2010 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2010 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• Ensemble. A Touch of Élan - Héloîse Geoghegan and Michael Joyce, heard by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. A High-level Production - 'The Merry Widow', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Passport to Heaven - Bill Newman listens to the Russian pianist Nelly Akopian-Tamarina


• Ensemble. Cultural Delights - Gerald Fenech visits Slovenia for Festival Maribor


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Deft - Choral and orchestral music by Camille Saint-Saëns, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The London Philharmonic under Geoffrey Simon gives of its best ...'


• DVD Spotlight. The Heart of Opera - Giuseppe Verdi's 'La forza del destino', reviewed by Maria Nockin. '... a rhythmically alert, exciting performance ...'


• Ensemble. Stunning Artistry - New York Metropolitan Opera's Verdi's 'Don Carlo' transmission, seen and heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Still Misunderstood - Blomstedt conducts Brucker 4, heard by George Balcombe. '... playing magic ...'


• Ensemble. A Marvelous Job - Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Ho hum! - Vidor Nagy plays Bach and Paganini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... moments of splendour.'


• CD Spotlight. Murder Accomplished - Rutland Boughton's 'The Queen of Cornwall' impresses Robert Anderson. '... a brave attempt ...'


• Drama and Poetry - Mary Isaac listens to Russian pianist Olga Stezhko


• Ensemble. Substantial and Astonishing - Robert Hugill listens to sixteenth century Christmas music sung by the Chapelle du Roi


• Ask Alice - On various kinds of happy Christmasses, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Evident Satisfaction - Mike Wheeler listens to a reconstructed cantata by Neil Garland


• Ensemble. Real Spirit - A Christmas offering from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Performances to Remember - Maria Nockin looks forward to San Diego Opera's 2011 season


• CD Spotlight. Thoughtful and Elegiac - String quartets by David Matthews, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The performances do full justice to the music.'


• Ensemble. Truly Miraculous - The Emerson Quartet, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Unfailingly Musical - Mike Wheeler listens to Handel's 'Messiah' from Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. A Good Feel - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Noteworthy Introduction - Music by Stravinsky for violin and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... refreshing naturalness ...'


• CD Spotlight. Expressive Power - Vivaldi oboe concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... faultlessly delivered ...'


• Highly Impressive - A recital by Michael Ierace, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On sons and computers, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Authority and Nobility - Elisabeth Leonskaja celebrates Robert Schumann, appreciated by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. A Spirited Performance - Mike Wheeler listens to Voices and the Derby Concert Orchestra


• Ensemble. Beautifully Wrought - Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' at Covent Garden, by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Vibrant Performance - Two concerts by the Symphony of the Americas, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Vigour and Energy - Benjamin Frith saves the day, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Positively Enchanting - Phoenix Opera's 'The Magic Flute', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ideally Matched - Malcolm Troup hears 'the art of the piano reborn' in Syrian pianist Riyad Nicolas


• Ask Alice - On cello machines and thoughts of murder, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A New and Better World? - Giuseppe Pennisi was at La Scala Milan for Wagner's 'Die Walküre'


• CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Recording - The complete solo songs of E J Moeran, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully sung ...'


• An Eloquent Devotee - Ronald Stevenson's writings on Grainger, read by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Consummate Virtuosity - Bryn Terfel, Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Los Angeles Philharmonic in Hindemith and Wagner, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Surprise - Los Angeles Opera's 'Rigoletto', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Difficult Cocktail - Rossini's 'Moïse et Pharaon', assessed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Lively and Fluent - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' at London's Royal College of Music, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On 'Hamlet' and lacking advancement, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Delightfully Entertaining - Mozart, Schubert and Weill, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Crisp and Lively - Haydn's Creation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Brilliantly Dispatched - Ian McEwan and Michael Berkeley's 'For You', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A very happy occasion - A promotional recording of Oliver Rudland's 'The Conquests of Zeus', heard by Robert Anderson


• Confidently Entertaining - A recital by John Paul Ekins delights Bill Newman


• Timings - Breaking Moulds: 1910, by Jennifer Paull


• CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploration - Orchestral music by Lodewijk Mortelmans, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The performances ... are a delight ...'


• An Interdisciplinary Field - Two contemporary music festivals in Rome, described by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On Christmas and the Huddersfield Philharmonic, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Highly Promising - Brahms, Beethoven, Kreisler and Elgar from Chee-Yun, Sebrina Maria Alfonso and the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, heard by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. True Ear Candy - Wagner's 'Lohengrin' at L A Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Cherubini's 'Medée', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Comedic Talents - Metropolitan Opera's 'Don Pasquale', live and in HD at the movies, by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Generous Tonal Warmth - Derby Choral Union's Mozart Requiem, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Convincingly Pitched - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Brisk and Powerful - 'Carmen' in Tucson, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Mix-and-match - Ensembles from the Royal Northern College of Music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Kindles, rehairs and resin, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Command and Panache - Russian pianist Rustem Kudoyarov, heard by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. Unique and Moving - Mahler's Fifth Symphony - a self-metamorphosis from grief to ecstatic energy, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Interpretative Approaches - A recital by Lars Vogt impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - Johannes Goritzki and Julian Jacobson at London's Royal College of Music, heard by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Great Vitality - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', heard by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Very Rewarding - The Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Finely Shaped - Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', heard by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Soirées musicales - Mariella Devia and the Twilight of Bel Canto, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Vividly Projected - Richard Roddis and Beate Toyka perform Robert Schumann, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Searing Eloquence - A centenary performance of Elgar's Violin Concerto, heard by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On listening or playing, musicians' creativity and Sue Frankel's Caractacus Pots, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Striking Musicianship - Elena Kuschnerova plays Prokofiev, heard by Howard Smith. '... sparkling, lyrical and appropriately balletic ...'


