MPR People

Julie Amacher Feature Archive

Strings add color to hypnotic Bach

J.S. Bach would probably have appreciated the transformation of his "Goldberg" Variations from a keyboard piece into a string trio. These deceptively simple little pieces have mesmerized music lovers for centuries, and a new recording of the trio version will do nothing to break the spell. (04/17/2007)

Bell is basking in honors and busking in subways

In the space of a few days, violinist Joshua Bell has received a prestigious award, earned lots of press after busking in a Washington, DC Metro station and packed his bags for a European tour with the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields. He tells Minnesota Public Radio's Julie Amacher all about it. (04/11/2007)

To understand Mozart, a violinist thinks like a singer

As he began to explore Mozart's violin concertos in depth, fiddle virtuoso Maxim Vengerov discovered echoes of Mozart's operas. So for his new recording, he sought advice from a world-famous soprano. (04/05/2007)

Segovia's heir has blond hair

With his blond hair, David Russell certainly doesn't look Spanish, but when his fingers touch the fretboard of his guitar, any question of whether he has authentic Spanish roots vanishes immediately. (03/27/2007)

Han-Na Chang carries on a cello "Romance"

Young Korean cellist Han-Na Chang paints with the soft, rich colors of the Romantic era on her new CD release, "Romance." (03/20/2007)

Alsop's Brahms brings out the details

Some call it Brahms' most elusive work. But in her latest recording, conductor Marin Alsop offers an incredibly confident and expressive interpretation of his Symphony No. 3. (03/13/2007)

Balsom's playing is polished brass

Alison Balsom's warm, rich tone helps to accentuate the softer, more mysterious side of the trumpet. (02/27/2007)

Where Schumann wanders, Biss follows

On his latest solo recording, 26-year-old pianist Jonathan Biss generates fiery sparks of passion and reveals tender moments of reflection in two major piano works by Robert Schumann. (02/20/2007)

Yo-Yo Ma keeps alive the passion

Music is meant to be shared, and no one knows that better than Yo-Yo Ma. Over the past 30 years, the gifted cellist has explored many of his musical passions with some of the greatest musicians of our time. On his new disc, "Appassionato," he opens his book of musical memoirs. (02/13/2007)

Cincinnatians show flair for Russian fare

In a new recording, conductor Paavo Jarvi and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra touch on three different phases of Sergei Rachmaninoff's career, ranging from the light, experimental work of a composer just coming into his own and culminating in the full symphonic sound of his later years. (02/06/2007)