2014 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2014 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• CD Spotlight. The Genuine Article - Dvorák from the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more of Gaffigan's work ...'


• Great Ideas - Malcolm Miller reports on the 2014 BPSE Intercollegiate Competition, and winner Mihai Ritivoiu


• Ensemble. True Passion - 'Traviata' on the lagoon, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Astounding Contributions - Larry Sitsky at Eighty, by Endre Anaru


• Ensemble. A Bold Decision - 'Il Trovatore in Naples', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Unmistakably French - Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Northern Landscapes - Symphonies by Per Nørgård, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'It's hard to imagine a more ideal presentation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative Programming - Zenia Löffler's Venetian concerti impress Geoff Pearce. 'This disc will not fail to please ...'


• Ensemble. Fresh and Unusual - The Sitwell Singers at Christmas, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Pleasant Change - Derby Choral Union's Christmas Concert, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Comparatively Tame - Richard Blackford's Great Animal Orchestra, heard by Robert Anderson. 'I can recommend the CD only to the very young at heart.'


• CD Spotlight. Widely Spread - Christmas music from Caius College Choir, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... high-quality singing with lovely rounded tone ...'


• CD Spotlight. Something for Everyone - Christmas favourites from Alabama, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a varied and appealing programme ...'


• Ensemble. Sizeable Shoes - Peter Gould's last 'Messiah' performance as Derby Cathedral's Master of the Music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Christmas Lambswool? - Shepherds' noels from the Marian Consort, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... a rather wonderful spin-off ...'


• Ensemble. Music on the Move - Derby Concert Orchestra at Christmas, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Modern, Technically-endowed Triumph - 'Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg' in HD from New York on 17 December impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On being American and British, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Real Gems - Paris Conservatoire connections for flute and piano, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... a good addition to any collection ...'


• CD Spotlight. An Inveterate Borrower - J S Bach's Köthener Trauermusik impresses Robert Anderson. '... incomparable music ...'


• Ensemble. Poise and Freshness - Haydn, Mozart and Janácek from the Jubilee String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Tragedy to Come - Maria Nockin experiences one of this era's best productions of 'Carmen', live in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera


• Ensemble. The Ambiguity of 'Fidelio' - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of La Scala's opera season


• Profile. Remembering Hoffy - Alice McVeigh writes about cello teacher Robert Hofmekler


• Ensemble. Back in the Lagoon - Giuseppe Pennisi visits La Fenice for Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra'


• Ensemble. Thoughtful Engagement - Monteverdi's 'Coronation of Poppaea', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Great Deal of Fun - Maria Nockin enjoys Rossini's 'Barber of Seville' in HD from New York


• Ensemble. Greater Depth - 'La Traviata' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Versatility and Intelligence - Balázs Kovalik's new production of 'Die Frau Ohne Schatten' at Opera Leipzig fascinates Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Eye-popping Delight - Smetana's 'The Bartered Bride' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Martin Wulfhorst's 'Orchestral Violinist's Companion', with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Engrossing Performance - Dvorák's 'Rusalka' in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Profile. Training Singers - Maria Nockin talks to Dolora Zajick about finding young dramatic voices


• Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Francesco Piemontesi


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Affecting - Jennifer Koh and Shai Wosner's Janáček, Kurtág and Bartók, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... a delightful array of sensitive performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Marvellous Set - The complete Sergei Rachmaninov, sampled by Robert Anderson. '... a flow of fine works ...'


• Bold Eccentricities - Meyerbeer and the Development of Parisian Grand Opera, by George Colerick


• Ensemble. An Involving Account - A visit from Die Marienkantorei, Osnabrück, heard by Mike Wheeler


• A Conduit towards her Gods - Sophocles' 'Electra' at London's Old Vic, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wider Focus - Derby Bach Choir's 'Concert for Peace', heard by Mike Wheeler


• An Enthralling Performance - Ji Liu plays Bach's Goldberg Variations, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Very Joyful Production - Benjamin Britten's 'Albert Herring' at Hampstead Garden Opera impresses Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Bit Different - Handel organ concerti played on the piano, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the artists are first class, the sound is sumptuous ...'


• CD Spotlight. Shattering Mastery? - Mahler 2 for double piano duet, heard by Howard Smith. '... secure professionalism and laudable aplomb.'


• LP Spotlight. Unusual Transparency - Orchestral music by Ottorino Respighi, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... first-class performances ... in excellent sound.'