• Ensemble. What does this symphony mean? - Shostakovich's 'Leningrad', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Total Commitment - Bart's Choir's Verdi Requiem, heard by Robert Anderson


• Liquid Finger-work - Mike Wheeler listens to a piano recital by Cordelia Williams


• Ensemble. Glowing Performance - The Sitwell Singers begin a new season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Incisive Energy - Music-making by Natalie Clein and Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Highly Dramatic - The Wihan Quartet at Kings Place, heard by Bill Newman


• Utterly Compelling - Jon Gillock's 'Performing Messiaen's Organ Music: 66 Masterclasses', read by Tom Corfield


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh raves about Barclaycard and the Absolute Zero Viola Quartet, and comments on pillow fighting in Eastbourne


• Ensemble. Superb Pianism - A London recital by Julian Jacobson, heard by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Better Late than Never - The BPSE Late Summer Festival, attended by Malcolm Troup


• Ensemble. A Real Surprise - Celso Albelo hits Venice as Nemorino in Donizetti's 'L'Elisir d'Amore', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• A Golden Treasury - Havergal Brian on European and American music, read by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. A Memorable Night - The Israel Camerata Orchestra Jerusalem, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Flying Colours - A piano recital by Theresia Renelt, appreciated by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. A Blistering Whirlwind - More from the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Growing Up - Hans Werner Henze's 'Pollicino' thrills children and adults in Florence, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On the gooey bits of pigeons and Bach's B minor Mass, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Exquisite Performance - Metropolitan Opera's live HD transmission of 'Boris Godunov', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• A Rich Resource - Teresa Verde explains how Theodore Deacon makes opera come alive


• CD Spotlight. Haste or Speed - J S Bach gamba sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitive and very musical.'


• CD Spotlight. High Spirits - Music by Dohnányi, heard by Howard Smith. '... the Buffalonians ... make their virtuosity seem almost effortless ...'


• Ensemble. Admirable Precision - Maria Nockin reviews Arizona Opera's 'The Pirates of Penzance'


• CD Spotlight. Ingeniously Crafted - Orchestral music by Donald Tovey, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... the Malmö Opera Orchestra plays handsomely for George Vass.'


• Ask Alice - On rodents, requiems and bow restorers, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Most Memorable - A recital by Soojin Han and Tadashi Imai impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Fine Performances - Mike Wheeler listens to James Rippingale, Jonathan Trout and the Derby Concert Orchestra


• Ensemble. An Apt Mix - Alena Baeva, Terje Mikkelsen and The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Gripping Intensity - Verdi's 'Macbeth' at New Zealand Opera impresses Howard Smith


• CD Spotlight. Great Purity - Performances by Deborah Roberts and friends, heard by Patric Standford. '... a recording to be treasured ...'


• Ensemble. An Epic Opera - Rossini's 'William Tell', from Rome to the BBC Proms, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. No Intermission - Maria Nockin experiences Metropolitan Opera's HD transmission of 'Das Rheingold'


• Ensemble. An Icy Reception - Giuseppe Pennisi describes the 2010 Parma Verdi Festival's stormy beginning


• CD Spotlight. Surrealist in Language - The homogeny of Jonathan Harvey, investigated by Jennifer Paull. '... superbly interpreted ...'


• Ensemble. Highly Effective - Bax, Chopin and Prokofiev from Artur Pizarro, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Strongly Musical - Handel's 'Radamisto' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Artistic Magic - Seraphic Fire's Rachmaninov Vespers, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Heroes Step Up in Crisis - The Muti era lays claim to Chicago, by Barbara Sealock


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Considered - Music for violin and viola, heard by Howard Smith. 'Braun has a firm, bright, highly focused tone ...'


• Ask Alice - On bands, exhaustion and headaches, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Profile. Two Americans in Paris - Maria Nockin talks to Vivica Genaux and Lawrence Brownlee


• Ensemble. Electronics Prevails - 'Orphée' at the Roma-Europa Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Firmly in Period - Grange Park Opera's 'Madama Butterfly', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Superb from the word 'go' - Donizetti's last Tudor Queen returns to Rome, and Carmela Remigio enchants Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. A Fascinating Hotchpotch - The story of 'La Traviata', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... fun for the experienced observer ...'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Phrased - Los Angeles Opera's 'The Marriage of Figaro', welcomed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - A tale of rain, ashes and horses, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Inventive Partnerships - Music by Justin Rubin, heard by Patric Standford. '... much attractive music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Vocal Colour - Simon Keenlyside sings Schubert, Wolf, Fauré and Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a wondrous variety ...'


