Grace: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas

"Grace: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas" is a monumental celebration of the esteemed conductor and composer's vast musical legacy, released on October 4, 2024, by Pentatone. Spanning four discs and an impressive 4 hours and 57 minutes, this collection showcases 18 works, including premiere recordings and remastered archival pieces, offering a comprehensive journey through Tilson Thomas' diverse and influential oeuvre.

The album features a stellar lineup of performers, including renowned sopranos Renée Fleming and Measha Brueggergosman, baritone Thomas Hampson, mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, soprano Audra McDonald, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and the San Francisco Symphony, among others. The tracklist is a testament to Tilson Thomas' eclectic tastes and innovative spirit, blending minimalism and classical genres with a contemporary edge.

Highlights include the evocative "From the Diary of Anne Frank" suite, a poignant setting of texts from Anne Frank's diary, and the Whitman and Dickinson song cycles, which showcase Tilson Thomas' gift for transforming poetic texts into deeply moving musical narratives. The album also features the world premiere recording of "Grace," a work inspired by the composer's reflections on life and art.

With its rich tapestry of sounds and emotions, "Grace: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas" is a fitting tribute to a man whose contributions to the world of classical music have been nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.