• Ensemble. Eros and Gospels - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Naples for Richard Strauss' 'Salome'


• Ensemble. Spine-tingling - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Harry Christophers and The Sixteen on tour


• Ensemble. Melting Rhapsody - Malcolm Miller enjoys Jack Liebeck and Danny Driver's 'Hebrew Melody' recital, plus a recital by David Aaron Carpenter


• Ensemble. Barnstorming Mendelssohn - Mike Wheeler listens to the Aquinas Piano Trio


• Felicitous Insights - Maksim Stsura plays Beethoven and Brahms in London, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Focused Tone - Lyadov and Tchaikovsky from Leticia Moreno, Yuri Temirkanov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Musical Polymath - Peter Dickinson's eightieth birthday concert, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Rampant Imagination - Viola de Hoog plays J S Bach, heard by Alice McVeigh. '... a cellist and an artist of utter integrity ...'


• An Affectionate Eye - George Bernard Shaw as London Music Critic, by George Colerick


• Ensemble. Troubles in Rome - Verdi's Rigoletto, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Scintillating Performances - Asian music for string quartet impresses Howard Smith. '... an exemplary, highly recommendable release.'


• Ensemble. On the Mountain Top - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening concert of the National Academy of Santa Cecilia's season


• Ensemble. Stolen - Gerald Fenech visits Slovenia's Festival Maribor


• Impressionism and Symbolism - Debussy, by Eric Jensen, read by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On Bromley Youth Music Trust's 'Phantom', with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Real Discovery - Eastern European music for bassoon and piano, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... great performances from Maria Wildhaber and her colleagues ...'


• Ensemble. Human Tragedy - Stefano Ranzani conducts Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Great Privilege - Mozart's Marriage of Figaro live in HD from the New York Met, experienced by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Bringing Together - Roderic Dunnett visits James MacMillan's Cumnock Tryst


• A Luminous Experience - The Derwent Singers perform music by Fauré, Tallis, Byrd, Gabrieli, Eric Whitacre and John Rutter, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Welcome Rarities - James Sohre enjoyed his visit to Wexford Festival Opera


• Plangent Atmosphere - A duet recital by Mariko Brown and Julian Jacobson, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - On the future of the Ulster Orchestra, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. High Fives - Mike Wheeler listens to Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra and to the NAC Wind Quintet


• Ensemble. Exuberance in Reserve - A wide-ranging programme from Christopher Stripp and Lucy Colquhoun, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Heavy Laden - Performances of Shostakovich violin concertos, admired by Robert Anderson. 'Christian Tetzlaff manages both works' difficulties effortlessly ...'


• Ensemble. Wildly Beautiful - Witches dressed as village ladies of the 1950s as New York Metropolitan Opera begins its HD broadcast season with Verdi's Macbeth, described by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Words of Consolation - Abbado's Brahms German Requiem impresses Howard Smith. '... a front runner in this work.'


• Ensemble. Genuine Elation - Brahms, Wagner and Sibelius from Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Resplendent Performances - Verdi's Otello launches English National Opera's 2014-15 season in David Alden's new production, reported by Malcolm Miller


• Very Unassuming - Geoff Pearce remembers the New Zealand composer John Ritchie (1921-2014)


• Ensemble. Expressive Power - Brahms in an early music context, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Comparing forest adventures with music freelancing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Truly Angelic - Passiontide music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'An edifying programme in excellent sound and presentation ...'


• Ensemble. God's Forgiveness - A journey to the Almighty with Verdi's 'The Force of Destiny', highly rated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Immediately Approachable - Music by Kevin Malone, heard by Howard Smith. '... a fantastical carnival of sound, style and social critique.'


• CD Spotlight. Top-Notch - The Dobson organ at Merton College, praised by Gerald Fenech


• Sibelius and Myth - George Colerick discusses Finnish culture and asks if Sibelius was one of the greatest melodists


• Ensemble. Sex and Violence - Graham Vick's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. True Command - James Brawn plays Bach, Liszt, Musorgsky and Rachmaninov, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. 'The "Promenade" ... is like butter in Brawn's hands.'


• CD Spotlight. Surprisingly Genial - Music for string quartet by William Zinn, heard by Howard Smith. '... the string writing is outstanding in its proficiency.'


• Ensemble. Full of Irony - De Giosa's 'Don Checco', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Brought to Life - Music for violin and piano completely captivates Geoff Pearce. 'The partnership is incredible ...'