• Ensemble. Very Welcome - Robert Hugill experiences Stephen Oliver's 'Euridice'


• Ensemble. Hugely Satisfying - As New Zealand arts funding strikes a sour note, Howard Smith listens to the Vector Wellington Orchestra


• CD Spotlight. An Interesting Experience - Music by Alice Ping Yee Ho, heard by Patric Standford. '... musically and technically impressive ...'


• Ensemble. A Magnificent Piece - Daniel Catán's 'Il Postino' impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Brave Show - Choral music by Sibelius, heard by Robert Anderson. '... much here to surprise and fascinate ...'


• Ensemble. Unmitigated Fun - Covent Garden at the cinema, experienced by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Delicate Refinement - Music for piano by Sibelius, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Folke Gräsbeck is a splendid advocate ...'


• Beautifully Subtle - Bobby Chen launches Derby Chamber Music's new season, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Pilgrimages of the Soul - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Italy's Sagra Musicale Umbra


• Spokesman for Soviet Society? - Colin Albin discusses Shostakovich and the state


• Ensemble. First Class - The new Palermo production of Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville', a casual worker in Almodóvar's Seville, recommended by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Impeccable - Music by Szymanowski, Webern and Schoeck, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The quartet plays with authority throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Wondrous Variety - Piano music by Chopin and Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Dominic Piers Smith survives not only intact but triumphant ...'


• Ensemble. Intensely Gripping - Bizet, Richard Strauss and Vaughan Williams from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On helping cellist Christine Jackson, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Delightful Spirit - Balkan music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... a near perfect blend of timbre and balance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Exciting Listening - Mykola Suk plays Liszt, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... a mastery and range of expression ...'


• CD Spotlight. Almost a Transformation - David Rubinstein plays Busoni, heard by K C Devereaux. '... Rubenstein's hand is steady on the tiller.'


• CD Spotlight. Clearly Etched - Violin concerti by Vieuxtemps, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... crisp ensemble and warm, full tone ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Delight - Table music by Biber, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a superb and sensitive performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Managed - Music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... reflective and purposeful ...'


• CD Spotlight. Rich Timbres - Music by Robert Baksa, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The performances express Baksa's gentle optimism beautifully.'


• Ask Alice - Strapped down and having her toes nibbled by mice, classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh meets the Wicked Witch of the West


• CD Spotlight. Quite Magical - Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák Symphonies, enjoyed by Howard Smith. 'The Baltimores' finale sings and blazes with equal compulsion ...'


• CD Spotlight. Quite Orgiastic - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... very much on the ball ...'


• CD Spotlight. Ready to Oblige - Music by Beethoven?, reviewed favourably by Robert Anderson. '... the pleasure of unfamiliar music and fine performances.'


• CD Spotlight. Elgar and Bax - A sepia album from World War I, heard by George Balcombe. '... intense emotion, beautifullly replicated ...'


• CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Piano music by Moscheles, Mendelssohn and Schumann, heard by Robert Anderson. '...Todd Crow deserves unstinted gratitude.'


• CD Spotlight. A Vigorous Spirit - Music by Matthew Taylor, heard by Patric Standford. '... skill and personality in equal measures ...'


• Ensemble. Bravura Performance - A piano recital by Anthony Hughes, heard by Mary Isaac


• CD Spotlight. Powerful and Concise - Blomstedt conducts Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a composer of infinite promise ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is shocked and appalled ...


• CD Spotlight. Lightness of Touch - Brahms and Strauss, heard by Patric Standford. '... a very fine performance by Joshua Pierce ...'


• CD Spotlight. Firstrate Ensemble - Accompanied harpsichord sonatas by Charles Avison, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... both brilliant and sensitive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Marvelously Incisive - Rózsa and Korngold violin concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... breathtaking virtuosity from soloist and orchestra alike.'


• CD Spotlight. Clear Tonal Focus - Music for cello and piano by Krzysztof Meyer, recommended by Patric Standford. '... fine playing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Melodious - Richard Strauss operatic scenes, heard by Maria Nockin. '... an iridescent wave of vocal color.'


• Ensemble. An Ecstatic Success - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Sagra Musicale Malatestiana


• CD Spotlight. Praise and Attention - Romabarocca Ensemble plays Carlo Rainaldi, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... they will go far in the rediscovery of Baroque music.'


• CD Spotlight. Eclectically Balanced - An organ recital by SooHwang Choi, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... expressive beauty.'


• CD Spotlight. Interesting Listening - Modern American orchestral music, heard by Patric Standford. '... highly imaginative elements ...'


• CD Spotlight. Uncharted Waters - Joshua Pierce plays Schubert, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitive pianism ...'


