2016 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2016 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• CD Spotlight. Performance Technique - Cameron Roberts' piano transcriptions, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'The novelty value of this crystal clear recording can hardly be denied.'


• CD Spotlight. Translucent Artistry - Vocal duets by Schumann, Mendelssohn and Cornelius, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The two soloists exude immaculate performances full of smooth, silky singing, where every nuance behind each word and note is brought to light ...'


• Ensemble. All the Magic of the Original - Piano arrangements played by Jenny Lin, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Big-band Jazz and Choral Traditions - Mike Wheeler listens to music by Will Todd and Nils Lindberg, performed by Derby Choral Union with the Midlands Youth Jazz Orchestra


• Ensemble. Idiomatically Handled - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas Concert impresses Mike Wheeler


• Peace through Music - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Christmas concerts in the Holy Land


• Ensemble. Airy and Light - Handel's 'Messiah' from Hugh Morris and Derby Cathedral Choir, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Off the Wall? - The King's Singers' Christmas Songbook, heard by Keith Bramich. 'Each track ... is heavily arranged ...'


• CD Spotlight. Fresh and Appealing - The Christmas Story by Heinrich Schütz impresses Gerald Fenech. '... lusciously presented ...'


• Ensemble. A Dark 'Trovatore' - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Verdi from Cagliari


• Ensemble. Lots of Tinsel - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Lines of Blue Light - Kaija Saariaho's opera 'L'amour de loin', live in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Unbridled Enthusiasm - Austro-Hungarian music for cello heard by Gerald Fenech. '... as infectious as it is fastidious to every little detail and nuance of the music.'


• CD Spotlight. A Master Orchestrator - The New York Philharmonic plays Christopher Rouse, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a fantastic whirl of sound and energy, guaranteed to make the most jaded listener sit up on the edge of the seat.'


• Ensemble. Sensitive Handling - Tchaikovsky, Delius and Brahms from the Villiers String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Consistently Engaging - James MacMillan sets the passion and burial of Christ, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... both singers and instrumentalists are on impeccable form, making for an insightful and focused experience.'


• Ensemble. Well Scrubbed-up and Dapper - Sinfonia Viva and conductor Duncan Ward, with guest soloists Cordelia Williams and Alice Zawadzki, leave a deep impression on Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Devotional Piety - Music by Niccola Monti, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... distinctive and brilliant, rich in operatic and chromatic devices with an orchestration that is harmonically well-balanced and full of melodic touches of the utmost beauty.'


• CD Spotlight. Much of a Muchness - Choral music by Morten Lauridsen, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... the Elora Festival Singers perform securely in an unblemished recording.'


• Ensemble. A Rare Butterfly - Giuseppe Pennisi was at La Scala for the start of the new season in Milan


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Original - Kirill Kondrashin conducts Rachmaninov, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The final few minutes are electrifying.'


• CD Spotlight. Crystalline Beauty - Stravinsky choral music, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Stravinsky's blend of the mystic and mundane never ceases to astound.'


• CD Spotlight. Beyond Words - Rachel Brown's Revolutionary Flute Quartets, highly recommended by Alice McVeigh. 'The double-CD is worth buying for this slice of Gluck alone.'


• Ensemble. Little to do with Shakespeare - A strong production of Rossini's 'Otello' opens Teatro San Carlo's new season in Naples, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. An Uneven Work - Mike Wheeler listens to Dvorák's 'Stabat Mater'


• Ensemble. Technicolour Redemption? - Two Puccini works at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Abstract and Symbolic - 'Tristan und Isolde' at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Fantastic Collection - Little-known harpsichord gems, strongly recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... succeeds utterly, as does the immaculately sensitive [Penelope] Cave.'


• Ensemble. Excellent Track-record - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Opera North's 'Billy Budd'


• Ensemble. Passing Time - Opera North's 'Der Rosenkavalier', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Transparently a Success - Gustav Holst's 'The Cloud Messenger' impresses Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Committed Performance - Mozart from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Death and the Maiden - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Patricia Kopatchcinskaja and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra


• CD Spotlight. Unconscious Dimension - Music by Rautavaara, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singers' phrasing, harmonic direction and melodic sense all indicate how much this music is in their blood.'


• CD Spotlight. Full of Life - Trio Koch plays Moszkowski, Milhaud and Martinu, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the players show a superb understanding of the melodic line and harmonic structure ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Smash Hit - Music for Advent from choir and saxophone, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully shaped in both the renaissance and contemporary repertoire ...'