• Ask Alice - On Schnabel and Rachmaninov, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Beautiful and Exciting - Music by Marty Regan, highly recommended by Ron Bierman. 'A few hearings should be enough to convince even skeptics ...'


• Profile. Love Comes Stealing In - George Colerick remembers Wolfgang Ostberg (1939-2011)


• CD Spotlight. First Rate - Harp music from early baroque Naples, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Margret Köll's performances have an ethereal aura ...'


• CD Spotlight. End Times? - Hampson Sisler's 'The Second Coming', heard by Howard Smith. '... fine Bulgarian performance ...'


• Ensemble. A Thin Connection - Purcell's 'King Arthur' travels to Italy, and is experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Real Interest - Greg Bowers' 'Rational Passions', heard by Geoff Pearce. '... committed and skillful playing ...'


• Ask Alice - On musicians and rituals, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Disarming Ease - The New Zealand String Quartet impresses Howard Smith


• Certainly Nimble - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Antony Peebles


• Ensemble. Extraordinary Artistic Freedom - The Francesco Siciliani Prize at Sagra Musicale Umbra, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Let It Be - The Beatles for string quartet, heard by Howard Smith. 'The four Wihan players ... give this disc their best shot.'


• Ensemble. Tolerance and Enlightenment - 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' at Sagra Musicale Umbra enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. An Ideal Pairing - Brahms cello sonatas, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... honourable, fluent and enjoyable playing ...'


• Ask Alice - On blocked email between the Taylor and McVeigh families, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Musically Conservative - Dohnányi's Symphony No 2 and rarely heard songs, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... beautifully sung by Buffalo baritone Evan Thomas Jones ...'


• Profile. A Very Lucky Man - Albanian lyric tenor Saimir Pirgu talks to Maria Nockin


• An Integral Part - Lindsey Wallis looks forward to the Canadian Music Centre's tribute concert to composer Roberta Stephen


• CD Spotlight. Atmosphere and Rhythm - Twentieth century Spanish songs, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... beautifully sung with spirited and intelligent accompaniment.'


• Appallingly Complex - George Colerick claims that the Nazis approved of Bizet


• Ask Alice - On trouble in Atlanta, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Entrancing Imagery - Sibelius tone poems enthrall Gerald Fenech. 'A magically enthralling foray into Finnish mythology.'


• CD Spotlight. Impressive Clarity - Ancient Irish songs about sleep, heard by Howard Smith. '... conspicuous authenticity.'


• Ensemble. Sorrows of Young Rossini - Giuseppe Pennisi sends a second report from the 2014 Rossini Opera Festival


• CD Spotlight. Musical Assets - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... sensitivity and tenderness ...'


• Ensemble. Avant-garde and Fun - 'The Barber of Seville' at the Rossini Opera Festival, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Blown Away - Marina Piccinini plays Paganini, recommended by Howard Smith. '... hypnotic interpretative gifts ...'


• Ask Alice - On missing the BBC Proms, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Very Refreshing - Vocalensemble Lalá, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... always musical and beautifully under control.'


• Ensemble. Held Spellbound - Haydn's 'Die Schöpfung' in Wellington, New Zealand, heard by Howard Smith


• A Big Statement - Peter Gould's last full-scale organ recital as Master of the Music at Derby Cathedral impresses Mike Wheeler


• A Tremendous Creative Output - Geoff Pearce muses on the career of Peter Sculthorpe


• Ensemble. Thoroughly Delightful - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe Opera and experiences all of their 2014 productions


• Musicianship and Restraint - Tom Corfield's organ playing impresses Tony Westerman


• Ask Alice - On the recorder and conspiracy, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Universal Americanism? - Classical-dance fusion, heard by Howard Smith. 'Councell-Vargas performs all the pieces with flair.'


• CD Spotlight. Longing Fulfilled - Cyprien Katsaris arranges Beethoven's 'Emperor' Concerto, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... unparalleled success ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lions and Dragons - Piano music by Schubert and Thomas Osborne, heard by Howard Smith. 'Derek Kealii Polischuk ... handles the Schubert D 935 Impromptus with considerable assurance.'


• CD Spotlight. Entrancing Ideas - Slovenian flute music, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... advanced, imaginative, exhilarating, jubilant and utterly irrepressible.'


• CD Spotlight. Most Intriguing - Music by Rameau, heard by Robert Anderson. '... much sensitive playing from the whole team.'


• CD Spotlight. Spirituality and Psychosis - Music improvised by Sophie Harris, heard by Howard Smith. '... clear qualities ...'