• Majesty, Moment and Control - Ben Bloor's concluding recital for Derby Cathedral's 2010 summer organ series impresses Tony Westerman


• Profile. With Perfection in Mind - Bill Newman talks to all four members of the Wihan Quartet


• CD Spotlight. Matchless Artistry - The Wihan Quartet plays Dvorák, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the finest of bravura chamber performances.'


• DVD Spotlight. Forthright Tempos - The Wihan Quartet plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... little to truly set their work apart ...'


• Ask DGriffs - Bombshell facts ... On drum kits in lofts and 'diabolus in scordatura', with deputy classical music agony 'aunt' DGriffs


• Most Welcome - The first edition of two Elgar movements for oboe quartet, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Convincing and Engrossing - Robert Hugill visits the Gut Immling Festival for a performance of Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman'


• Liszt with Languid Ease - Christopher Herrick at Derby Cathedral, heard by Tony Westerman


• Ensemble. Orchestral Firepower - Lawrence Budmen sends his final report from the 2010 Tanglewood Festival


• Ensemble. Top Class Musicianship - Roderic Dunnett visits Gloucester for the 2010 Three Choirs Festival


• Ask DGriffs - Desperate platitudes ... a rather surprising concerto at the BBC Proms, and an urgent plea for new correspondence, from deputy classical music agony 'aunt' DGriffs


• Ensemble. When God and Man Collide - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Salzburg Festival to investigate 'the downfall of the myth and the spirit of the music'


• Ensemble. Eminently Believable - Undercroft Opera's 'La Traviata', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Painfully Accurate - For Sciarrino, a modern mad scene: non-Kafka lovers, attend at your own risk, by Gregory Moomjy


• Ensemble. Spirited Performances - Santa Fe Opera's 'The Magic Flute' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Airborne Fingers - A BPSE lunchtime recital by Harvey Dagul and Isobel Beyer, praised by Malcolm Troup


• Highly Characterful - Tom Corfield plays Whitlock, Howells, Messiaen, Bach and Peeters, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - A new plan for world peace, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Rough and Shining Jewels - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2010 Rossini Opera Festival


• Ensemble. Truly Fascinating - A Santa Fe Opera digest, including the recent Kaye Edition of 'The Tales of Hoffmann', by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Sex and Heroism - 'Juditha triumphans' at the Sferisterio Festival, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Worthy Introduction - Song cycles and chamber music by Gareth Walters, heard by Patric Standford. '... deserves a firm place in the CD library.'


• CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Light music from Turkey, heard by Howard Smith. '... colourful, exotic and hugely entertaining ...'


• A Vigorous Account - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Performance to Cherish - Lawrence Budmen submits a further report from the Tanglewood Festival 2010


• CD Spotlight. An Impressive Performance - Michael Ludwig plays music by John Corigliano, heard by Patric Standford. '... should not fail to entertain ...'


• CD Spotlight. Enviable Ease - Irena Portenko plays Chopin, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... easy fluidity of touch and tone ...'


• Ensemble. A Remarkable Event - Paul Sarcich visits the West Cork Chamber Music Festival


• Ensemble. Dramatic Strength - The 'Glory of God' through three Verdi operas at the Sferisterio Festival 2010, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Incisive Playing - Daniel Hyde at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Strength and Lyricism - Chamber music by Hugh Wood, heard by Patric Standford. '... taut stamina.'


• Ensemble. Impeccable Standards - Bill Newman's pick of June and July concerts at London's Wigmore Hall


• A Performance to Remember - A recital by Emanuel Rimoldi impresses Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Finely Judged - Brahms and Schumann piano quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'This is music-making both sensitive and relaxed.'


• Ask Alice - On, like, gift shop blues (or reds and browns?), like, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Total Delight - The Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, heard by Lawrence Budmen


• Much Augmented - A new score of Elgar's 'Arthur', perused by Robert Anderson


• Seemingly Improvisatory - Pieter Wispelwey's Bach cello suites at Tanglewood impress Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Pure Joy - Giuseppe Pennisi finds 'Madama Butterfly' at the Puccini Festival a pleasure for the ears and the eyes


• CD Spotlight. Gentle Passions - Music by John Jeffreys, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced ...'


• Ensemble. Exquisite Music-making - Miklós Perényi and András Schiff at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Profile. Finding the Right Voice - Maria Nockin talks to American composer Daniel Catán


• Robustness and Transparency - Francis Jackson plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Wondrously Expansive - Ronan Magill's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Real Poise - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On the three weaknesses of Charles Mackerras, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Eyes Tight Shut - 'La Fanciulla del West' at the Puccini Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Linear Clarity - Julian Jacobson's Wigmore Hall recital impresses Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Glowing Performances - Music by Koechlin and Jongen, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a truly outstanding recital ...'


