'Bloch/Lees Violin Concertos' Earns Maestro John McLaughlin Williams A Grammy Nomination

[Ernest Bloch and Benjamin Lees: Violin Concertos; Elmar Oliveira, violin; National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine; John McLaughlin Williams, conductor; Artek AR-0042-2 (2008)]

On May 21, 2008 AfriClassical posted “'Grade A' Review of 'Bloch and Lees: Violin Concertos', Conducted by John McLaughlin Williams”. Maestro Williams sends us this news, which earns him our hearty congratulations: “Hello Bill, Just wanted to let you know that I've received another Grammy nomination. It's for the Bloch/Lees Violin Concertos recording, with Elmar Oliveira. Look in Category 102 http://content.grammy.com/grammy_awards/51st_show/list.aspx#30 Thanks. I still check your site every day. It's a terrific source. All best, JMW” The nomination reads: “Category 102 Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra) (Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor.)”

Since our prior post, this CD has been reviewed by Rob Barnett of MusicWeb-International.com:

“Right from track 1 – the first movement of the Ernest Bloch Concerto – it becomes apparent that these sessions were captured in a really resonant acoustic. It’s a deeply impressive hall conveyed through a warm yet unclouded and analytical sound-image. This suits well the hoarse primitive fanfares that launch the Bloch Concerto in what is a very likeable and strong performance. The conductor tells me that rather than attempt a martial sound in the beginning fanfare he thought he would try to make it sound more like a shofar: “for me it is more a call to worship or ritual than to arms”.  [Full Post]