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Profound - Olivier Messiaen's 'Turangalîla-Symphonie', heard by Keith Bramich. '... a vibrant, sparkling performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Niche of Exploration - Music by Hope Wechkin, heard by Howard Smith. '... idiosyncratic, evocative and deeply committed ...'


• CD Spotlight. Dust and Ashes - Handel's 'The Triumph of Time and Truth', impresses Robert Anderson. '... admirable performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Considerable Substance - Contemporary music for cello, heard by Howard Smith. '... Marinescu ... appears to have the measure of each work on offer here.'


• CD Spotlight. Likeable Discs - Music for cello and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... affectionately presented throughout.'


• CD Spotlight. Great Accomplishment - Music by Philip Sawyers, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... a very cogent argument.'


• Ensemble. Daring and Bold - 'Madama Butterfly' and 'Il Trittico' at the Puccini Festival, discussed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Considerable Beauty - An organ recital by John Hosking, heard by Tony Westerman


• CD Spotlight. Feisty Drama - Jean Muller plays Liszt, heard by Howard Smith. '... Muller tackles the exacting Trancendental Etudes with enormous technical address ...'


• Ensemble. Rosenkavalier at War - Richard Strauss at Salzburg, with Giuseppe Pennisi


• Sharply Focused - John Scott at the organ of Derby Cathedral delights Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Spectral Music - Women and War at the Salzburg Festival, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Euro Folk Champions - The Apollo Chamber Players, impress Howard Smith. '... this scantily adorned traditional music derives straight from the heartbeat of regions in Southern, Eastern, and Central Europe.'


• Ask Alice - On taking up the alto recorder, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Annual Event? - Cathedral organ high jinks from Peter Gould, Tom Corfield, Christopher Johns, Sachin Gunga and Ben Bloor, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Religious Confrontation - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences Salzburg Festival's 'Ouverture spirituelle'


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Idea - Claudio Abbado at the Lucerne Festival, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... natural, extroverted musicality ...'


• Admirably Projected - Simon Hogan plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, impressing Tom Corfield


• DVD Spotlight. Much Courage - Alfredo Catalani's 'La Wally', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'This Tyrolean team has made fine music ...'


• Experts on Morality? - Geoff Pearce discusses intolerance in public life


• Ensemble. Smiles All Round - Fawzi Haimor conducts Sinfonia Viva and impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Nature and Sentiment - Wagner's 'Ring' at the Tyroler Festspiele Erl impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Sameness in Performance? - Geoff Pearce asks if we've lost something precious in our search for perfection, and argues for a return to national styles of playing


• Out of this World - Cuban pianist Marcos Madrigal plays Schumann, Beethoven, Poulenc, de Séverac and Lecuona, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Completely Bonkers - H K Gruber's 'Gloria - A Pigtale', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Original quotes from Paul Silverthorne, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Deftly Handled - Robert Quinney at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Full Marks - Bill Newman listens to Nikolai Demidenko


• Ensemble. Fatally Compromised - Rossini's 'Otello', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Without Despair - Sacred choral music by Poulenc, heard by Howard Smith. 'Harmonia mundi has struck oil ...'


• CD Spotlight. Varied Mythology - Deutsche Grammophon's Strauss opera compilation, sampled by Robert Anderson. '... a hugely enjoyable set ...'


• Ensemble. Whipped Cream - Buxton Festival's 2014 Opera Gala, attended by Mike Wheeler


• Sparkling Performances - Organist Roy Massey visits Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Celebratory and Ambiguous - Mozart, Judith Weir and Ravel from the Lawson Trio at Buxton, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Gasparini Renaissance - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences 'Il Bajazet'


• Ask Alice - Busy researching an article, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Steely Force - A devastatingly fresh take on 'Orfeo ed Eurydice', admired by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Delicate Sensitivity - The Innovation Chamber Ensemble at Buxton, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Dramatic Weaknesses - Dvorák's 'The Jacobin', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Acknowledged Skill - Gwendolyn Mok plays Brahms, heard by Howard Smith. '... Mok falls short of Julius Katchen's flair ...'


• CD Spotlight. Very Searching - Peter Dickinson's 'The Judas Tree', heard by Robert Anderson. '... a notable performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Divertingly Arranged - Music from China and the USA, heard by Howard Smith. '... less conclusive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Altogether Impressive - Khachaturian for violin and piano, heard by Robert Anderson. '... fine listening when interpreted as idiomatically as here.'


