2012 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2012 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• CD Spotlight. Muscular and Energetic - Orchestral music by Witold Lutoslawski, heard by Howard Smith. '... played with conspicuous élan ...'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Reverent - Carols from Phoenix Chorale, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Food for Thought - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Un ballo in maschera', considered by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Decrees of Fate - Handel's 'Deidamia', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically the opera bowls along with both speed and distinction; visually it is vaudeville.'


• Ensemble. Very Elegant - Minkus' 'Don Quixote' in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Very Emotional - Concerts in Rome for Peace, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Big Voices - Verdi's 'Aida', live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Crunchy Bitonality - Music by Julian Dawes, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. A Seasonal Nod - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Hearing loss high among musicians, experienced by Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• An Uplifting Concert - Malcolm Miller was at the 20th Intercollegiate Beethoven Piano Competition


• Ensemble. Charisma, Punch and Pull - Roderic Dunnett listens to Valery Gergiev conduct Szymanowski and promote the opening of Mariinsky2


• DVD Spotlight. Tangled History - Verdi's 'I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... expertly conducted by Daniele Callegari and imaginatively staged by Lamberto Puggelli.'


• Ensemble. Informative and Exhilarating - Chamber and instrumental music from China and elsewhere, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Philologically Correct - A sexless 'Traviata' opens San Carlo's new season in Naples, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Very Impressive - Christmas music from the Brass Band of Battle Creek, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... bewitchingly subtle touches of colour ...'


• Ensemble. On Sparkling Form - Derby Cathedral Choir's Handel 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - This is the Truth sent from Above, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Forbidden Questions - A controversial 'Lohengrin' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sizzling Confidence - The Benaud Trio impresses Howard Smith. '... a CD of exceptional providence.'


• DVD Spotlight. Heartfelt Agitation - Rossini's 'Mosè in Egitto', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically all is well ...'


• Ensemble. Most Versatile - Mozart's 'La Clemenza di Tito' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'


• Ensemble. Bounce and Swagger - Musica Donum Dei's 'Handel and Other Visitors to London', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Questions from cellists, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Irridescent Colourings - The Debussy Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... beautifully balanced ...'


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Drama - Puccini's 'Suor Angelica', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Nelsons and the WDR Symphony Orchestra of Cologne have done their best for Puccini ...'


• CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'


• Ensemble. Whizzy Visuals - Gounod's 'Faust', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Elements of Panto - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' entertains Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Nothing to Say - Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker', reviewed by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Top Notch - Magdalena Kozená's Carmen, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... sheer and utter brilliance in every department.'


• Ensemble. Passionate Urgency - Janácek's 'The Makropoulos Case', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Natural Stage Presence - Guild Music's concert to celebrate the launch of two new CDs, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Ask Alice - Call centre blues, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sonorities of Great Beauty - Malcolm Miller listens to the mandolin


• CD Spotlight. Yuletide Writing - The Taylor Festival Choir, heard by Howard Smith. '... irresistible verve and clarity.'


• Ensemble. A Sad Story - 'Madama Butterfly' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Psychological Evolution - 'Simon Boccanegra' in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Highly Recommended - Music for Advent intrigues Gerald Fenech. '... one of the discs of the year as far as choral music is concerned ...'


• CD Spotlight. Cloven Hoofs? - English trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Trio Setttecento has adapted skilfully towards whatever idiom was required throughout the disc.'


• DVD Spotlight. Innovative Colours - J S Bach's Christmas Oratorio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... musically reliable ...'


• Ensemble. Expanding the Tale - Charles Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Real Confidence - Orchestral music by Meira Warshauer, heard by Patric Standford. '... too many ideas and too little development ...'


• Ensemble. Taking Risks - English Touring Opera's Autumn productions, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Full Rein - Derby Bach Choir sings Haydn, Vivaldi and Beethoven, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Splendid Violinist - Peter Fisher's 'Music from the Movies', enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Special Enchantment - Richard Hickox's 'Light of Life' impresses Howard Smith. '... Chandos/Hickox win hands down.'


• Ensemble. An Inspired Choice - Benjamin Ellin, Elgar, Grieg, Dvorák and Janácek from Mark Elder, Jamie Phillips and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On the excesses of travel for orchestral players, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Skillful and Imaginative - Music by Arlene Sierra impresses Patric Standford. '... an impressive and valuable first volume introduction ...'


• Ensemble. Serene Flow - Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dvorák from the Aquinas Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Elegant as well as Functional - Thomas Adès' 'The Tempest' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Poise and Charm - Poulenc, Debussy and Puccini from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Contrapuntal Flight - Piano duos by Hans Gál, heard by Robert Anderson. '... played with their customary skill by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.'


• Ensemble. Spirited Playing - Matthew Coorey conducts Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Finely Judged - Chinese pianist Di Xiao, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Most Impressive - Bill Newman listens to Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi


• CD Spotlight. Aching Beauty - Messiaen's 'Turangalîla-Symphonie', heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... vibrant, almost hesitant strings ...'


• Ask Alice - On careers in music and backup plans, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Economies of Scale - Excerpts from 'The Ring' down under, heard by Howard Smith. '... sonic excellence.'


• CD Spotlight. Verbal Grovelling - Vocal music by Christopher Tye, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitively interpreted by the Westminster Abbey Choir and James O'Donnell.'


