A 20th Century Catch-Up

Finally, the classical Grammys have discovered the 20th century. Well more than half of the nominees this year focus on modern and contemporary repertory--from the modernist Americana of Copland to the social anguish of John Corigliano to the sensuous, cerebral complexity of Pierre Boulez.

In addition to best classical contemporary composition (all by living composers this year, including Northern Californian John Adams, Colin Matthews from Britain and Finn Einojuhani Rautavaara), the 20th century swept two other categories--best orchestral performance and best instrumental soloist(s) performance (with orchestra)--and took majority honors in two others.

The nominators also have concentrated on the new generation of solo star music makers hitting their prime. Pianists Martha Agerich and Yefim Bronfman, violinists Gil Shaham and Gidon Kremer and singing sensation Bryn Terfel have received multiple solo nominations. Also on the list: early music specialist William Christie with his Les Arts Florissants (overlooked last year) and two hot conductors now on the West Coast, Michael Tilson Thomas, with the San Francisco Symphony, and L.A.’s own Esa-Pekka Salonen, whose name shows up four times (a tie for No. 1 in conducting credits with perennial favorite Boulez), including best orchestral performance for Lutoslawksi’s Symphony No. 2 with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Not that the usual suspects aren’t in the mix: Mozart, Brahms, Beethoven, Vivaldi and Schumann all are represented. But even when it comes to best historical album, it’s a 20th century eclectic, Fritz Kreisler, who gets the nod.