• Ensemble. Special Offer - Two top guitarists for the price of one, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Rich Baroque - 'La Liberazione di Ruggiero dall'Isola di Alcina' by the almost forgotten Francesca Caccini, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Great Joy - Zambello's 'Aida' premieres at San Francisco Opera, by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Serious Treat - Brass band works in memoriam, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... the bands are the best of Wales and play demanding music with utter professionalism.'


• Ensemble. A Very Interesting Discovery - The first performance in modern times of Bellini's 'Adelson e Salvini', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Study in Dislocation - Mike Wheeler listens to Chopin, Debussy, Ligeti, Liszt, Grigory Ginzburg and Scarlatti, played by Isata Kanneh-Mason


• Ensemble. Standing Throughout - Sinfonia Viva and Duncan Ward in Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Flooding Venice - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews the first performance of Filippo Perocco's opera 'Aquagranda'


• A Demanding Programme - Richard Uttley plays Schumann, Chopin and Beethoven, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A view from the pit - John Joubert's 'Jane Eyre', praised by Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Mysterious Spirit - Florian Boesch sings Schubert, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... brimming with compelling moments of great yet gentle intimacy ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Wealth of Pleasure - European carols and songs in new arrangements, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett. 'The singing throughout is of a high quality ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh has a serious message about America


• Ensemble. Balletic Energy - Britten, Korngold and Berlioz from Vilde Frang, Nicholas Collon and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Highly Significant - Piano music by Leonid Sabaneyev impresses Gerald Fenech. '... a triumph for Jonathan Powell ... compelling dedication and zest ...'


• Ensemble. Fresh and Original - John Joubert's opera 'Jane Eyre', experienced by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Vividly Projected - The Sitwell Singers' fiftieth anniversary concert, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Dies Irae - George Colerick takes a look at secular and romantic uses of the old Latin hymn


• Ensemble. Love and Freedom - Beethoven's 'Fidelio', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Fine Rendition - 'Don Giovanni' live in high definition from New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh was at last week's Bromley Symphony Players concert


• Ensemble. An Engrossing Premiere - Janácek's 'Jenufa' in Palermo impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Great Sensuality - Caroline Howald's Ensemble Isabella d'Este impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are overflowing with impassioned commitment ...'


• CD Spotlight. Engagingly Delivered - Robert Meyer's 'Discovering the Double Bass', heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a rare and welcome initiative ...'


• CD Spotlight. Riveting Discoveries - Music from Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... as absorbing as it is enticing.'


• Ensemble. A Canny Pairing - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Hough, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra


• Ensemble. The Joy of Operetta - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Ravenna for a trilogy of Danube stage works


• Ensemble. 'Un Ballo' Returns Home - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews Verdi in Rome


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating Stuff - Thomas Coates' band music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... highly polished performances full of fun and joy ...'


• Book Review. A Work of Profound Scholarship - Andrew Parrott's 'Composers' Intentions? Lost Traditions of Musical Performance', read by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Diving into the Deep End - Lance Friedel conducts Bruckner's Fifth, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'The final perorations are resplendent ...'


• Ensemble. Famous yet Unkown - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences Camille Saint-Saëns' opera 'Proserpine' in Munich


• Ensemble. Thought Provoking - Maria Nockin visits the cinema for Mariusz Trelinski's updated staging of Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera


• Ensemble. Close Partnership in Action - J S Bach, Shostakovich, Oliver Davis and Brahms from Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Book review. Colourful Sketches - Robert Meyer's 'The Bottom Line', recommended by the late Howard Smith


• Ensemble. A Bright Idea - Sinfonia Viva players at Derby Folk Festival impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. The Right Touch - Giuseppe Pennisi enjoys the baroque show 'Aria' in Rome


• CD Spotlight. Exceptional Clarity - Masaaki Suzuki conducts Stravinsky, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... immaculately performed ...'


• Book review. Hugely Atmospheric - Jessica Duchen's new novel 'Ghost Variations', highly recommended by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Interesting Approach - Beethoven, Guillaume Connesson and Respighi from Stéphane Denève and the Brussels Philharmonic, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Astonishing Work - 'Giovanna D'Arco' in the Farnese Theater, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Born Again - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the revitalised Verdi Festival in Parma for 'Don Carlo'


• A Standard-Bearer - Nicholas McCarthy plays Reinecke's Sonata for the left hand, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Very Pleasing - J S Bach, Haydn and Mendelssohn keyboard concertos, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... beautifully played ...'


• Ensemble. A Different 'Swan Lake' - Tchaikovsky in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Rapturous Creations - Trio Karénine plays Robert Schumann piano trios, and impresses Gerald Fenech. '... commanding authority, rewarding depth and devil-may-care exuberance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Novel Soundscapes - Music by Xiaogang Ye, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... superbly directed and played ...'