• CD Spotlight. Mysterious Atmosphere - Music by Christopher Shultis, heard by Patric Standford. 'All very fascinating.'


• Ensemble. Two Worlds - Malcolm Miller looks forward to the Wagner bicentenary and back to a semi-staged performance of Jonathan Harvey's 'Wagner Dream'


• Ensemble. Transfiguration and Redemption - Vaughan Williams' 'Pilgrim's Progress', appreciated by Roderic Dunnett


• DVD Spotlight. Gallic to Teutonic - Opera Australia's 'La bohème', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Park is suitably distraught ...'


• Ask Alice - On the nightmare in the decorating scenario, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Wondrous Music - Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... impeccable ensemble, just intonation, a rich variety of tone colours, and a youthful freshness of approach.'


• Ensemble. Mother Russia - Works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, enjoyed by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Unexpected Passion - Music by Hampson Sisler, heard by Patric Standford. '... the brooding is there, if not the power.'


• Ensemble. Fairy-tale Magic - Mike Wheeler listens to the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Radiance - Paul Dean plays Brahms and Schumann, recommended by Howard Smith. '... look no further.'


• Ensemble. Passionate Acting - Maria Nockin was in the stalls for New York Metropolitan Opera's 'Otello' in HD


• Ask Alice - On ghostwriting dialogue for Hitler and Goering, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Neat and Stylish - Piers Adams plays Vivaldi and Handel, and impresses Robert Anderson. '... I would back Mr Adams against any of the elements.'


• Ensemble. Silvery Tones - Maria Nockin was at the opening concert of Phoenix Chorale's 2012-13 season


• Ensemble. Achingly Beautiful - Agostino Steffani's 'Orlando Generoso', experienced by Roderic Dunnett


• Great Delicacy - Jenny Lin at Notttingham's Royal Concert Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Exquisitely Floated - Soprano Catrin Woodruff joins the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Lucidity of Touch - Leonora Armellini plays for the Keyboard Trust, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. No Faulting - Bach arrangements for string trio, heard by Howard Smith. '... their adroit three-part Baroque 'dovetailing' never lapsed ...'


• Ask Alice - On pianists and accompanying, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Both Lyrical and Heart-wrenching - Gregory Moomjy experiences a Divaria Productions concert


• CD Spotlight. A Dismal Success - Felicity Lott sings Poulenc, heard by Robert Anderson. '... various moods of increasing desperation ...'


• Ensemble. Opulent Tone - Anna Netrebko in Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore' live in HD from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Chamber Opera - Works by Sciarrino and Messiaen, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... quite eclectic ...'


• Mazurka for Laptop - Gloria DeVidas Kirchheimer's adventures with downloading music


• Ensemble. Total Rapport - Jonathan Dormand and Marisa Gupta's Fauré, Brahms and Prokofiev impress Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Car troubles in Elgar country for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Intertwining Counterpoint - The St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Gothic Ambience - A fine performance of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Diverse Moods - Carl Orff's 'Gisei', explored by Gerald Fenech. 'An exciting discovery ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Balm to the Soul - Anton Bruckner's Symphony No 7, savoured by Robert Anderson. 'Celibidache is in no hurry ...'


• Ensemble. Reaching Out - Mendelssohn, Mozart, Berlioz and Ravel from James Feddeck and the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Cerebral Performances - Liszt-Wagner piano paraphrases, heard by Howard Smith. 'Fisch performs these transcriptions with striking clarity and communicative sensitivity.'


• Ensemble. A Notable Evening - Music by Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Taneyev, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh meets the mice in the piano


• CD Spotlight. Sensitive Understanding - Music by Kodály and Dohnányi, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the orchestra captures with apparent ease the seductive idiom of this music.'


• Ensemble. An Elegant Staging - Chinese National Opera's 'Turandot' on tour, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Superbly Realised - Llyr Williams plays for the Chopin Society UK, heard by Bill Newman


• DVD Spotlight. Charming and Fascinating - Rossini's 'Le Comte Ory', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Joyce DiDonato, as Ory's promiscuous young page Isolier, is absolutely irrepressible ...'


• Ensemble. New Light - Mozart's Requiem from the Sitwell Singers impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Mercurial Accounts - The Hallé Orchestra begins celebrating its ten year residency in Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Olympic Scale - Charles Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically the performance deserves all the applause it gets.'


• Ensemble. Virile and Robust - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' at Los Angeles Opera, recommended by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is distracted


• CD Spotlight. A Vital Force - Music by Handel from Ludus Baroque impresses Howard Smith. '... robust, spring-heeled performances ...'


• Ensemble. A Delicate Touch - Frank Rosenwein plays the Strauss Oboe Concerto, enjoyed by Suzanne Torrey


• Ensemble. An Erotic Flavour - Rome's new production of Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Glorious Music - Mahler's Third Symphony opens the Cleveland Orchestra's 94th season, reviewed by Suzanne Torrey


• Ensemble. Expressive Power - Malcolm Miller listens to The Sixteen's 'The Earth Resounds'


• Pianistic Colour - Jong-Gyung Park at Derby Chamber Music impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Gloriously Provocative - Bernstein's Mass, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the scandal and much of the fun is in the "tropes".'