• Ask Alice - Questions about choral conducting, answered by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Consummate Professionalism - Nigel Ogden begins Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Extraordinarily Beautiful - Joseph Summer's Shakespeare Concerts Series, heard by Howard Smith. '... immediately expressive.'


• Ensemble. Open-air Performance - A triptych of ballet on tour, with dancing in the monumental Roman ruins, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Irrepressible Delights - Piano trios from the 1890s, heard by Howard Smith. '... compelling feeling and technical assurance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Relatively Conservative - American music for flute and piano, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Amy Porter plays with feeling and clean, seemingly effortless articulation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Expressive Style - Music for cello and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... the entire concert is alive with a myriad textual and sonic possibilities.'


• CD Spotlight. Unequalled Refinement - Music by Marin Marais, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Another triumph for Savall's seemingly inexhaustible musical genius.'


• CD Spotlight. Commanding Authority - Shostakovich and Schnittke string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. '... vivid sonic immediacy.'


• CD Spotlight. Refined Balance - Purcell sonatas, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... irrepressibly elegant and restrained.'


• Ask Alice - A CD recommendation from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. More Powerful - 'Carmen' in Bizet's original version, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Pure Entertainment - Roderic Dunnett visits Garsington Opera at Wormsley


• Ensemble. Light of Hope - Palermo's mixed reception to an innovative 'Norma', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Breath Control - Amy Porter plays J S Bach Cello Suites, heard by Howard Smith. '... fluent and uniformly pleasing.'


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh remembers her famous grandfather, General Maxwell D Taylor


• Ensemble. Orchestral Showpieces - Cristian Mandeal conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. First Rate - Richard Strauss' 'Salome', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... fine and emotionally sapping ...'


• CD Spotlight. Mastery of Adaptation - Opera transcriptions for piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... illuminating performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Clearly Inescapable - Gerard Schurmann's chamber music impresses Howard Smith. '... potent, consuming, thematically cogent and burning with zeal.'


• Ensemble. Orpheus versus Orpheus - Giuseppe Pennisi enjoys 'Orfeo e Euridice' at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, and surveys the different versions of Gluck's opera


• Ask Alice - Saying goodbye to a friend, plus dodgy social media, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Rhythmic Compulsion - Music by Salgán, Binelli, Piazzolla and Ramíres, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'This is an abundance of riches.'


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Moving - Brahms' German Requiem, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching depth and abiding consolation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Delight - Halida Dinova plays music for children, recommended by Howard Smith. '... palpable finesse.'


• CD Spotlight. Convincing Work - Music for soprano and percussion orchestra, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'The percussion work on this album is of a very high standard ...'


• Ensemble. Champagne not Orange Juice - Prokofiev's 'The Love of Three Oranges', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Dazzling Ninety Minutes - 'The Cunning Little Vixen', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ask Alice - On 'Dialogues des Carmelites' at Covent Garden, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Unquestionably Recommended - Jennifer Koh and Jamie Laredo, heard by Howard Smith. 'This new performance ... undoubtedly earns a place ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Disturbing Nightmares - Musorgsky's Boris Godunov, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'I was surprised how quickly my patience ran out.'


• Ensemble. Phew! - Mahler's Ninth Symphony from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Ian Hominick plays Clementi, heard by Andrew Schartmann. 'At times, his playing is sensitive and exact.'


• Ensemble. A Veritable Spectacle - Smetana's 'The Bartered Bride', enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. From chains to the Almighty - Twentieth century operas in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Well-Intentioned - Music for seafarers, heard by Howard Smith. '... a lot to recommend it ...'


• CD Spotlight. Subtle Nuance - Steven Osborne plays Musorgsky and Prokofiev, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'This is an outstanding release.'


• A Worthy Cause - Diederick Potgieter plays Busoni/Bach, Beethoven and Liszt, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Masterful Handling - Volume 3 of James Brawn's Beethoven, praised by Andrew Schartmann. '... his interpretive choices are exquisite.'


• Ensemble. Collective Virtuosity - Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich, Rachmaninov and Britten from Natalie Clein, the Moscow Philharmonic and Yuri Simonov, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Existential Tragedy - A new Italian production of Don Giovanni, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On the BBC's Young Musician of the Year, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Mesmerising Power - Julian Anderson's new opera 'Thebans', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Delight - C P E Bach complete solo piano music, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... Ana-Marija Markovina has the technique and sensitivity do it full justice.'


