Kudos to the producers and engineers, too. Beyond Bach & Vivaldi sounds bright and colorful and expressive — McKay Lodge’s violin is a reminder of why this kind of music can be so golden and so delicious when consumed with a bang-up pair of speakers. “Intimate” might be overused in this context, but we’re talking about solo violin here: it’s just you and the instrument. The violin is speaking with a clarity that makes it impossible not to focus on the sounds being coaxed out of it. That’s a wonderful experience, and the reason I wouldn’t suggest putting it on as background music to get you through the work slog. McKay Lodge’s performance is begging you to listen to what the music has to say, to engage with the art of folks we might have forgotten. And if you don’t give it all the attention it’s due, you’re liable to feel a tiny bit guilty.
WQXR