• Ask Alice - On coincidence, and what happened on Sunday, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Beauty and Power - Australian soprano Nance Grant, heard by Howard Smith. '... an exceptional voice seldom heard beyond local shores.'


• Ensemble. A Relaxed Evening - Bill Newman attends a 'family sing-song' event in London


• CD Spotlight. Tonal Clarity - Music by Jonathan Little, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully performed ...'


• CD Spotlight. Extraordinary Aptitude - Music by Robert Ackerman, heard by Ron Bierman. 'This is as diverse a program as I've ever heard.'


• Ensemble. Angels and Demons - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Sagra Musicale Umbra 2012


• CD Spotlight. Sensuously Crafted - Songs by Maurice Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... skilled and dedicated artists ...'


• CD Spotlight. Varied Repertoire - Christine Brewer and Roger Vignoles, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a gamut of emotions which are superbly handled ...'


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Show - Verdi's 'I Due Foscari' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. The Flame of Music - Malcolm Troup reports on new arrivals from China and Lithuania at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Festival in London


• Ensemble. A Fabulous Evening - Hokusai Chamber Orchestra's memorial concert for the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami impresses Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Commanding Appeal - Music by David Del Tredici, heard by Patric Standford. '... hugely enjoyable ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Brilliant - Music from Tyneside and beyond, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a rich cavalcade of internationally known and local singers ...'


• CD Spotlight. Tempting Fate - Songs by Sibelius, Brahms, Schubert and Mahler, heard by Robert Anderson. '... ripe understanding ...'


• Ask Alice - On elderly cello students, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Buxom and Comely? - Music by Gustav Holst, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... music of charm and individuality.'


• Ensemble. A Taste for Melody - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Spontini's recently discovered comedy 'La Fuga in Maschera'


• CD Spotlight. Supreme Skill - Leonardo Vinci's 'La Partenope', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Vinci at his best.'


• CD Spotlight. Lush Romanticism - Chamber music by Vittorio Giannini, heard by Bill Newman. 'A welcome ... for this invaluable release.'


• CD Spotlight. A Lyrical Outpouring - Vocal music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Anne Schwanewilms manages a thoughtful and gentle radiance throughout.'


• CD Spotlight. Bewitching Stuff - Symphonic poems for piano duet, recommended by Howard Smith. '... evocatively and thrillingly conveyed by Goldstone and Clemmow.'


• Ask Alice - On the perils of air travel with a cello, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Glorious Singing - A recital by Alice Coote and Graham Johnson, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... interpreted with great zest and passion ...'


• CD Spotlight. Intuitive Understanding - Dvorák string quartets, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'I enjoyed these flavorful performances when listening more casually ...'


• Ensemble. A Fervent Spirit - Malcolm Miller muses on the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's recent Beethoven and Boulez cycle in London


• Ensemble. From Baroque to Romantic - More from this summer's Salzburg Festival, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Seldom Bridged - Tom Collier plays vibraphone and marimba, highly recommended by Howard Smith. '... hear classics from a new, fascinating standpoint ...'


• Ensemble. Brazilian Flags - The Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating Music - Works from the Eton Choirbook, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant and alive.'


• Ask Alice - On string instruments in nutty-like-a-fruitcake climates, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Ethereal and Beautiful - Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... some rather inspired music.'


• Ensemble. World without God - At the Salzburg Summer Festival, Giuseppe Pennisi was enthralled by Bernd Alois Zimmermann's 'Die Soldaten'


• CD Spotlight. Fine Judgment - Wolf-Ferrari wind concertinos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... soloist and orchestra tease each other in mutual delight.'


• CD Spotlight. Uniquely English - A tribute to violinist Ralph Holmes, heard by Howard Smith. '... an invigorating spontaneity ...'


• Ensemble. Great Appeal - Taormina Teatro Antico's 'Norma' in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Searing Lyricism - Schubert from Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... I have enjoyed most the slower movements.'


• Superb Control - Tom Corfield gives ths last of this summer's Derby Cathedral summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Sparring with Manolos the Cretan mouse, by Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Daring and Mastery - Pianist Young-Ah Tak, heard by Bill Newman. '... this CD is worth its weight in gold.'


• Ensemble. An Annual Delight - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe for the summer opera season


• Ensemble. Sex and Bigotry - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on his week at the Rossini Opera Festival


• CD Spotlight. Quirkily Playful - Vilde Frang plays Tchaikovsky and Nielsen, heard by Robert Anderson. '... exhilarating to the highest degree.'


• Beautifully Played - Terence Bennett listens to organist David Liddle


• CD Spotlight. Late Romanticism - Trio Brancusi plays Enescu, welcomed by Bill Newman. 'The performances are all first rate ...'


• CD Spotlight. Freedom and Improvisation - A recital by Wissam Boustany, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'He commands an exceptional range of styles and techniques.'


• Ensemble. Purity of Sound - Richard Strauss, Fauré, Debussy, Poulenc, Wolf and Berg from Christiane Karg and Malcolm Martineau, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Potent Emphasis - Malcolm Miller was at the recent Bloch and Israeli Music competitions


• Calmness and Frenzy - H J Lim plays at Wigmore Hall, and Bill Newman passes judgement


• Ensemble. Very Juicy - Summer Opera in Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Apt Comment - Music following the career of Joan of Arc, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a finely presented musical book.'