• Ensemble. Indulging in Forbidden Consecutives - Mastersingers at the BBC Proms, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Deft Stagecraft and Virtuosity - Bloch and Israeli Music, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. 'Alceste' in the Madhouse - Giuseppe Pennisi files his last report from the 2010 Aix-en-Provence Festival


• Ensemble. Family Life - A Bernstein double bill at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Sensitively Played - A recital by Stephen Disley, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Limpid Clarity - 'The Barber of Baghdad' by Peter Cornelius, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Playing Rameau - Interpretations by Stephen Gutman, recommended by George Balcombe. '... not a million miles away from jazz.'


• Ensemble. A Highly-Charged Occasion - David Fanshawe's 'African Sanctus', heard by Mike Wheeler


• The Past Cannot Be Changed - Oscar Strasnoy's 'Un Retour', recommended by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Small Masterpiece - Richard Rodney Bennett's 'All the King's Men' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Relationship advice for music teachers, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Strongly Stated and Idiosyncratic - 'Composing in Words: William Alwyn on his Art', read by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Rather Quirky - Massenet's 'Manon' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Political Overtones - George Benjamin's 'Into the Little Hill', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Terrific Pace and Direction - Verdi's 'Luisa Miller' at the Buxton Festival, recommended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Splendid Ideas - Stravinsky's 'Le Rossignol' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Special Praise - Bizet's 'Carmen' at Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare


• Scholarship and Humour - Simon Lindley opens Derby Cathedral's summer season of organ recitals, reviewed by Tony Westerman


• Ensemble. Nearly a Male Lulu - 'Don Giovanni' in Aix-en-Provence, a black comedy of sex and loneliness, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - How less practice can be more, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Pure Magic - Opera North's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Young Purity - A Covent Garden 'Salome' revival, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Noteworthy Impressions - Greg Moomjy writes about the art of the outstanding production


• Masks - Jennifer Paull continues her investigation of musical and theatrical masks


• DVD Spotlight. A Glorious Time - Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... tender expression and all requisite vim.'


• Ensemble. Sisters Under the Skin - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Notching up the practice hours, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Opera in the Arena - Rebecca Schmid listens to Renée Fleming and the Berlin Philharmonic


• CD Spotlight. Spellbinding Artistry - Jonathan Plowright plays Chopin, recommended by Howard Smith. '... positively hair-raising.'


• Flowers of Light - Puccini's 'I crisantemi' as a pedagogical tool for piano performance majors, by Heidi Lowy


• Ensemble. Puzzling and Frustrating - Mozart's 'Idomeneo' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Masks - Jennifer Paull investigates a layering of musical and theatrical masks, with the omnipresent eerie reminder of the gas mask


• Ensemble. Total Confidence - Sinfonia Viva's summer schools project, 'Floratorio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Some harsh but sporting advice from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Contemporary Resonance - Grange Park Opera's 'Capriccio', enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Bewildering Variety - 'The Love of Three Oranges' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Flight of Eloquence - Blomstedt conducts Bruckner, heard by Robert Anderson. '... opulence and splendour ...'


• Ensemble. Darkness to Light - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Ravenna Festival


• Ensemble. Young Eroticism in the Third French Republic - Massenet's 'Manon' returns to Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Profile. The State of the Art - Maria Nockin talks to soprano Christine Brewer


• Ask Alice - A clear case of power play, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Colourful and Large Scale - Francesca Zamballo's production of 'Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Programmatic Titles - Piano music by John Pitts, heard by Patric Standford. 'The performances by Steven Kings are excellent ...'


• Ensemble. A Major Success - Ricky Ian Gordon's 'Orpheus & Euridice', experienced by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Subtle and Organic - Music by John Luther Adams, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... vast silent landscapes ...'


• CD Spotlight. Category Defying - Ensemble Polaris, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Stockholm meets Nashville ...'


• Ensemble. Almost Cinematic - Shchedrin's 'Anna Karenina' and other premières at The Stars of the White Nights Festival, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Great Fun - The Hallé Orchestra ends Nottingham's orchestral season, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Neatly Balanced - A City Lit music gala, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - On second careers and sensitivity, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Awakening of Nature - Mahler's Third Symphony, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Cosmic Distance - Choral music from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, recommended by George Balcombe. '... such clarity ...'


• CD Spotlight. Grandest Lines - Donald Tovey's cello concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... satisfyingly masterful.'


• CD Spotlight. Great Abilities - Piano trios by Donald Tovey, heard by Robert Anderson. '... diatonic convictions ...'


• Ensemble. Intelligent and Satisfying - English National Opera's new production of 'Tosca', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Seventh Heaven - Christine Brewer and Craig Rutenberg's recital in Los Angeles, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Thoughtfully Appealing - Judith Lambden plays J S Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... a great deal to admire ...'


• Ask Alice - On songwriters and gamba sonatas, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Airy Textures - Handel's 'Judas Maccabaeus', heard by Robert Anderson. '... the choral mood is everything.'


• Stimulating Fare - Eugene Alcalay plays Bartók, Dutilleux and Beethoven, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Full of Clarity - Baroque music in Poland, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... very fine interpretations ...'


