SHAPES IN COLLECTIVE SPACE | AnEarful - BEST OF 2024

Best Of 2024: Classical

by: Jeremy Shatan | January 2025

As my podcast listeners know, the work of living composers (contemporary classical? We need a new name) is an important part of my musical diet. If it’s not a realm you delve into often, take it from me that whatever surprises and delights you about the music you listen to the most, those same satisfactions can be found here. Here are my picks from a typically robust year, starting with anything previously covered. I invite you to listen to the playlist as you read and dive deeply into what sounds good.

The viola duo of Aria Cheregosha and Dr. Lauren Spaulding makes their recorded debut with this varied collection. Compositions by inti figgis-vizueta, Akshaya Avril Tucker, Kian Ravaei, Karl Mitze, Gala Flagello, Gemma Peacocke, and Leilehua Lanzilotti put every tone, color, and mood of the viola on full display. Drawing on their combined Cajun and Persian heritage, Spaulding and Cheregosha bring a folkish and lyrical touch to everything they do making for a delightful listen.