The Best Classical Music of 2016

A list of the best classical music of 2016.

Introduction

It was a banner year for new recordings, with fresh and innovative interpretations of the classical canon; reissues and box sets that spanned centuries and continents; and music by living composers that challenged our perceptions of what classical music can be. Here are our picks for the best classical recordings of 2016.

Best Orchestral Music

There were some great works written for orchestra this year, including Steven Mackey’s Violin Concerto, which was nominated for a Grammy. Other noteworthy pieces include John Corigliano’s Symphony No. 3, which was inspired by the 9/11 attacks, and Thomas Adès’ “The Tempest,” which was composed for the Royal Shakespeare Company. These are just a few of the many great orchestral pieces that were composed in 2016.

Best Opera

Opera is typically thought of as a grandiose affair, with luxurious sets and costumes, and stories full of love, betrayal, and heartbreak. But in recent years, opera has been shedding its stuffy reputation, reaching out to new audiences with innovative productions that modernize both the works themselves and the way they are experienced. Here are ten of the best opera productions from around the world in 2016.

1. “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Deutsche Oper Berlin
One of the most popular operas of all time, Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro” was given a fresh twist at the Deutsche Oper Berlin this year. The production, set in 1920s Weimar Germany, updated the story to reflect the social tensions of its new setting. With an excellent cast and inventive staging, this “Figaro” was a brilliant example of how classic works can be given new life for contemporary audiences.

2. “The Barber of Seville” at Opera Philadelphia
Rossini’s beloved comedy “The Barber of Seville” was given a charming makeover by Opera Philadelphia this year. Set in early 20th-century Spain, the production featured colorful sets and costumes inspired by Pablo Picasso’s work. It was a delightful take on a classic opera that will delight fans old and new.

3. ” turandot” at Teatro alla Scala
Puccini’s final opera is a grand spectacle set in ancient China. This lavish production from Milan’s Teatro alla Scala did not disappoint, with impressive sets and costumes that transported audience members to another world. The powerful music and passionate drama made for an unforgettable evening at the opera.

4. “Macbeth” at English National Opera
Verdi’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth” is not often performed, but this year it received an excellent production from English National Opera. The spine-tingling story was brought to life by a talented cast, with standout performances from Baritone Simon Keenlyside as Macbeth and Soprano Anna Netrebko as Lady Macbeth. The brooding atmosphere and impressive visuals made this one of the most memorable operas of 2016.

5.”Don Giovanni” at Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Mozart’s dark drama “Don Giovanni” returned to the Royal Opera House Covent Garden this year in a gripping production directed by Kasper Holten. With outstanding singing from British tenor Ian Bostridge as the title character and Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen as Donna Anna, this was one “Don Giovanni” that you won’t want to miss.

Best Choral Music

Even in these uncertain times, music has the power to lift our spirits and bring us together. Here, in no particular order, is a selection of some of the best classical music of 2016.

Best Choral Music
1. John Luther Adams – In the Name of the Earth
2.HK Gruber – Frankenstein!!
3. Tõnu Kaljuste – Missa Syllabica
4. Richard Egarr – Haydn: The Creation
5. Bob Chilcott – A Little Jazz Mass
6. Kate Bearinger – The Light That Shines

Best Solo Vocal Music

There were many great new recordings of solo vocal music released in 2016. Here are some of our favorites:

Dorothea Röschmann, Handel: Italian cantatas – This disc features soprano Dorothea Röschmann singing a selection of Italian cantatas by George Frideric Handel. The cantatas are all beautiful, and Röschmann’s voice is simply gorgeous.

Susanna Phillips, Vocalise – Susanna Phillips is one of the most talented young sopranos around, and her new album Vocalise is proof of that. The album features a selection of art songs by Russian composers, including Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky. Phillips’ voice is absolutely lovely, and she brings these songs to life in a way that is simply mesmerizing.

Dawn Upshaw, Illuminations – Soprano Dawn Upshaw has long been one of the most acclaimed vocalists in the world, and her new album Illuminations is a true tour de force. The album features a selection of French art songs by composers including Debussy, Fauré, and Ravel. Upshaw’s voice is simply beautiful, and she brings these songs to life in a way that is both moving and beautiful.

Best Chamber Music

would say that one of the best things about chamber music is that it can be performed in so many different ways. You can have two people playing one piano, or a full orchestra with 100 people. Chamber music can be loud and exciting, or soft and calming. It can be played by professional musicians, or by students who are just starting out.

One of the best things about chamber music is that it can be performed in so many different ways. You can have two people playing one piano, or a full orchestra with 100 people. Chamber music can be loud and exciting, or soft and calming. It can be played by professional musicians, or by students who are just starting out.

Best New Music

New music in classical music is always something to get excited about. Whether it’s a new composition or a new recording of an old favorite, there’s always something to discover.

And 2016 was no different. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite classical music of the year, from new releases to performances, so you can catch up on all the best that 2016 had to offer.

So without further ado, here are some of the best classical music moments of 2016.