• Ensemble. Re-writing the Rule Book - Rutter and Fauré Requiems performed by the Armonico Consort, heard by Keith Bramich


• Ensemble. The Old and the New - Contrasting concerts at the Sagra Musicale Umbra, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Light from on High - Giuseppe Pennisi's first of two reports from the Sagra Musicale Umbra


• CD Spotlight. Trailblazing Stuff - Orchestral music by Kevin Puts, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... compelling throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. Reflective Depth - Orchestral music by Jón Nordal surprises Gerald Fenech. '... austere yet mystic beauty.'


• CD Spotlight. Engagingly Performed - Rachel and Vanessa Fuidge at one and two pianos, recommended by the late Howard Smith. '... technique, tonal address and aural poetry.'


• CD Spotlight. Exceedingly Fine - Marin Alsop conducts Prokofiev's Symphony No 6, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The São Paolo Symphony Orchestra plays with a consummate passion for the music.'


• CD Spotlight. Breathtaking Depth - Sacred music in seventeenth century Rome, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... performances of celestial beauty ...'


• CD Spotlight. Major Voices - Vocal and choral music by Lennox and Michael Berkeley, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... thrilling performance.'


• Ensemble. Dido Reconstructed - Henry Purcell, arranged by Atilio Cremonesi, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Aliki McVeigh joins up for keep fit classes, Crete-style


• CD Spotlight. Winningly Done - Osmo Vänskä's Sibelius Symphonies 3, 6 and 7, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The Seventh is a superb exercise in momentum and continuity ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Joy - Som Howie's debut recital, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a lovely expansive open sound ...'


• Book review. Plenty of Surprises - Lauren E Rico's ambitious first novel 'Reverie', recommended by Ron Bierman


• CD Spotlight. Spohr on the Cheap - Symphonies 2 and 9, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... much to enjoy in the second symphony ...'


• CD Spotlight. I truly love it - Music by Frances White and Valeria Vasilevski, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Hats off to the four creative forces behind this work. All are exemplary.'


• Ensemble. A Very Rich Menu - Giuseppe Pennisi attends two first performances at the Pergolesi Spontini Festival in Jesi


• Somewhat Congested - Jonathan Scott plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Worthy Tribute - Purcell opera suites conducted by Neville Marriner, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... full-blown Purcellian splendour ...'


• Ensemble. An African 'Norma' - Giuseppe Pennisi compares La Fenice's Bellini revival with an earlier production in Naples


• CD Spotlight. Wholehearted Enjoyment - Chinese recorder concerti, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a treat awaits you.'


• CD Spotlight. A Simpler Age - Folk songs from the Red River Valley, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances and arrangements are unpretentious ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh comments on Jessica Duchen's feelings about exams


• Midnight Ice Cream - Maria Nockin tells the story of a bus driver who lands a job working for an opera company


• Ensemble. Echo of Globalization - France at the Festival of Nations, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Wildly Joyous - Lutoslawski and Brahms orchestral music grips Gerald Fenech. 'Peruvian conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya marshalls his Fort Worth forces with effortless control.'


• Piquant Shadings - Peter Gould returns to Derby to give an organ recital, delighting Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploring - Chamber music by Franz Mittler, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Both string performers ... prove excellent advocates for this full-blooded music.'


• Ensemble. Very Effective - Igor Stravinsky's 'The Soldier's Tale' at the Presteigne Festival, reviewed by Keith Bramich


• CD Spotlight. Theatrical Genius - Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a splendid complete version ...'


• Ensemble. Rossini on a Movie Set - 'Il Turco in Italia' and 'Ciro in Babilonia' at the Rossini Opera Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Noble Simplicity - Piano music by Ronald Stevenson, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Christopher Guild delivers impressively clear and assured performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Fetching Sensitivity - A guitar recital by Sergio Puccini, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... played here to the manner born.'


• CD Spotlight. Brilliant Playing - Organ music played by John Kitchen, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... a curiously varied programme ...'


• Common Ground - Andrew Schartmann's book 'Koji Kondo's Super Mario Bros Soundtrack' impresses Keith Bramich


• CD Spotlight. Rare Emotional Content - Sacred music by Gaetano Veneziano, highly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... this music took me completely by surprise ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on recorder playing, Lassus, J S Bach and the mass cello repertoire


• CD Spotlight. A Cracker of a Disc - Contemporary music from San José, heartily recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... lovely, approachable music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - William Christie's Les Arts Florissants, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... each piece comes to life with inimitable charm and grace.'