• CD Spotlight. Personal Choice - C P E Bach's Spiritual Songs, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the clavichord, wonderfully sensitive as it is, cannot stand up to a concert singer ...'


• CD Spotlight. Hugely Entertaining - Orchestral music by Knecht and Philidor, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are consistently breezy and light-hearted ...'


• CD Spotlight. Characteristic Patina - Brahms chamber music, heard by Howard Smith. '... Walther-Korevaar-Fejér are exemplary in all three works.'


• Ensemble. Near Perfect - Rossini's 'La Cenerentola', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Does musical training increase blood flow in the brain? Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh investigates


• Profile. Uniquely Proactive - Howard Smith reviews the career of Alexander Ivashkin, who died in January 2014


• Ensemble. Carefully Mixed - Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore in Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Dedicated Teamwork - Prokofiev's The Fiery Angel, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... forceful and compelling ...'


• CD Spotlight. Multifaceted Nature - Beethoven and Romberg explored, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... stellar performance ...'


• Ensemble. Growing Together - Vorisek in the North Downs, heard by Keith Bramich


• CD Spotlight. Unmistakable Timbre - Schubert symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... performances of unwavering focus ...'


• Ask Alice - The gift, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Prime Objective - Buxtehude from Magdalen College, Oxford, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... consistently refreshing and spontaneous ...'


• Ensemble. Convincingly Integrated - Sibelius, Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky from the Philharmonia Orchestra impress Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Very Practical - Hindemith music for clarinet, appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'Richard Stoltzman has every opportunity to display his outstanding technique ...'


• CD Spotlight. Expressive Potential - Music by Robert Hanson, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... blends the beautiful with the obnoxious.'


• Ensemble. Metaphysical Realm - Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Truly Exquisite - Mozart's Così fan tutte, live in high definition from New York, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Sweeping Drama - Wagner's Götterdämmerung from La Scala Milan impresses Gerald Fenech. 'The singing is at a constantly high level throughout ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Innocence Abused - Britten's 'Death in Venice', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Britten conjures weird and wonderful sounds from his orchestra ...'


• Ensemble. Passage from Anger - Andrea Molino's Qui non c'è perché impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Perfect Indeed - More Beethoven from James Brawn, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... a profound - almost spiritual - connection to the music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Umpteen Contemporaries - Yoon-Hee Kim plays Khachaturian and Tchaikovsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... she appears to lack the aural muscle of others ...'


• Ensemble. Utterly Idiomatic - Roderic Dunnett listens to vocal and choral music in Kiev


• Ensemble. Capably Sung - J S Bach's St John Passion in Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Confidence and Assuredness - Mary Costanza plays Bach, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... wholly impressive and full of lively ideas ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Glorious Time - C P E Bach's Magnificat, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Soloists, choir and orchestra under Hans-Christoph Rademann ... infectiously impart their delight in the music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Modern Concertos - Music by Karl Fiorini, heard by Howard Smith. '... edgy, demanding works ...'


• CD Spotlight. Higher-level Synthesis - Music for string quartet by Toshio Hosokawa, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... the Arditti ensemble produces the effect masterfully.'


• Ensemble. Deeply Gratifying - The first performance of Ian Venables' new clarinet quintet, heard by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Passionate Tones - La bohème in HD from The Met, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On wolf-tone eliminators and tennis balls, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. On Top Form - Géza Anda plays Bartók and Tchaikovsky, heard by Robert Anderson. '... splendid unanimity between pianist and conductor.'


• Ensemble. Fourteen People and a Dog - Brits in Rome, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Closely Argued - Mike Wheeler listens to Andrew Dunlop and the Eblana String Trio


• Ensemble. Repetitive Chugging - Mike Wheeler comes face to face with Orff's Carmina Burana


• Ensemble. Traditional and Bold - Berlioz's Les Troyens, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Rich Sounds - Russian choral music, heard by Howard Smith. '... wholly satisfying and consistently worshipful.'


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Amusing - Maria Nockin visits Mexico for Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore


• Ask Alice - On mice, and getting stuck in the Tower of London, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Final Production? - Ron Bierman was at San Diego Opera's 'Don Quixote'


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Atmospheric - Górecki, Chilcott, Thompson and Bernstein from Malcolm Goldring and the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Approachable Pieces - Enescu and Bartók, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Laura Buruiana triumphs in what is ultimately an exacting work.'