• Profile. Hearing the Ideas - Maria Nockin talks to American composer Ricky Ian Gordon


• Ensemble. Sovereign Quality - Aidan Lang's 'The Marriage of Figaro', recommended by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Love's Eternal Empire - Music by Janácek and Suk impresses Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - Christian Aid, Alice-style, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Pushing Back the Boundaries - London Sinfonietta's 'British Experiments', reviewed by Chris Graham


• Profile. Important Skills - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo Dolora Zajick


• Ensemble. Clearly Important - The seventh Klavessiinfestival held in Tallinn, Estonia, attended by Peter Howell


• CD Spotlight. A Symbol of Gratitude? - Mozart Symphonies 39 and 40, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vitality and alertness ...'


• Ensemble. An Excellent Staging - 'Madama Butterfly' at Rome's Teatro dell'Opera, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. High Expectations - Barenboim's 'Das Rheingold' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. The Real Thing - Spanish music from the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Serious Fun - Lynn Norris looks back at the life of composer, conductor and pianist Aubrey Bowman


• CD Spotlight. An Ideal Exponent - Eniko Magyar plays English viola music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully executed and superbly recorded ...'


• Ensemble. A Cross Section - Bill Newman comments on some recent concerts at London's Wigmore Hall


• Ensemble. A Unifying Mood - A new song cycle by Julian Dawes, heard by Malcolm Miller


• DVD Spotlight. A Little Wizardry - Purcell's 'Dido and Aeneas', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the playing is stylish and alert throughout.'


• Ensemble. Mahler versus Mahler - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Antonio Pappano and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia


• Ask Alice - Problems with a violinist who's 'too good', with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Vivid Contrasts - Mike Wheeler listens to Pinchas Zukerman and the Royal Philharmonic


• CD Spotlight. A Shattered Mirror - Paganini caprices arranged for string quartet, heard by Howard Smith. '... technically cluttered.'


• CD Spotlight. Thrilling Mastery - Tanja Becker-Bender plays Paganini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... sparkling clarity and power ...'


• Ensemble. Under the Tuscan Sun - Giuseppe Pennisi attends the beginning of the Tiroler Festspiele 2010


• Profile. Real Meaning - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham


• Ask Alice - 'The Marriage of Figaro' in Washington DC, reviewed by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Rhythmic Freedom - Geoffrey Lancaster plays Haydn, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a very auspicious start.'


• Ensemble. Museum Culture? - Experimental music by Cage, Cowell, Feldman, Rzewski, Satie and Wolff, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Rhythmic Interplay - Music by Babbitt and Feldman, heard by Patric Standford. '... fresh and striking ...'


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Afternoon - Mozart's 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' live from Barcelona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin in Arizona


• Ensemble. Difficult to Forget - Richard Strauss' 'Die Frau ohne Schatten', enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Highly Inventive - Music by Stephen Foster, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ask Alice - The matinée performance on 24 April 2010 of Folger Theater's 'Hamlet', recommended by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Hilariously Funny - Arizona Opera's 'The Barber of Seville', appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Delightful Contributions - Nicholas Kok conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Ideal Balance - An evening with the Northern Sinfonia and friends delights Mike Wheeler


• Deeply Expressive - Helen Cha plays John Mackenzie, Bach, Haydn and Chopin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Masterly Performance - Massenet's 'Werther' on the psychotherapist's couch, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Atmosphere is Everything - Weber's 'Der Freischütz', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• A Genuine Beethoven Pianist - Simon Watterton gives a lunchtime recital in London, heard by Julian Jacobson


• Winning Ensembles - Malcolm Miller was at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Competition


• Ask Alice - On the pros and cons of Facebook, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Major Delights - 'La traviata' from San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Smiling Poise - Derby Chamber Music ends its season on a high, reported by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Sensitive Account - Choral music by Rossini, Elgar and Handel, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Must-have - Piano music by Federico Mompou, recommended by Natalie Artemas-Polak. 'Haskell Small's contemplative approach admirably suits these pieces ...'


• Ensemble. In Complete Command - Britten's 'The Company of Heaven' and Renaissance Polyphony, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Top-notch Formation - Operas by Zemlinsky and Puccini, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Maximum Interest - A double bill from Los Angeles Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Seething with Evil - Franz Schreker's 'Die Gezeichneten', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On the guilty secrets of classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Thoroughly Impressed - Maria Nockin talks to baritone Alan Opie, who is about to sing Germont for San Diego Opera


• CD Spotlight. A New-Age Universe - Bryan Beadle plays his own compositions, heard by Ron Bierman. '... flashes of beautiful sound ...'


