possible to sabotage a duo performing medieval love songs.

In its 20th season, Magnificat brings an ancient biblical oratorio to life in a manner the composer would have recognized.

A Chicago string band, despite its credible playing, comes up a bit short on forces and programming choices.

One of America’s best early-music ensembles combines forces with a sterling but hard-to-watch countertenor.

Creative performances and unusual music choices highlight a program of antique Gypsy music.

With superb soloists and instrumentalists, Magnificat delivers a perfect rendition of Charpentier’s masque Descent of Orpheus Into the Underworld.