• A Challenging Listen - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Terence Bennett


• CD Spotlight. Doubly Welcome - Chamber music by Hamilton Harty delights Bill Newman. '... an unforgettable wit and charm ...'


• Ensemble. Financial Stringency - Giuseppe Pennisi describes how the Puccini Opera Festival is at a turning point


• CD Spotlight. Real Worth - Orchestral music by Patric Standford stimulates Robert Anderson. 'All the music on this CD is logical, intelligible, and gripping.'


• CD Spotlight. Movingly Expressive - Music by Patricia Morehead, heard by Howard Smith. '... shifting depiction of battleground lunacy.'


• Ensemble. Innovative Dramaturgy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the annual Munich Opera Festival


• CD Spotlight. Intricate Calm - Music by Christopher Gibbons, heard by Robert Anderson. '... fine music-making ...'


• Ensemble. The Finest of Them All - The 2012 Hereford Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Spell-Binding - A recital by organist Steven Grahl, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Satie, Glass, Feldman and Schubert, heard by Howard Smith. '... amiable verve ...'


• CD Spotlight. Divine Service - George Dyson's 'The Canterbury Pilgrims', admired by Robert Anderson. '... suitably exciting.'


• CD Spotlight. Serving the Memory - Vaughan Williams conducted by Hickox, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... this series will undoubtedly please British music aficionados.'


• Ensemble. Shakespeare and Spielberg - Giuseppe Pennisi describes how Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette' attracts a new audience in Verona


• Ensemble. Truly Memorable - Opera New Jersey's midsummer concert, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Breezy Charm - Piano concertos by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, heard by Bill Newman. '... performances are excellent ...'


• CD Spotlight. Arms Crossed - J S Bach transcriptions for piano four hands, heard by Howard Smith. '... modern yet familiar.'


• Boldly Shaped - D'Arcy Trinkwon at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Passion and Religion - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2012 Tyrol Festival for new productions of 'Lohengrin' and 'Tosca'


• CD Spotlight. Striking and Virtuosic - Etsuko Hirose plays Balakirev, and impresses Robert Anderson. '... electrifying performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lightness and Sparkle - Bruckner's Symphony No 4, heard by Bill Newman. 'Totally recommended.'


• Ensemble. Uniquely Memorable - The Kronos Quartet at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. You Won't Find Better Anywhere! - 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', recommended by Kelly Ferjutz


• Nicely Paced - Martyn Rawles at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Eloquence - Brahms piano trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... an unusual and most welcome expressive range from the strings ...'


• Convincing Opera? - Gregory Moomjy discusses what works on stage


• CD Spotlight. Excellent Performances - Keyboard works by John McCabe, recommended by Bill Newman. '... ideal interpreters ...'


• CD Spotlight. An Outstanding Disc - Three Mozart piano concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a magnificent outpouring of melody.'


• Ensemble. An Interesting Production - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On affordable cellos and almost becoming queen, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Chalk and Cheese - J S Bach sonatas for violin and harp, heard by Howard Smith. '... unconventional duo performances ...'


• Ensemble. A Production to be Proud Of - Mozart's 'Il Re Pastore' at New College Oxford, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Playing Devil's Advocate - Bill Newman tells the story of his visit to London's St John's Smith Square to hear Idil Biret play Beethoven


• Ensemble. The Stuff of Dreams - 'The Tales of Hoffmann' from The Met in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Seamless Precision - Mike Wheeler listens to Daniel Moult at the organ of Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. Eros and the Almighty - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2012 Ravenna Festival


• Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - A Sibelius and Rimsky-Korsakov double bill, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On metronomes and performance nerves, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Less is More - Handel's 'Jephtha' at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. First-class Second-rate Strauss - Mike Wheeler visits the Buxton Festival


• CD Spotlight. Chromatic Daring - Trio and keyboard sonatas by Charles Avison, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a eupeptic sense of well-being ...'


• Delicacy and Clarity - Bill Newman listens to young Chinese pianist Jianing Kong


• CD Spotlight. A Sovereign Recording - Maxwell Davies' Symphony No 2, recommended by Howard Smith. '... dynamic in all respects.'


• Great Energy - Jane Watts launches Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - John Joubert's string quartets, heard by Alice McVeigh. 'The Brodskys throw themselves into the lament for Shostakovich ...'


• Ask Alice - On conductors and cello cases, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ask Bill! - Everything you've wanted to know about music (and more) from your self-appointed agony uncle, Bill Newman, who also visits London's Wigmore Hall to hear French pianist Bertrand Chamayou


• CD Spotlight. Hit and Miss - Songs by American composers, heard by Howard Smith. '... likeable off-Broadway expertise.'


• CD Spotlight. Tender Warmth - Beethoven cello sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Starker's interpretation suggests he has not quite grasped the magnitude of his responsibility.'


• Ensemble. Mystery and Drama - Benjamin Britten's chamber opera 'The Turn of the Screw' opens the 55th Spoleto Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Strikingly Consistent - Elena Kuschnerova plays Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... sparkling vivacity and palpable ardour.'