• His Forever - My Love Affair with Johann Sebastian Bach, by Gloria DeVidas Kirchheimer


• Ensemble. Seldom Performed - 'Lulu' lands at La Scala, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Wide-ranging Discourse - Sinfonia Viva plays Beethoven, Anna Meredith, Nico Muhly, Ravel and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Beautifully Realised - Haydn, Poulenc, Szymanowski and Walton, sung by Derby Bach Choir and the girl choristers of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Wildlife on the highway, rescued by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Charm and Elan - Vladimir Ashkenazy, Ingrid Fliter and the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. A Successful Production - Sixty Leitmotives for 'Tosca', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Consummate Skill - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Distinctive Fervour - Music for Holy Week sung by the Chapelle du Roi, heard by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. A New Path - Music by Oliver Rudland, heard by Robert Anderson


• Truly Charming - John Sant'Ambrogio's 'The Day I Almost Destroyed the Boston Symphony, and Other Stories', read by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Boldly Programmed - Music by Antonín Tucapský, Petr Eben and Vaughan Williams, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On oboe jobs, waxworks and knee surgery, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Huge Fun - J S Bach and a single popping cork, heard by Howard Smith. '... riven with eccentricities ...'


• Ensemble. A World-class Orchestra - Mike Wheeler listens to the Bergen Philharmonic


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Powers - Orchestral music by Louis Spohr, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Howard Shelley and the Swiss orchestra clearly relish this unusual assignment.'


• Ensemble. Power and Expressiveness - Janácek's 'Katya Kabanova', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Soulful Intimacy - A concert by Yasmin Levy lingers in Malcolm Miller's memory


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Beauty - Works by Fauré for Cello and Piano, recommended by George Balcombe. '... a profoundly moving sound ...'


• Ensemble. Very Welcome - The bicentennial 'Simon Boccanegra' in Parma, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On violins and bows, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• A Vision of Shostakovich's String Quartet No 8 - A poem by J Jean Mayfield


• CD Spotlight. Utmost Clarity - William Appling plays Joplin and Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently four square, honest, unpretentious ...'


• Ensemble. Highly Imaginative - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency concert, attended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Fine Tone - Derby Grammar School and High School Choral Society, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Splendid Richness - Music from Goldsmiths Chamber Choir and Brass Ensemble, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Indeed Eternal - 'Symphonie fantastique' and 'Le Carnaval romain', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... much to admire ...'


• Ensemble. An Erotic 'Tannhäuser' in Bollywood - Giuseppe Pennisi has mixed feelings about La Scala's new Wagnerian production


• Ask Alice - On the appointment of a masterchef for musicians, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Excellent Performance - Gounod's 'Romeo and Juliet' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Beautifully Turned - Horn trios by Lennox Berkeley, Jeremy Thurlow and Haydn impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Highly-Charged - Joyce Yang, Edo de Waart and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reviewed by Rebecca Schmid


• Ensemble. The Devil and the Bourgeoisie - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Arrigo Boito's 'Mefistofele'


• Ensemble. Truly Memorable - A concert of arias at Arizona Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Formidably Difficult - Antonín Dvorák's Piano Concerto, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... commendable, as far as it goes.'


• Ensemble. An Enjoyable Evening - Opera North's 'Ruddigore', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wholly Serious - Handel's 'Tamerlano' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Human Nature - A staged 'Così fan tutte' at Severance Hall in Cleveland, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Disillusioning in All its Grandeur - New York Metropolitan Opera's current production of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Attila' elicits a mixed reaction from Rebecca Schmid


• Ensemble. Celebrating in Style - Derby Concert Orchestra's sixtieth birthday, with Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On talent and texts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sense of Purpose - Beate Toyka and Thomas Solzbacher celebrate Chopin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Strong Performances - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Joyously Guiltfree - Haydn's 'Creation', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Haydn is on top form throughout ...'


• Ensemble. White Hot Intensity - Renée Fleming and the Russian National Orchestra at the Festival of the Arts Boca 2010, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Unusual and Different - Tan Dun's 'The Banquet', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Profile. Encouraging Others - Maria Nockin talks to Stephen Costello and Ailyn Perez, the young couple singing Gounod's 'Romeo and Juliet' this month at San Diego Opera


• Ensemble. Shining Beauty - The current Italian season of Mozart's 'Idomeneo', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On the benefits of singing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ninety Stars are Born - Giuseppe Pennisi tours Austria with a young Italian symphony orchestra


• CD Spotlight. A Forthright Approach - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the Ex Cathedra performance is a triumph.'


• CD Spotlight. Appealingly Straightforward - Music by Barbara Harbach, warmly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a worthwhile introduction to a valuable contemporary composer ...'


• Ensemble. A Perfect Falstaff - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Vienna State Opera


• Ensemble. Beautifully Expressive - The Isolani Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wilfully Distorted - Petrenko conducts the RLPO, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On personnel problems in orchestras, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Fine Performance - Verdi's 'Nabucco' from San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Crisp Performance - 'Belshazzar' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Fresh Repertoire - Austin Moorhead's guitar recital, heard by Patric Standford. '... a programme to which it is well worth giving time.'


• Ensemble. Fine Drama - Chelsea Opera Group's 'La Traviata', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'


• Ensemble. Black Comedy - Prokofiev's 'The Gambler' impresses Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'


• Ensemble. High Voltage - Sol Gabetta joins Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Splendidly Imaginative - Julian Jacobson and Meng Yang Pan celebrate Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year, enjoyed by Mary Isaac


• Dual Personality? - In the 20th anniversary year of Bernstein's death, Giuseppe Pennisi writes about Italy's homage to Lenny


• CD Spotlight. Fifty Years - Celebrating Lyrita's recordings of British music, by George Balcombe. '... a meticulous reproduction of orchestral sound ...'