• Ensemble. Clash of Civilizations - Rossini's 'Maometto II', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Almost Physical Impact - Verdi's Requiem, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Elegant and Decorative - J S Bach's Brandenburg Concertos, impress Gerald Fenech. '... up there with the best.'


• CD Spotlight. Pure Gain - Ballet music from Meyerbeer operas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... very stylish playing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Heartfelt Buoyancy - Tchaikovsky, known and unknown, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a wondrous sense of joy ...'


• Ensemble. A Little More Human - Jack Perla's 'Jonah and the Whale', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Hugely Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra


• Ensemble. Absolutely Luminous - Thomas Bowes plays the Barber Violin Concerto, and impresses Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Toughest Penance - Franck's 'Stradella', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the staging did its best to eliminate the music altogether ...'


• CD Spotlight. Interpretive Fabric - Beethoven's complete works for cello and piano, reviewed by Andrew Schartmann. '... a tapestry of infinite colors ...'


• Nicely Pointed - A piano recital by Robert Thompson, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Decadent and Sarcastic - A Zemlinsky-Puccini double bill in Turin, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On music festival judges, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Interesting Idea - Opera North's 'From Paris with Love', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Depth and Elegance - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Printemps des Arts in Monte Carlo


• Ensemble. Magnificently Sonorous - Brahms, Dvorák and Rimsky-Korsakov from the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Exploration and Discovery - 'Die Frau Ohne Schatten' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Constantly Knitting - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's Verdi Macbeth


• CD Spotlight. Dedication and Commitment - René Jacobs' St Matthew Passion, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a power that almost sweeps you off your feet.'


• Ensemble. High Spirits - The Piatti String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Rodelinda at English National Opera, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Overload - A long evening with the Cleveland Orchestra, described by Suzanne Torrey


• Mount Olympus - Andrew Schartmann listens to Evgeny Kissin


• Ensemble. A Sense of Unwinding - Roderic Dunnett marvels at Henze's Boulevard Solitude


• Ensemble. Beautifully Presented - The Heron Piano Quartet, recommended by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Rather Classical - Silvia Colasanti's 'La Metamorfosi', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Composer of Note - Graham Waterhouse receives standing ovations at Munich's Gasteig, by Tess Crebbin


• Ensemble. Full Value - The Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is busy writing her new novel


• Beautifully Spun - Steven Osborne's Prokofiev, Ravel and Rachmaninov impress Keith Bramich


• Ensemble. A Spirited Reading - Traviata at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Joint Project - Sinfonia Viva's annual schools' residency, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Truly Memorable - Power, technology and sex in Rimsky Korsakov's 'The Tsar's Bride', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Dance-like Vitality - Nick van Bloss plays Chopin, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... unprecedented freshness ...'


• Ensemble. Guitar and Cello - Maria Nockin listens to Eliot Fisk and Yehuda Hanani


• Ensemble. Particularly Well Suited - Sasha Cooke saves the day in Cleveland, by Suzanne Torrey


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh likes New York


• Ensemble. A Double Melodrama - Giuseppe Pennisi was at Puccini's 'Manon Lescaut', performed under difficult conditions in Rome


• Ensemble. Lyrical Beauty - A new edition of Prince Igor, experienced live in HD by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Full Stretch - Poulenc's Organ Concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... marvellous vitality ...'


• CD Spotlight. Rare Multi-Tasking - Marta Bagratuni plays and sings, heard by Howard Smith. '... music of notable sensitivity and fine tonality.'


• CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Mark Padmore sings British vocal music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully sung, recorded and presented ...'


• CD Spotlight. Marvellous Sounds - Rachmaninov's All-Night Vigil, admired by Robert Anderson. '... tender and powerful ...'


• Ensemble. Quite Different - A special 'Otello', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Variety of Tone - Michelangeli's Beethoven and Debussy, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a sympathetic medium for Debussy's vision.'


• A Compelling Overall Experience - Mike Wheeler listens to Italian pianist Leonora Armellini


• CD Spotlight. Stylistic Outsiders - An exquisite performance of Elgar's Violin Sonata, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... no amount of writing can do justice to the last three tracks on this disc.'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Pleasure - Eric Coates' commercial recordings delight Patric Standford. '... this collection has its own particular value ...'


• Deeper Probings - A recital by Jong-Gyung Park, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On erhus and python soup, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Tremendous Success - Rome's 'Controtempo' contemporary music festival, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Scottish Dance - Music by Robert Mackintosh, recommended by Laura Kennelly. 'No problem feeling music's power here ...'