• Ensemble. Two Celebrations - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a three-day musical party near Lucca in Tuscany


• Ask Alice - On builders and funerals, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Intensely Expressive - Italian baroque choral music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Striking Motifs - Eugene Alcalay plays Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Alcalay characterises this music admirably.'


• DVD Spotlight. Curiously Uninvolved - Thibault Cauvin's travels in China, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a catalogue of missed opportunities.'


• Ensemble. Quite Different - Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating and Rewarding - Music by Alcides Lanza fascinates Patric Standford. '... superbly produced retrospective ...'


• CD Spotlight. Spirit and Refinement - Schumann from the Nash Ensemble, heard by Howard Smith. '... the ensemble seems incapable of turning a single dull phrase.'


• Ask Alice - On the myth of the lazy British workman, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Enchanting Music - The Castalian Quartet and friends, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Mills and Chimneys - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Natural Habitats? - Orchestral music by Alan Hovhaness, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the whole team under Stewart Robertson gives of their best ...'


• He Played Every Single Note! - Alexei Volodin at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Excellent Throughout - Shostakovich and Prokofiev string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. '... flawless technical address and heartfelt aim ...'


• Ensemble. Mixed Fellings - An Almodóvar-style 'Elisir d'Amore' from Valencia and Palermo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Wonderful Performances - Latvian magic from pianist Reinis Zarins, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Playful - Mozart piano concertos and a sonata, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'That these recordings are more than fifty years old only adds to their lustre.'


• Ask Alice - It's a miniature long-haired dachshund's life, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Drama and Poetry - Schubert late string quartets, recommended by Howard Smith. '... as good as it gets.'


• Ensemble. Marxist Opera - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Berlin for the opening night of a revival of 'The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny'


• CD Spotlight. A Triumphant Achievement - Diabelli variations by Beethoven and others, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... deft conjuring tricks ...'


• CD Spotlight. Wildly Original - Music by Lisa Miles, heard by Howard Smith. '... intriguingly addictive.'


• Ensemble. First Class - San Francisco Opera's film of Puccini's 'La bohème', seen by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Much Élan - Music by Gershwin, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Eugene List is a brilliant and idiomatic keyboard soloist ...'


• Ensemble. Judge not lest you be Judged! - Malcolm Troup reports on the 2012 Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's chamber music masterclass, concert and competition


• Ask Alice - On the thrill of the 'flick', with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Melodic Best - Recent concerti for strings, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Warmly recommended.'


• Ensemble. Incandescent Performance - Nigel Kennedy with the Royal Philharmonic and Andrew Litton, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Diverse Miniatures - Bartók duos for two violins, heard by Howard Smith. '... impressive credentials ...'


• Ensemble. Tender Lyricism - Andrew Gourlay and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Major Revival - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on bel canto in Europe


• CD Spotlight. Joyous Appreciation - Schumann's Piano Quartet and Piano Quintet, heard by Robert Anderson. '... all the requisite drive and poise.'


• Ensemble. On Confident Form - Derby Cathedral Choir marks the royal jubilee, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Major Inspiration - Recent Canadian music for string quartet, heard by Patric Standford. '... exciting drive to a stimulating ending.'


• Ensemble. Musical Credibility - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's production of Verdi's 'Attila'


• Ask Alice - On avoiding Christian Aid collectors, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Merry Noise - Handel's 'Atalanta', heard by Robert Anderson. '... acclamation from the jubilant Philharmonia Chorale ...'


• CD Spotlight. Avowedly Definitive - John McCabe plays his own 'Tenebrae', heard by Howard Smith. '... imbued with anger and monumental in both structure and outlook ...'


• CD Spotlight. Gripping Intensity - Simon Rattle's new Bruckner 9, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... polished and vigorous performances ...'


• Ensemble. Dramatic Singing - 'Peter Grimes' live from Milan in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Engrossing and Moving - Giuseppe Pennisi was at La Scala for a new production of 'Peter Grimes'


• DVD Spotlight. Love's Ravages - Cavalli's 'Il Giasone', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the sense of fun detracts somewhat from the high drama ...'


• Ensemble. Thrilling Renditions - Martino Tirimo plays Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - On the poor coverage of Fischer-Dieskau's death, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Superbly Played - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Do Not Be Deterred - American double concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... both shapely and thought-provoking.'


• CD Spotlight. Precision and Nuance - Music by American composers, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended for the mildly adventurous.'


• CD Spotlight. Uncompromising Integrity - Music by Béla Bartók, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a joy to hear.'


• Ensemble. Luminescently Virtuoso - Erdem Misirlioglu's BPSE competition winner's recital, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Doubly Welcome - Music for violin and piano by Gerard Schurmann, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Excellent from start finish.'


• Ask Alice - New rules for the BBC's Young Musician of the Year competition, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Blended Voices - La bohème at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Life and Death - Zemlinksy's 'Der König Kandaules', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. High Praises - F W Murnau's 'Faust' impresses Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Total Commitment - Alexander Liebreich conducts the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. An Umbrella Occasion - Debussy songs, heard by Robert Anderson. '... very accomplished ...'


• Ensemble. Beauty of Tone - Danill Trifonov's prizewinner's concert from the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - The tale of Trinity Guildhall music examiner Alex Newson, who failed to correctly identify a French horn, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Spectacular Virtuosity - Michala Petri plays English recorder concertos, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... nimble fingering and miraculous breath control ...'