• CD Spotlight. Technical Prowess - Jerry Wong plays Prokofiev, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... Wong characterizes the contrasting moods unerringly.'


• CD Spotlight. Great Heights - Orchestral music by Enrique Granados, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... superbly played by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra ...'


• Ensemble. Fighting for Justice - Florieke Beelen, Ensemble 10/10 and Clark Rundell, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Genuine Profundity - Annie Fischer plays Mozart and Bartók, appreciated by Béla Hartmann. 'Her phrasing makes even the most complex and profound passages instantly understandable ...'


• Ensemble. Most Entertaining - Peter Eötvös' 'The Golden Dragon' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. The Treasured Crown - Roderic Dunnett reports in depth on last month's Three Choirs Festival at Gloucester


• Ensemble. An Engrossing Idea - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro for an original and moving 'La Donna del Lago'


• Ensemble. An Attractive Programme - Baroque music and English string classics from the Northern Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Sparkling Energy - J S Bach Violin Concertos, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Manze and Podger give free reign to Bach's poetic inspiration ...'


• A Player to be reckoned with - Organ music from Richard Hills, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sheer Enjoyment - Haydn, Bartók and Dvorák from the Chilingirian Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Eros and Philosophy - Giuseppe Pennisi's last report from this year's Salzburg Festival features a new production of Mozart's 'Così fan tutte'


• Ensemble. Starving for Gold - Giuseppe Pennisi gets a rare chance to hear Richard Strauss' 'Der Liebe der Danae'


• Tonal Clarity - An organ recital by Daniel Gottfried impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sparkle and Brilliance - An exploration of the celebration and imitation of national styles, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Great Success - Spiritual and religious music at the Salzburg Festival, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Captivating Evening - Vivaldi's 'La Sena Festeggiante', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Sibelius from Munich, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the orchestra responds superbly to Jansons.'


• Ensemble. Crossing the Threshold - Giuseppe Pennisi, reporting from Salzburg, finds the first performance of Thomas Adès' new opera 'The Exterminating Angel' even more engrossing than Luis Bunuel


• CD Spotlight. Trailblazing Scores - Sacred music by Jonathan Harvey inspires Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully executed and recorded ...'


• Ensemble. Resonant Baritone - Mike Wheeler describes Josep-Ramon Olivé and Ben-San Lau's Buxton debut


• CD Spotlight. Melody-rich Music - Piano music by Grant Foster, warmly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... romantic and deeply-felt ...'


• Ensemble. Magical Stillness - The Elias Quartet plays at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Timeless Sandscapes - Symphonies by Per Nørgård impress Gerald Fenech. '... superlative performances ...'


• Ferocious Energy - Jackie Campbell's piano recital at Buxton, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Old and New - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Siena's Chigiana International Festival


• Ensemble. Deliciously Romanticised - Keith Bramich attends the first evening concert of the 2016 Gloucester Three Choirs Festival


• Ensemble. Refined Phrasing - Gemma Lois Summerfield and Sebastian Whybrew at Buxton impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Not Entirely New - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences a double 'Barber of Seville' in Rome


• A Chorus of Dissent - Ros Bethan illustrates her own musical poem


• Ensemble. Lucid Sense - Handel's 'Tamerlano' at Buxton, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Carmen Lite-ful (Rhymes with Frightful) - James Sohre sends the last of his reports from San Francisco


• Ensemble. On Vibrant Form - Bellini's 'I Capuletti e I Montecchi' at the Buxton Festival, recommended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Hugely Rewarding - Mozart's 'Idomeneo' at Garsington Opera impresses Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Triumphant Janácek - 'Jenufa' in San Francisco impresses James Sohre


• Ensemble. First Thoughts - Mike Wheeler reports on Beethoven at the 2016 Buxton Festival


• Ensemble. Nabucco goes to War - Giuseppe Pennisi was in the audience in Rome


• Ensemble. A Fine, Robust Performance - Handel's 'Israel in Egypt', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Musically Exceptional - San Francisco's starry Don Carlo, seen by James Sohre


• CD Spotlight. Life Force - Dan Redfeld's 'A Hopeful Place', heard by Keith Bramich. '... a profound, unusual and striking work ...'


• Ensemble. Well Thought-out - Reiko Fujisawa plays Bach's Goldberg Variations, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Culturally Ambiguous - Tiara Ataii listens to British-Israeli countertenor Yaniv d'Or


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh receives a fan letter


• CD Spotlight. Highly Personal - Messiaen organ music, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'An excellent introduction to Messiaen's unique sound-world ...'