• Ensemble. Expressive Nuances - Holst, Mozart and Sibelius from Tasmin Little and the European Union Chamber Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Scruff-of-the-neck Treatment - Sibelius and Mendelssohn from Nottingham Harmonic Choir, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Cogent Achievements - Peter Maxwell Davies' tenth symphony and other British music, heard by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Crisp Elegance - Chamber music in Arizona, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Deep Expression - Mozart, Mendelssohn and Elgar from the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Suzanne Torrey


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh and the cat from Porlock


• Ensemble. Unlucky in Love - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Pisa for The Tales of Hoffmann


• Ensemble. A Beautiful Sad Fairy Tale - Rusalka, live in high definition from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Angelic Sounds - Jacobean choral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... distinctive character and colour ...'


• CD Spotlight. Highly Sensitive - Brahms from Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio, recommended by Patric Standford. '... the authority and tenderness of fresh interpretations.'


• CD Spotlight. Musical Rebellion - Composers displaced by the Third Reich, heard by Howard Smith. '... piano music of singular merit.'


• Ask Alice - On the advantages of free bowing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Chung vs Pappano - Giuseppe Pennisi compares versions of Mahler's Resurrection Symphony


• CD Spotlight. Schoenbergian Gospel? - Concertos by Krzysztof Penderecki, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... an exceptionally worthwhile release.'


• Ensemble. Vivid and Entertaining - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a Ravel double bill in Rome


• CD Spotlight. A Valuable Sampling - Armenian music, heard by Howard Smith. '... South Caucasian music performed by a team of its best authenticated exponents.'


• CD Spotlight. Delectable Listening - Michala Petri plays Telemann, admired by Robert Anderson. 'The performance is indeed triumphant.'


• CD Spotlight. Quite Sensational - Iestyn Davies' Handel arias impress Roderic Dunnett. '... pretty wonderful ...'


• Ask Alice - On stress in the firsts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Deeply Satisfying - John Wilson conducts the CBSO, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. An Enriching Experience - The Repast Baroque Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... delectable performances ...'


• Consummate Elegance - Mike Wheeler listens to Sarah Beth Briggs


• Ensemble. Powerfully Expressive - Mike Wheeler listens to saxophonist Anthony Brown


• Ensemble. Beautifully Coordinated - Candace Evans' new production of Puccini's La bohème, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating Work - Grieg and Finnissy for piano quintet, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the whole disc is an unexpected serendipity.'


• Ask Alice - On parents in music lessons, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Sexy Summer Night - 'Feuersnot' by Richard Strauss, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Conscientious Objector - Unknown music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Gerald Fenech


• Ensemble. Highly Communicative - Murray Gold's first major choral work, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Simple but Profound - Mark Isaacs' Children's Songs impress Andrew Schartmann. '... listen closely to this charming creation.'


• Ensemble. A Bumpy Ride - Brahms from the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Suzanne Torrey


• Ask Alice - On Wagner string parts and Fred Sherry's Bach duets, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Skill and Daring - Todd Crow plays Brahms and Dvorák, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Todd Crow emerges not only unbowed but triumphant.'


• Ensemble. Bold and Daring - A new production of Wagner's 'Parsifal', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Jupiter's Thunderbolt - Lully's Phaéton, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... brimful of the most varied enchantments.'


• CD Spotlight. Dramatic Attitudes - Tchaikovsky piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'I am grateful to Nadav Hertzka for much enchantment during this CD.'


• Ask Alice - Recital programme ideas, and stress in the orchestra, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Uncommon Piquancy - Music for two cellos, heard by Howard Smith. '... riveting effect.'


• CD Spotlight. A Virtuoso Challenge - Inna Faliks plays Beethoven, heard by Robert Anderson. '... most memorable music, memorably performed.'


• CD Spotlight. Inner Essence - Estonian folk hymns and runic songs, heard by Howard Smith. '... enduring, limitless appeal.'


• CD Spotlight. Elusive and Disguised - Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony impresses Gerald Fenech. 'A strong competitor for the disc of the year ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Short Straw? - Skrowaczewski conducts Brahms, heard by Howard Smith. '... Brahms' sonic architecture is overlooked.'


• Ensemble. Perfect Settings - New Year in Italy, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Collaborative Effect - Martha Argerich and friends in Lugano, heard by Barbara Sealock. 'Among the recorded gems of 2013 ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Fluid and Magical - Ravel's operas, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these concise aesthetic works stand out on DVD ...'