• Ensemble. Important Debuts - 'Der Rosenkavalier' at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a festival with a rich programme but a dire financial situation, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Relatively Coarse - Verdi's 'La traviata' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Born to Excel - Recent concerts in London, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Sheer Beauty - Bruckner 8 from Barenboin and the Staatskapelle Berlin, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. A Major Treat - Maria Nockin listens to soprano Amber Wagner


• DVD Spotlight. Seen and Heard - Modern music from the Kreutzer Quartet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... whimsical, fickle and modernistic ...'


• Ask Alice - On flattering your fleeing cellists, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Powerfully Involving - Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wonderful Singing - Piotr Beczala's recital debut impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Original Soloists - Shostakovich concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... high-powered music-making ...'


• Ensemble. A Special Place - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Ravenna for the revival of a successful production of Handel's 'Rinaldo'


• CD Spotlight. Serenely Reflective - Choral music by Bob Chilcott, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singing has a transcendent quality ...'


• Ensemble. Compellingly Memorable - Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert from the Allegri Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Great Conviction - Mendelssohn, Mozart and Vivaldi from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Most Remarkable - Jamaican pianist Orrett Rhoden, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Strength of Purpose - Nicholas Collon conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On rejection and freelance orchestras, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Simply Exquisite - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Apt - Choral music by Herbert Howells, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Howells at his finest.'


• CD Spotlight. Abundant Variety - A song recital by Monica Harte, heard by Howard Smith. '... thoughtful finesse and subtlety ...'


• CD Spotlight. Different Idioms - Clarinet music by Brahms, Mendelssohn and Schumann, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Emma Johnson and John Lenehan make a fine partnership ...'


• Ensemble. Historical Tragedy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Palermo for the critical edition of Musorgsky's 'Boris Godunov'


• Ensemble. All the Ingredients - Giuseppe Pennisi describes a rather half-baked 'Barber of Seville'


• Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers on tour


• Ensemble. Gleaming Sonorities - Handel, Haydn, Delius and Mozart from the European Union Chamber Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On instrument stands, ambition and being overloooked, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Superb Playing - Bill Newman listens to a selection of instrumental chamber music in London


• Ensemble. A Charming Performance - Gluck's 'Orfeo ed Euridice' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Strange Mixture - Bach, Messiaen and David Sherr, heard by Patric Standford. '... Sherr is very clever, and there is an appealing transparency ...'


• Ensemble. Quality of Mercy - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of the new Parma-Montecarlo production of Verdi's 'Stiffelio'


• CD Spotlight. Beauteous Tone - Flautist Lisa Friend's debut disc, heard by Howard Smith. '... pleasing and ideally accomplished.'


• Ensemble. Vocal Glory - Massenet's 'Manon' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Partnership - Daniel Norman and Christopher Gould sing Britten, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the surest of touches ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Extraordinary Ingenuity - Benjamin Yusupov's 'Viola Tango Rock Concerto', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The work has a substance and impact that took me quite by storm.'


• Ensemble. Fairytale Atmosphere - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the opening night of 'Die Zauberflöte' in Rome


• Ensemble. Intelligent Phrasing - J S Bach's 'St John Passion' at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Total Unanimity - Schubert piano works for four hands, heard by Robert Anderson. '... played with a sensitivity worthy of the music ...'


• Emotional Impressions - Bill Newman listens to Neapolitan pianist Clelia Cafiero


• Ensemble. A Tremendous Production - Strauss's 'woman' on the analyst's couch, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Esoteric Seasons - Forma Antiqva meets Vivaldi, heard by Howard Smith. '... an 'off-the-wall' take on Le quattro stagioni ...'


• CD Spotlight. Perennial Concern - 'Lamentation' and other settings by Morales, heard by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Contemporary Allegory - Paul Ben-Haim's oratorio 'Joram', heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Awesome Passion - Lukaszewski's 'Via Crucis', enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... palpable nobility ...'


• Ask Alice - Overdosing on Schubert, and cello pupils moving on, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Powerfully Expressive - Holst, Howells, Finzi and Liszt from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Constant Discoveries - Catherine Gordeladze's Kapustin études and preludes delight Howard Smith. '... truly original works ...'


• CD Spotlight. Modest Performances - A guitar recital by Stephen Reck, heard by Patric Standford. '... a competent and varied presentation ...'


• Ensemble. An Exciting Five Years - Mike Wheeler was at André de Ridder's last concert as Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva


• CD Spotlight. Highly Attractive - Music by Vittorio Giannini, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... dispatched with a technical brilliance ...'


• Ensemble. Mysterious Thresholds - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' at Harrow School moves Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On Alan Gilbert and the beasts of the jungle, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Brilliantly Incisive - Bach's St Mark Passion in a new English translation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Unconventionally Scored - Quartets by Roger Reynolds and Peter Lieberson, heard by Howard Smith. 'These performances can hardly be faulted ...'


• South Bank Pianists - Bill Newman listens to Peter Donohoe, Richard Goode and Peter Jablonski


• CD Spotlight. Ferocious Virtuosity - Britten concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... worth rescuing ...'