• CD Spotlight. Cohesive Power - Burkard Schliessmann, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... seldom less than impressive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Consistently Vibrant - Music inspired by St Francis of Assisi, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A heart-melting issue ...'


• Ensemble. A Polished Team - Heritage Opera's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Incredible Musicianship - Ancient Scottish Highland music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Although not for the faint hearted, the rewards are great ...'


• CD Spotlight. Surprisingly Dramatic - Organ music by Rudolf Tobias, heard by Roderic Dunnett. 'Ines Maidre is a performer of attractive virtuosity and sound judgment.'


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Done - Mozart violin concerti, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... Kraggerud is most ably supported by the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra ...'


• Ensemble. Mixed Feelings - Mozart's 'Così fan tutte', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Captivating - Seventeenth century Italian solo sonatas, admired by the late Howard Smith. '... Caudle's irreproachable grasp ... invites admiration throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. Of Huge Interest - Orchestral music by Granados, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... well crafted and very tuneful.'


• CD Spotlight. Many Paths - Piano music by Frederic Rzewski impresses Roderic Dunnett. '... a marvel of composition, enjoyable by anyone.'


• Ensemble. Divine Providence - Giuseppe Pennisi is impressed by Donizetti's religious opera 'Linda di Chamounix'


• Ensemble. Creative Achievements - A seventieth birthday concert for Alexander Knapp, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. A Modern Tragedy - Salvatore Sciarrino's 'Luci mie traditrici', one of the most performed contemporary operas, finally reaches a major Italian opera house, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Highly Satisfying - Roderic Dunnett visits Longborough for Wagner's 'Tannhäuser'


• CD Spotlight. Sparkle and Affection - American and British art songs, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a cause for constant enjoyment.'


• Ensemble. Power and Eloquence - Mike Wheeler was at the culmination of Wagner's 'Ring' in Nottingham


• Ensemble. Festive Sparkle - A concert to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of composer Joseph Horovitz, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Shades of Real Gentleness - Mike Wheeler listens to Lars Cleveman as Siegfried in Nottingham


• Ensemble. Handled with Brilliance - Opera North's 'Die Walküre' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Fast Forward - Giuseppe Pennisi assesses three works at a contemporary music festival in Rome


• Ensemble. Highly Effective - 'Das Rheingold' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Music - Wolf-Ferrari's 'The Jewels of the Madonna', recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Special praise should be given to the musical director, Friedrich Haider ...'


• Ensemble. Mellow Lyricism - Chabrier, Tchaikovsky, Rakhmaninov and Dukas from Alexandra Dariescu, Jamie Phillips and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Unerring Clarity - Jean-François Paillard conducts J S Bach, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... this rendition consistently delights ...'


• CD Spotlight. Priceless Music-making - The horn playing of Dennis Brain, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a sheer delight ...'


• CD Spotlight. Into the Unknown - Music by Luigi Gazzotti, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... meltingly tender renditions ...'


• Ensemble. High Fashion - A new production of 'La traviata' in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Stand-out Performers - Michael Landes attends an American Protégé winners' recital


• CD Spotlight. A Powerful Statement - Khachaturian from Dmitry Yablonsky and the Russian Philharmonic, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The orchestra and conductor are superb, and committed to bringing out the very best of this music ...'


• CD Spotlight. Double Value - Music from the lost palace of Westminster, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... gracefulness and musical conviction ...'


• CD Spotlight. Vivid and Colourful - Janácek from the Czech Philharmonic, recommended by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'It's good to hear Neumann in such fine form.'


• CD Spotlight. Spectacular Virtuosity - Benjamin Nicholas plays Elgar for organ, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... thought-provoking insights ...'


• Ensemble. A Delight - 'Albert Herring' in Florence impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on the UK's 'Young Musician of the Year'


• CD Spotlight. Singing Praises - Randall Thompson's Requiem, highly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the choral forces and direction are superb.'


• Ensemble. Sharing the Honours - Rheinberger and Parry from the Sitwell Singers,, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Profile. Highlighting Absurdity - Keith Bramich remembers his friend, the M&V contributor Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Sonic Transparency - Fabien Gabel and the Royal Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Turandot for Children - Giuseppe Pennisi investigates a Puccini production with one hundred and fifty performances in twelve months


• Ensemble. A Dynamic Entity - Malcolm Miller reports on the 2016 BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition


• CD Spotlight. Meaty Stuff - Orchestral music by Faradzh Karaev, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are committed throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sure to Please - John McCabe plays Edvard Grieg, warmly recommended by Ron Bierman. 'McCabe gets to the heart of these relatively unfamiliar pieces ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Moving Tribute - A recording dedicated to David Trendell, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... intelligence and deep musicality ...'


