Out of the Box

Each week Out of the Box brings you something unexpected, extraordinary, and striking. Driven by the curiosity and imagination of Chris Voss, hear new classical (and classical-ish) releases that start your week with a kick.

Out of the Box: Just (After Song of Songs)

By • 6 hours ago
Image of the three singers of the Trio Medivæval against a blue sky
Ingveil Skeie Ljones

Prepare to be mesmerized by this stunningly simple and otherworldly setting of the passionate “Song of Songs.”

Out of the Box: Palimpsests & Synesthetes

By • Nov 3, 2019
Image of marimba soloist Mika Stoltzman holding mallets toward the screen
Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

Take a moment to enjoy a reimagining of the old and a dive into the new in this week's "Out of the Box," with two cool new releases that feature the mysterious and roomy sounds of the marimba.

Out of the Box: Cliff Eidelman's "Night in the Gallery"

By • Oct 27, 2019
Image of composer Cliff Eidelman
Bjoern Kommerell

Inspired by several paintings hanging at the Louvre in Paris, this wonderful work for chamber orchestra is a perfect candidate for Out of the Box -- a fusing of visual and audio art that brings both to life with seductive magic.

Out of the Box: Rarely-Heard Vivaldi with Contralto Delphine Galou

By • Oct 20, 2019
Contralto Delphine Galou and conductor Ottavio Dantone
Giulia Papetti

For almost two decades, Naïve Records has set about recording 450 of Vivaldi's works, many of which had never been recorded. It's a massive task, and the newest recordings, the impressive 59th and 60th volumes, exude the same incredible artistry and beauty as the first.

Out of the Box: Caroline Shaw's "Orange"

By • Oct 13, 2019
Composer Caroline Shaw
Kait Moreno, 2017

Out of the Box is a new feature on WCRB focusing both on recent releases and on music that lands outside the typical classical "strike zone." And this inaugural Out of the Box feature accomplishes both, with unmatched grace, elegance, and fire.