• CD Spotlight. Musical Finesse - Songs by Gregg Kallor, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Go to the top of the class.'


• Ensemble. A Hyperrealistic Setting - Robert Hugill has some reservations about Jonathan Miller's 'L'elisir d'amore'


• Ensemble. Close to Perfection - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' broadcast from New York Metropolitan Opera, by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A True Dynamo - Lawrence Budmen listens to French conductor Ludovic Morlot, in concert with Jennifer Koh and the New World Symphony


• Ask Alice - On thin ankles and recordings, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Nearly Unknown - Bologna's Renaissance music, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... an efficient and effective local ensemble ...'


• Ensemble. Crisp and Energetic - Ilya Gringolts, Sinfonia Viva and André de Ridder, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sheer Tension - The first performance of the unabridged 'Elektra' enthralls the audience, related by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Bouquet of Bohèmes - Maria Nockin reviews one opera at two different venues


• Ensemble. Shattering Conviction - Mike Wheeler listens to Markus Stenz and the Hallé in music by Colin Matthews and Mahler


• Ensemble. Something Magical - Andris Nelsons conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. In Full Voice - Britten's 'St Nicolas' at Canterbury Cathedral, enjoyed by Pippa Hare


• DVD Spotlight. A New Light - La Scala gives 'Maria Stuarda' the royal treatment, by Gregory Moomjy. '... the cast was in fine voice ...'


• Ask Alice - A cello, a mechanic and a funeral, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Flowing Delivery - Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... vital technical flair ...'


• Ensemble. The Quality of the Cooks - Verdi comic operas on stage, tasted by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Class Of Its Own - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Cleveland Orchestra


• CD Spotlight. Thoughtful Output - Music by Thomas Hewitt Jones, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive but questionably appropriate ...'


• Ensemble. Sparks Really Flew - Mike Wheeler listens to the Denner Ensemble


• Ask Alice - Elegy and Celebration, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Tragic Power - Handel's 'Tamerlano', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The simplicity of the production is welcome ...'


• CD Spotlight. Precocious and Talented - Music by Anna Bon di Venezia, heard by Ron Bierman. '... nuanced and cleanly articulated ...'


• Mature and Considered - Stephen Savage plays Beethoven, heard by Julian Jacobson


• DVD Spotlight. A Rarity - Jonathan Dove's 'The Adventures of Pinocchio', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... considerable merits on display ...'


• Ensemble. A Bombshell - Carmen at the movies, by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Transcendent Resignation - Mahler's Ninth Symphony, heard by David Wilkins. '... played with love and knowledge and commitment ...'


• Ask Alice - On the craziness of worldwide auditions, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Such Clarity - Piano music by Prokofiev, heard by Robert Anderson. '... enviable simplicity and beauty of tone.'


• CD Spotlight. Sterling Playing - Wendy Warner's interpretations of Popper and Piatigorsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... sovereign music-making deserving of the highest accolades.'


• CD Spotlight. Great Poise - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich symphonies, recommended by Paul Sarcich. '... care and thoughtfulness ...'


• Ensemble. An Amazing Cast - New York Metropolitan Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier' in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Meticulously Explored - Bellini's 'La Somnambula' provides a long-awaited answer to an age-old question, as experienced by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Hidden Byways - Ruthanne Schempf plays American piano music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... her performances are fresh and immediate ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is touched strangely by tales of woe


• Ensemble. A Double Farewell - Henze and Mahler in Rome, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Unfailing Energy - Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, welcomed by Patric Standford. 'The video reveals Solti's benign authority ...'


• Ensemble. High Energy Performance - A 'Salute to Vienna' concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• CD Spotlight. A Tactile Rhetoric - 'Last Cicada Singing' by Christopher Roberts, contemplated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... gesture becomes music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'


• CD Spotlight. Diverse and Interesting - Music by John A Carollo, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Only partly my cup of tea ...'


• Ask Alice - On ageism in the music business, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Magnificent Scholarship - Robert Hugill reads the new Cambridge Handel Encyclopaedia


• Low cost, but effective - 'Tosca' and 'Butterfly' with live electronics, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Thrilling New Option - 'Il Trovatore' from Barcelona, experienced in Arizona by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Malignant Fate - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... wonderfully alert ...'


• CD Spotlight. Invigoratingly Natural - Van Beinum conducts Mahler, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a tad less frenetic ...'


• CD Spotlight. Miniaturist Skills - Music by Carey Blyton, heard by Patric Standford. '... a delight for both performer and listener.'


• Ready for 2010 - Carolyn Ellis deals with a not so pleasant Christmas surprise


• DVD Spotlight. Evident Delight - Puccini's 'La rondine', heard by Robert Anderson. '... exciting acrobatics ...'