• Ensemble. Uneven but Gorgeous - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Naples on 'I Masnadieri' and 'Die Räuber'


• CD Spotlight. Suitable Diligence - A recital by Simone Leitão, heard by Howard Smith. '... diverse rhythms and trenchant physicality are commandingly observed ...'


• Ensemble. Haunting Performance - Rob Buckland joins Jonathan Trout and Derby Concert Orchestra for Borodin, Glazunov, Piazzolla and Rachmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Some obvious music science, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Splendidly Evocative - Beethoven, Cecilia McDowall and Schumann from the English Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Compelling Settings - Lassus, Gesualdo, Purcell, Byrd, J S Bach, Bruckner, Brahms and Tucapský from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Extremely Close - The Grand Finals Concert of New York Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Entertaining Tricks - Couperin's 'Apothéoses', heard by Robert Anderson. '... a stylish account of the music ...'


• Ensemble. Farewell to Comedy - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Vividly Orchestrated - Orchestral music by Michael S Horwood, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive and enjoyable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Infectious Rhythms - Granados' 'Goyescas', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Garrick Ohlsson emerges with flying colours ...'


• Ensemble. Utterly Spellbinding - Jenny McLeod's new opera 'Hohepa', reviewed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Sensuous Depths - A selection of orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - On bowed dulcimers in South Africa, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Mandatory Repertoire - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. 'Unquestionably seminal performances ...'


• Ensemble. Beautiful Discourse - Chamber music from Lydia Artymiw, Arnaud Sussman, Toby Appel and Yehuda Hanani, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Splendour Enough - Italian multi-voiced music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Niquet's team ... has done Striggio and his companions proud.'


• DVD Spotlight. Truly Hypnotic - Verdi's 'Macbeth' from Covent Garden, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... almost unbearable intensity and shimmering sonority.'


• CD Spotlight. Sensitively Aware - Piano concertos and a violin sonata, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The performances do full justice to Shostakovich's demands ...'


• CD Spotlight. Notable Intensity - Schubert chamber music, heard by Howard Smith. '... expressive breadth and glorious refinement.'


• CD Spotlight. Joyous and Infective - Poulenc's unaccompanied choral music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'There is much here to savour.'


• Ask Alice - On the wisdom of mothers, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Sinfonia Viva contributes to the UK's 'Music Nation', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Particularly Sumptuous - Verdi's 'Aida' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. After the Earthquake - Operas for reconstruction at L'Aquila, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Classical Jazz - Tim Kliphuis at Iford Manor, reviewed by Bill Newman. '... very much music for relaxation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Spoils of Victory - Handel's 'Germanico', heard by Robert Anderson. '... always exhilarating though less often idiomatic.'


• Ensemble. Comedic Flair - Britten's 'Albert Herring', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Natural Affinity - Klaggerud, Petrenko and the Philharmonia, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Interpretatively Distinctive - Recent music for viola and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... keen, committed musicianship.'


• Ask Alice - On cello grade exams, and shaking off the rust, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Soulful Intensity - Bellini's 'Norma', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Instant Enjoyment - Mendelssohn string symphonies and concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... scintillating brilliance ...'


• Expressive Insights - A recital by Lara Melda, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Deftly Trimmed - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Supple Artistry - Isabelle Faust plays Berg and Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... alive with dancing quicksilver and spring-heeled agility.'


• Ensemble. Heroic Treatment - Jake Heggie's new opera 'Moby-Dick' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Superb Control - Wagner, Bruch and Elgar in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Japanese Tragedy - A new 'Butterfly' production in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Reflective - Symphonies by Howard Hanson, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The recordings are excellent on all counts ...'


• CD Spotlight. Uncommonly Patronizing - A Stravinsky tale for children confuses Howard Smith. '... convoluted to say the least.'


• Ask Alice - What Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh thought of Cynthia Phelps, plus a dialogue with a puppy


• Ensemble. Tentative Performances - Gregory Moomjy has some reservations about New York City Opera's 'La Traviata'


• Complete Engagement - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Helen Reid


• Ensemble. Beautifully Precise - Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Ysaÿe from the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Choral music by Stephen Chatman, heard by Patric Standford. '... extremely well performed ...'


• Ensemble. Emotional Shifts - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Apocalypse Now - Franz Schmidt's 'The Book with Seven Seals', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Exemplary Fashion - Francis Gouton's solo cello, heard by Howard Smith. '... a richly nuanced Gallic flair and beautiful tonal capabilities ...'


• Ensemble. Sublime Music-making - Kurt Masur conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Airy Pleasantries - Telemann cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... delicious music-making from the whole team ...'


• Ask Alice - On intonation distortion and stabbing pains, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Complementary - Music for flute and organ, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... mastery, panache and a sense of balance that is almost uncanny.'


• Ensemble. New Respect - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• Ensemble. Nuanced Tone - Wagner's Götterdämmerung in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, seen and heard in Arizona by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Mesmerising Stillness - Stephen Hough joins Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Pure Magic - Michala Petri and the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, heard by Howard Smith. 'Don't miss it.'


• Ensemble. Humour and Fizz - Eddie Daniels and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kristjan Järvi, heard by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Pretty Good - A Neapolitan 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Magical Chemistry - The RAM / Kohn Foundation Bach Cantata Series 2012, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Romantic Melodies - Gaubert and Debussy for flute, heard by Ron Bierman. '... a fine, well-played collection ...'