• CD Spotlight. An Interesting Disc - Chamber music associated with Frans Preumayer, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the performances ... were truly marvellous by all concerned.'


• Ensemble. Somewhat Heavy-handed - Donizetti's 'Roberto Devereux', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Genuine Knockout - Balfe's 'Satanella', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a work made in Heaven, sparkling, joyous and overtly uplifting.'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' at Covent Garden


• Ensemble. A Winner - Derby Choral Union's anniversary concert, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sex and Murder - Giordano's 'La cena delle beffe', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Me and my Aunts - A Shakespeare celebration, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Powerfully Transcendent - Cantata for the Children of Terezin, recommended by the late Howard Smith. '... all the authority and seriousness a topic of this magnitude deserves.'


• Waiting to be Unveiled - Clare Hammond plays new music by Robert Saxton, plus J S Bach, Beethoven, Szymanowski, Adès and Medtner, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Difficult Score - The new critical edition of Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Unmissable Stuff - Music by Antonio Lotti, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... excitement, poignancy and luscious harmonic sounds ...'


• Ensemble. Vividly Coloured - Prokofiev from the BBC Philharmonic, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Expertly Constructed - Beth Levin plays Chopin, Eliasson and Schumann, heard by Tiara Ataii. '... brilliantly articulated ...'


• Ensemble. A Precursor to Decadentism - Tchaikovsky's 'Iolanta' in Florence, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Irresistible Momentum - René Jacobs' Haydn Symphonies, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... great zest and alacrity.'


• Cogent and Interesting - Dennis Marks' 'The Knowledge - Opera', read by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on auditions


• CD Spotlight. Stunningly Atmospheric - Fiona and John York play Stravinsky, Ravel and Debussy, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... worthy of the highest recommendation.'


• CD Spotlight. A Wondrous Work - John Taverner's Missa Corona spinea impresses Roderic Dunnett. '... a magnificent addition to the wide-ranging Gimell repertoire ...'


• CD Spotlight. Unalloyed Pleasure - Maria João Pires plays Mozart, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... an exactitude and classical stylishness that beggars criticism ...'


• Ensemble. Sinopoli's Loneliness - A concert in memory of the Italian conductor, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. An Inspired Undertaking - Todd Fickley plays J S Bach, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... amazing virtuosity ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh has advice for a double bass player with RSI


• Ensemble. In Two Parts - Puccini's 'Il Trittico' as seen by Michieletto and Rustioni, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Vivid Testimony - Suites, canons and songs by Pachelbel, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... generously filled and sumptuously recorded.'


• Ensemble. A Fine Show - Madama Butterfly live in HD from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Unmistakeably Italian - Alfredo Casella's fairy tale 'La Donna Serpente', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. First Class - Bruckner's Ninth, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... it has all the power it needs. It moves forward and does not get bogged down ...'


• Fascinating Insights - Tiara Ataii watches the recently released film 'Written by Mrs Bach: Broken Silence' and discusses the issues raised


• CD Spotlight. Adventurous Disposition - Sophie Rosa and Benjamin Powell, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A wonderfully attractive recital ...'


• Ensemble. Particularly Sombre - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra commemorate The Battle of the Somme, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Mahler in Monte-Carlo - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Printemps des Arts Festival


• CD Spotlight. Spirited Performances - Jean Yves Thibaudet plays Chopin, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... this revival of early Thibaudet performances is consistently satisfying.'


• CD Spotlight. Charmingly Infectious - Handel's Water Music, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin plays with an undisguised love for the music ...'


• Ensemble. Distinctly Gallic - Rosanna Ter-Berg and Leo Nicholson, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on Lebrecht's 'flat' London


• CD Spotlight. Highly Rewarding - Piano music by Charles O'Brien, heard by Roderic Dunnett. '... played with great charm and feeling by Warren Mailley-Smith.'


• Ensemble. First 'Last Sonatas' - The first of three András Schiff recitals at London's Wigmore Hall whets Malcolm Miller's appetite


• CD Spotlight. Masterful Throughout - Felix Weingartner's 'Die Dorfschule', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... great attention to detail ...'


• Ensemble. A Double Revival - Respighi's 'Sunken Bell' in Cagliari, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A True Poet - Vadym Kholodenko plays Prokofiev, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a majestic, lovely recording, full of colour and detail.'


