Best production:Mendelssohn: The Complete String Quartets
Da-Hong Seetoo, engineer
(Emerson String Quartet)[Deutsche Grammophon]
It is an amazing feat to wrangle all of these works, plus the octet with a SINGLE quartet...not only do I recommend this album, but recommend that you watch the "Making of" video...
Producer of the year:Tim Handley
including these albums - Adams: Shaker Loops (Marin Alsop) Bolcom: Songs Of Innocence And Of Experience (Leonard Slatkin, Christine Brewer & Joan Morris) Brahms: Sym. No. 1 (Marin Alsop & London Philharmonic Orchestra) Daugherty: Philadelphia Stories (Marin Alsop & Evelyn Glennie) Glass: Syms. Nos. 2 And 3 (Marin Alsop & Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra)
Stunning selections at a great price...they sound like a million bucks. Listen to some of Short Ride in a Fast Machine.
Best Instrumental Soloist(s) Performance (with Orchestra):Beethoven: Piano Cons. Nos. 2 & 3
Claudio Abbado, conductor; Martha Argerich
(Mahler Chamber Orchestra)[Deutsche Grammophon]
While she didn't win for chamber music (and probably should have!) these performances are absolutely stunning! Hear some of this charming album.
Best Small Ensemble Performance (with or without Conductor)Boulez: Le Marteau Sans Maître, Dérive 1 & 2
Pierre Boulez, conductor; Hilary Summers; Ensemble Intercontemporain
[Deutsche Grammophon]
This 80 year old (81 next month!) is still continuing to inspire yougner musicians, and I'm convinced will be remembered for a very long time! Watch an interview here.
The best for last...Best Classical Vocal Performance
Bach: Cantatas
Thomas Quasthoff
(Rainer Kussmaul; Members Of The RIAS Chamber Choir; BerlinBaroque Soloists)[Deutsche Grammophon]
It seems anything Quasthoff touches (sings) is golden. This was the best decision they could make...I'm almost suprised it won. It is a recording for the ages. Listen to an introduction here.
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