• Ensemble. A Great Evening - Beethoven and Dallapiccola from Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman


• DVD Spotlight. An Inspiring Tribute - New dance to Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Sound and visuals are first-rate.'


• Ask Alice - On liquid spillage and string instrument varnish, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Opera's Bright Future - Tom Taffinder reports from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama


• CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Modern music for wind instruments, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... decent production values.'


• Ensemble. Energy and Fire - 'Close Encounters with Music' from Scottsdale, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Unusual - Vivica Genaux and Europa Galante, heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. An Incendiary Outcry - Shostakovich and contemporaries, heard by Howard Smith. '... little to quibble at ...'


• Ensemble. Imaginative Harmonies - Richard Strauss's 'Salome' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Joy and Sadness - A shock to the normally conservative audience at Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Great Character - German Baroque from the Hanoverian Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... another treasure trove of wonderful music ...'


• Ask Alice - A student feels unappreciated, but Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is there to help!!!!!!


• Ensemble. An Interesting Ambience - Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Delectable Music - Neglected scores by Saint-Saëns, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Not to be missed.'


• Ensemble. Thrilled Beyond Measure - Jurowski conducts the LPO, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Paying Homage - Nikolai Demidenko plays Schubert at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Some like it Old-fashioned - Verdi's 'Aida' began the 2012 season at Parma's Teatro Regio, and Giuseppe Pennisi was there


• Ensemble. A Memorable Occasion - Redwood, Shostakovich, Janácek and Mozart from André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Impressive Music - Songs by Havergal Brian, heard by Patric Standford. '... equal to the intimacy of the skilfully fashioned miniature.'


• CD Spotlight. Dramatic Breadth - Cyprien Katsaris plays Liszt, heard by Howard Smith. '... seismic and mercurial by turns ...'


• Ensemble. Remarkable Performance - Eisler, Gershwin, Mozart, Poulenc, Schumann and Weill from Katie Bray and William Vann, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Great Success - Willian Christie's 'The Enchanted Island', reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Revealing Bach - The Goldberg Variations and The Art of Fugue, heard by George Balcombe. '... musical richness and instrumental knowledge ...'


• Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'The Enchanted Island' live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Superbly Interpreted - Jonathan Biss plays Beethoven and Janácek, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Imprint - J S Bach keyboard concertos, heard by Howard Smith. '... stunning aeration ...'


• Ensemble. Useful Spice - Giuseppe Pennisi discovers, via Bernstein's 'Candide', why we don't live in 'the best of all possible worlds'


• Fun-and-games Time - Mike Wheeler listens to Venetian pianist Alessandro Taverna


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh wrestles with 1984 and the mind police


• DVD Spotlight. Dignity and Impudence - A recital on Exeter Cathedral's organ, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... Millington on fine form ...'


• Ensemble. The Turning Point - Giuseppe Pennisi was in eastern Sicily for the opening night of Teatro Massimo Bellini's 2012 season - a low cost but high quality 'Carmen'


• CD Spotlight. Fabulously Exuberant - Michel D'Alberto plays Schubert, heard by Howard Smith. '... contagious buoyancy and affection.'


• CD Spotlight. Comparing Lockets - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Boccanegra is sung by Tito Gobbi, notable in any context ...'


• CD Spotlight. Volatile Inventiveness - Music by Steven Mackey, heard by Howard Smith. '... eighth blackbird manage its musical complexities without a trace of demurring.'


• CD Spotlight. Highly Atmospheric - Roger Argente's Superbrass, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... one almost gets the smell of Renaissance Spain.'


• Ask Alice - Of telephones and concerts, plus a recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Music and Sonnets, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Lilting Charm - Bill Newman listens to the Danish String Quartet


• Ensemble. Brilliant in the Extreme - Mozart and Brahms from the Razumovsky Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Dubious Tampering - Chamber arrangements of Mahler and Debussy, heard by Howard Smith. '... a highly skilled, finely rehearsed unit.'


• CD Spotlight. Idiomatic Performances - Music for viols, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitively blended and tonally warm.'


• Dramatic Excitement - Christian Blackshaw has begun his Mozart piano sonata Marathon in London, and Bill Newman was in the audience


• CD Spotlight. Slavic Spirit - Janácek's Sinfonietta and Glagolitic Mass, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... Wit and his Polish forces come out of it all extremely well indeed.'


• Ask Alice - Of mice and men, Chislehurst and Orpington, America and China, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Limitless Passion - Hélène Grimaud plays Rachmaninov, recommended by Howard Smith. '... glowing drive and triumphant resolve.'


• CD Spotlight. An Admirable Introduction - English violin sonatas by Dunhill, Bantock and Stanford, heard by Robert Anderson. '... affectionate performances by Susanne Stanzeleit and Gusztáv Fenyò ...'


• CD Spotlight. Stylish Playing - Some recommended commercial recordings, heard by Bill Newman. 'How dare they!'


• CD Spotlight. Intuitive Skill - Orchestral music by Howard Hanson, recommended by Howard Smith. '... Schwarz ... is second to none.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Striking Performance - Verdi's 'La forza del destino', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the gypsy and her confederates do Verdi proud ...'