• CD Spotlight. Immensely Responsive - The Choir of Merton College, Oxford, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... beautifully moulded lines ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on whether classical music is just for the elite


• Ensemble. Sensitive Expression - Puccini's 'Manon Lescaut' live in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Entirely Vivifying - Eighteenth century gallery hymns, recommended by the late Howard Smith. '... direct, unassuming religiosity.'


• Ensemble. Warmth and Dignity - Mike Wheeler listens to the Derwent Singers


• CD Spotlight. Jazzy and Sleazy - Will Todd's 'Alice', recommended by Roderic Dunnett. '... this disc should be on everyone's shelves.'


• CD Spotlight. Terrific Intensity - Robert King's 'Israel in Egypt', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the version to have ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh on Bruckner's Ninth Symphony


• Ensemble. Genius and Intemperance - Berlioz's 'Benvenuto Cellini', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Don Gillis' music for wind quintet, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... always well-crafted, easy to listen to and often fun.'


• CD Spotlight. Immense Clarity - Bernardo Pasquini's Passion Oratorio, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a moving interpretation, full of ardent singing and impassioned energy ...'


• CD Spotlight. Wondrous Sensitivity - Music by Gordon Getty, heard by Roderic Dunnett. '... Getty is given the best possible advocacy on this well-recorded Pentatone disc.'


• Ensemble. A 'Portable' Devil - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Pisa for Arrigo Boito's 'Mefistofele'


• Ensemble. Unassuming Radiance - Mike Wheeler makes special mention of soprano Lisa Cassidy in Derby Bach Choir's Michael Haydn, Mozart and Joseph Haydn


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Probing - Chopin piano music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a lovely and singing tone ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Mantle of Wagner - 'Feuersnot' by Richard Strauss, impresses Geoff Pearce. '... the orchestra was sumptuous.'


• CD Spotlight. Rippling Imagery - A piano recital by Jeremy Eskenazi, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... evident affinity with music requiring rapid rippling imagery and astute tonal control.'


• CD Spotlight. Barnstorming Virtuosity - The Rochdale Town Hall organ, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... played with absorbing panache by Byram-Wigfield ...'


• Ensemble. Sincere Conversion - Mahler's 'Creation', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Anti-romantic Opera - Opera North's 'Così fan tutte', recommended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Visually Stunning - Giordano's 'Andrea Chénier', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Effervescent Delight - Donizetti's 'L'Elisir d'Amore' impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Bewitchingly Improvisatory - Rachel Brown's 'A Tribute to Bach', recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... Rachel Brown has enough talent, in her littlest finger, to lift an entire orchestra ...'


• Ensemble. Haydn the subversive? - The Zelkova String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Ambiguous Ending - Stravinsky, Sibelius and Shostakovich from Sophie Rosa and Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh justifies the advice she gave last week


• CD Spotlight. Stylized Dances - J S Bach's French Suites, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... exceptional readings full of profound emotional content, yet scholarly and alive.'


• CD Spotlight. Expertly Sculpted - James Brawn's time traveller recital delights Andrew Schartmann. 'Each time a passage repeats ... Brawn shows us something new.'


• Ensemble. Illuminating Details - Arrangements by Graham Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Monumental and Hieratic - Stravinsky's 'Oedipus Rex', recommended by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Symphonic Thinking - Smetana, Bartók and Dvorák from Augustin Hadelich, Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On an obnoxious sharp first flute, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Fabulous Night - Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields' musical 'Sweet Charity', strongly recommended by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Great Success - Eleonora Abbagnato's 'Four Great Choreographers' at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Austere and Brooding - Weinberg orchestral music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... deserving of serious consideration.'


• CD Spotlight. Special Merit - Contemporary music for soprano, violin and piano impressed the late Howard Smith. '... remarkable balance, clarity and sensitivity.'


• Ensemble. Supreme Artistry - Nick van Bloss plays Beethoven, and impresses Andrew Schartmann


• Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - A piano recital by Emmanuel Despax, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Different 'Norma' - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Naples


• Ensemble. HOT 'Dream' in Honolulu - James Sohre reviews a Britten rarity


• CD Spotlight. Rich and Colourful - Organ music by J S Bach and Pachelbel, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Barbara Harbach gives a towering performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Ultimately Disappointing - Mravinsky conducts Tchaikovsky's Pathétique, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... the conductor seems unwilling to give himself over wholeheartedly to the music's affect.'


• CD Spotlight. Meaty Stuff - Songs with orchestra by Michael Csányi-Wills, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'A stimulating initiation ...'


• Ensemble. An Asian Fairytale - Puccini's 'Turandot' live in HD from New York, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On comfort music when mourning, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. An Encyclopedic Recital - Elizabeth Moak plays Judith Lang Zaimont, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a stature of compelling merit.'


