Musical Compositions Led by Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, one of the five megastars of conducting, has released a new symphonic album titled "Still & Bonds: Symphonies & Variations" on Deutsche Grammophon. The album, performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Nézet-Séguin, features rediscovered symphonies of African-American composer Florence Price, as well as works by William Grant Still and Margaret Bonds.
The album includes William Grant Still's "Symphony No. 4", "Autochtonous" and Margaret Bonds' "Montgomery Variations". This is the third release dedicated to works by African-American creators by Nézet-Séguin.
However, the album is a digital-only release, without a physical format or explanatory booklet. This lack of cultural mediation in the digital-only releases has been a topic of debate in the classical music industry. Some argue that physical releases provide a more tangible and accessible way for fans to connect with the music, while others contend that digital releases offer a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative.
Nézet-Séguin's works with Deutsche Grammophon are being questioned for their objectives and the lack of physical releases. The album "Still & Bonds: Symphonies & Variations" is not a part of the recommended list "Five Youth Titles (Plus Two) to Rediscover the World". It is also not related to the topics "It's Not a Bruise, It's Camouflage" or "Love This When Marc Déry is Here".
Despite the controversy surrounding the digital-only release, Nézet-Séguin is involved with Deutsche Grammophon in the recording of Robert and Clara Schumann’s piano concertos with Beatrice Rana and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and in other classical projects planned or released in 2025, including performances and recordings connected to major classical music festivals and venues.
The debate about the importance and relevance of digital-only releases in the classical music industry continues, with "Still & Bonds: Symphonies & Variations" serving as a prime example of the ongoing discussion.
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