• Rossini's Revenge - The first of three new 'Barber of Seville' productions marking the opera's bicentenary, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Fragile Beauty - Jules Massenet art songs captivate Gerald Fenech. 'Shudong Braamse has the perfect voice for this repertoire ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Huge Showcase - American soprano Patrice Michaels impresses Paul Sarcich. 'Plenty of good things here ...'


• Ensemble. Carnival in Venice - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews Hervé's 'Les Chevaliers de la Table Ronde'


• Ensemble. Wide-ranging Character - Andrew Dunlop, Ria Nolan and the Eblana String Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Musical Invention - Orchestral music by Ottorino Respighi excites Gerald Fenech. '... passionately performed and sumptuously recorded ...'


• Ensemble. Transcendental Dawn - Handel's 'Il Trionfo del Tempo e del Disinganno' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Beautifully Controlled - Keith Bramich makes a return visit to Jacky Wong's Hornton Chamber Orchestra


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Frivolous - Chabrier's 'L'Etoile' at Covent Garden, recommended by Alice McVeigh


• Ask Alice - On the late Christine Jackson, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Energy and Commitment - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency concert, heard by Mike Wheeler


• A Strong Impression - Mark Bebbington makes a return visit to Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Successful Challenge - Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung' ends the Palermo 'Ring' cycle, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Familiar and Otherworldly - The City of Tomorrow, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... funny, playful, and full of light.'


• Dancing Energy - Haydn, Mozart and Paul Patterson from Adam Mackenzie, Emily Pailthorpe and Sinfonia Viva impress Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Beautiful Moments - Arthur Gottschalk's 'Requiem for the Living', heard by Ron Bierman. '... a solid performance of both orchestra and choir.'


• Ensemble. Surrealist Pop - Rossini's 'La Cenerentola' in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Boy Prodigy - Piano music by Niklas Sivelöv, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... marvelous technique and improvisational skills.'


• Ensemble. Melodic Gold - Bizet's 'The Pearlfishers' live in HD from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Under Development - Fauré songs for bass, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'Roy Howat's accompaniments are crystal-clear always ...'


• Ensemble. Off-the-beaten Track - Chamber music from Katherine Jenkinson, Julian Bliss and Alison Farr, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Sibelius growing like a fungus, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Alternative Worlds - Jewish cabaret music surprises Gerald Fenech. '... those who decide to take the plunge will be rewarded with riches aplenty.'


• CD Spotlight. Hauntingly Beautiful - Orchestral music by Louis Babin, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the string sound of the Moravian Philharmonic is warm and sumptuous.'


• CD Spotlight. Inner Solace - Choral music by Ferenc Farkas, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... performances have a solemn dignity ...'


• CD Spotlight. Pure Python? - 'Wild Men of the Seicento', heard by Keith Bramich. '... Piers Adams and David Wright's superb performances exhibit a strangely infectious authenticity.'


• CD Spotlight. Pulsating Energy - Chamber music by Joaquín Turina impresses Gerald Fenech. '... wonderfully characterized and atmospheric readings ...'


• CD Spotlight. Agreeable Bounce - Quartetto Gelato's Musica Latina, welcomed by the late Howard Smith. '... high octane commitment to the entire programme.'


• Ensemble. Mirrors of Time - Special concerts in Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Lyrical Warmth - Dvorák, Beethoven, Schumann and Brahms from Steven Isserlis, Joshua Bell and the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Consistently Inventive - Viola d'Amore concertos by Vivaldi, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Rachel Barton Pine gives committed performances full of virtuosic brilliance ...'


• Ensemble. 'Fantasia' Around The World - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the big screen in Rome


• CD Spotlight. Women in Love - Schubert Lieder captivate Gerald Fenech. '... full of sensibility, ardour and vocal nuance ...'


• Ask Alice - On the perils of shopping at Chemist Direct, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Utmost Precision - Music by David Kechley impressed the late Howard Smith. 'Stimulating, unpretentious, singularly different.'


• CD Spotlight. Exhilarating Stuff - Piano music by Edward Loder, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'Ian Hobson is a brilliant advocate of this sadly neglected repertoire ...'


• CD Spotlight. Totally Cohesive - Mozart and Brahms clarinet quintets, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... a gem of a disc ...'


• CD Spotlight. Highly Enjoyable - Jazz piano etudes by Milan Dvorák, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... Milan Franek gives wonderfully lighthearted interpretations ...'


• Ask Alice - On the fear of leaving Dallas, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh