Ludwig van Beethoven
The German composer, pianist and conductor Ludwig van Beethoven was born in Bonn on 16 December 1770 and died in Vienna (during a thunderstorm) on 26 March 1827, aged 56. He remains one of the most influential figures ever in classical music, writing at a time when the first traces of Romanticism began to appear.
Beethoven moved to Vienna in 1792 and studied with Franz Joseph Haydn, Johann Georg Albrechtsberger and Antonio Salieri. Unlike earlier composers who tended to work for an employer - church, state or nobleman - Beethoven worked freelance, making a living by collecting donations from aristocrats, selling his music, promoting concerts and teaching. He developed a disrespect for authority and social class, and became known for his irritable nature.
Deafness and tinnitus began in his late twenties, and as this worsened, work became increasingly difficult. He was almost totally deaf by his 35th birthday, a fact which makes the later music seem that much more incredible.
The music can be divided into three periods - classical (until about 1802, including the first two symphonies and twenty piano sonatas), heroic (1803-14, including symphonies 3-8, the Triple Concerto and the opera Fidelio) and romantic (from 1815 - Missa Solemnis, Symphony No 9 and the late string quartets and piano sonatas).
A selection of M&V articles about Ludwig van Beethoven
Ensemble. Highly-Charged - Joyce Yang, Edo de Waart and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reviewed by Rebecca Schmid
Ensemble. Truly Memorable - A concert of arias at Arizona Opera impresses Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Formidably Difficult - Antonín Dvorák's Piano Concerto, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... commendable, as far as it goes.'
CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'
CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'
Ensemble. A True Dynamo - Lawrence Budmen listens to French conductor Ludovic Morlot, in concert with Jennifer Koh and the New World Symphony
Ensemble. Crisp and Energetic - Ilya Gringolts, Sinfonia Viva and André de Ridder, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Class Of Its Own - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Cleveland Orchestra
Mature and Considered - Stephen Savage plays Beethoven, heard by Julian Jacobson
CD Spotlight. Transcendent Resignation - Mahler's Ninth Symphony, heard by David Wilkins. '... played with love and knowledge and commitment ...'
CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'
CD Spotlight. Invigoratingly Natural - Van Beinum conducts Mahler, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a tad less frenetic ...'
World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson
CD Spotlight. Without Parallel - Haydn's late piano trios delight Robert Anderson. '... stylish and impeccable.'
Ensemble. A Consistently High Standard - Julian Jacobson reports from the 2009 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition
Ensemble. Thoughtfully Conceived - James Judd conducts Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Sinfonia Viva plays Judith Weir, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ask Alice - The most beautiful sound in the world, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Imaginative Heights - Gordon Rumson looks forward to the Calgary Art Song Competition
Ensemble. Crystalline Lightness - A Symphony of the Americas concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Finely Controlled - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony, heard by Mike Wheeler
Refreshingly Imaginative - A recital by Helen Reid impresses Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Musical Novelties - Café music from Vienna, enjoyed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Imagination and Strength - Celebrating the Mendelssohn anniversary at Mannes College, reported by Anna L Franco
Ensemble. Lively and Spirited - A performance by Haydn Trio Eisenstadt, heard by Rebecca Schmid
CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Intelligent - Schumann and Beethoven songs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... he is undoubtedly more comfortable in his baritone register.'
Ensemble. A Cogent Argument - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Johnson and the BBC Philharmonic
Ensemble. Life-enhancing - Mike Wheeler listens to the Atrium Quartet
Ensemble. A Nice Blend - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Brisk Ebullience - Lawrence Budmen sends a second report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival
CD Spotlight. Impeccable Technique - Beethoven's middle string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The outer movements induce some grinding of teeth.'
Arts and the Colour of Politics - Béla Hartmann muses on growing social equality and democratization
CD Spotlight. Utterly Absorbing - A sampler from Cedille Records, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... top quality standards.'
Ensemble. Powerful Stuff - Howard Smith was at the last Vector Wellington Orchestra programme engineered by Christine Pearce
CD Spotlight. Perfection of Ensemble - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no excuse for the near-supersonic velocity ...'
Thank You Mama - Bill Newman talks to pianist Igor Tchetuev
Ensemble. Tonal Luxuriance - Lawrence Budmen reports from Tanglewood 2009
Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton
CD Spotlight. Formidable Pianism - Beethoven arranged by Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Especially Successful - Gillian Wills reports from the Australian Fesival of Chamber Music
Ensemble. Unity of Conception - Malcolm Troup was at the BPSE Summer Festival in London
Balancing Act - Beethoven in E flat, with Julian Jacobson and friends
Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall
CD Spotlight. Towering Achievement - Beethoven's late string quartets impress Robert Anderson. '... full marks to these players ...'
A Liquid Lunch - A recital by Evelyne Berezovsky, heard by Julian Jacobson
CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'
Thoughtfulness of Approach - A recital by Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. A Sparkling Account - The Kanazawa-Admony Piano Duo pays tribute to Carola Grindea, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. An Immensely Successful Event - Thomas Bielinski reports from the West Cork Chamber Music Festival 2009
CD Spotlight. Evident Sympathy - Major piano works by Schubert, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Lipkin understands well how to respect the silences ...'
A Natural Aristocrat - 'Cardus - Celebrant of Beauty' by Robin Daniels, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Excellent Throughout - A lunchtime piano recital by Maiko Mori, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Exceptional Gifts - Lawrence Budmen reports from the 2009 Miami International Piano Festival
DVD Spotlight. Beyond Beauty - A film about Sergiu Celibidache, seen by Ioana Osoianu. 'There are no compromises.'
Ensemble. Refreshing Contrasts - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition
Caressing Hands - Andrejs Osokins at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Julian Jacobson
Life and Other Distractions - Béla Hartmann writes about the relevance of biography to an appreciation of the arts
Ensemble. Lightness and Transparency - New World Symphony, the American orchestral academy, ends its season with an all-Tchaikovsky programme, reported by Lawrence Budmen
Music for Musicians Only? - The public turns a deaf ear to improvised music. As for classical music, Jan Dahlstedt claims that having abandoned improvisation, classical music entered a sidetrack from which it has never escaped, thus badly stifling creative progress. If he is guilty of heresy or may have a point, read on and judge for yourself.
Ensemble. A Heavenly Blend - Joshua Habermann conducts the Master Chorale of South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Consistently Refined - Debussy transcriptions, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these alternatives are never less than striking ...'
CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Duo - Performances by the Elaris Duo, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... all the passion, drama and integrity one could want.'
Ensemble. A Superb Team - Haydn, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Tremendous Conviction - Mahler's Symphony No 2 in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Energy and Imagination - Beethoven from Louis Lortie, Kurt Masur and the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. Wonderfully Auspicious - Haydn from the Florestan Trio, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Fire in its Belly - Lothar Zagrosek conducts the Konzerthausorchester, Berlin, heard by Mike Wheeler
The Piano Spoke - A recital by Dora de Marinis, reviewed by Gustav Schiller
Ensemble. A Worthy Feast - Christopher White and Melanie Reinhard at London's Foundling Museum, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
Talented Youth - Malcolm Miller was at the 2009 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition
Easy Grace - Martyna Jatkauskaite plays Mozart and Schumann, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Intrinsic Virtue - A concert and Handel exhibition at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Rousing Performance - Mendelssohn, Ravel, Larsen and Tchaikovsky in South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. A Theoretician's Knowledge - Andrew Violette's Sonata for unaccompanied violin, reviewed by Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. A Broader Canvas - Chamber music by Sibelius, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... fresh and unfamiliar music, put across with such conviction ...'
Ensemble. Complexity of Thought - Eugene Feygelson and Malcolm Troup play Beethoven and Bloch, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Potential and Achievement - The sixteenth Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, experienced by Julian Jacobson
Ensemble. A Masterly Account - Donizetti's 'Parisina d'Este', heard by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Expressive Warmth - Ruth Palmer plays the Barber Violin Concerto, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
A Welcome Return - Tessa Uys at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Tonal Understanding - The Belcea Quartet plays Schubert and Beethoven, enjoyed by Bill Newman
Seeds of Genius - Alberto Portugheis plays Beethoven at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Rare Talent - Young Concert Artists Trust recitals, reviewed by Bill Newman
Finely Executed - A Beethoven recital by James Lisney, reviewed by Thomas Bielinski
Committed and Tough - Malcolm Troup plays Bloch's Piano Sonata, appreciated by Julian Jacobson
Ensemble. Podium Celebrity - Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Fascinating Rarities - Taneyev string trios, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... a performance of real commitment and assurance ...'
Ensemble. Nicely Judged - Beethoven, Stravinsky and Weber from The Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Brilliant Idea - A Bernard Stevens celebration at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens
CD Spotlight. Melodic Impact - Music by Spohr, Rolla and Kalliwoda, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... seasoned insights and faultless empathy.'
Ensemble. Drama and Bite - A concert by the Op 3 piano trio, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Epic and Masterful - Beethoven performances at Tanglewood, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. A Special Pleasure - The Greenwich Trio, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Inner Detail - Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Velvety Tones - Farewell American performances by the Beaux Arts Trio and an Amernet String Quartet recital, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. A Bright Future - Malcolm Miller was at the final night of the 2008 BBC Proms in London
Punchy and Informative - John Bell Young's survey of the Beethoven symphonies, read by Gerald Fenech
Ensemble. Snap and Crackle - The Artemis Quartet plays music by Beethoven, Stravinsky and Schubert, reported by Bill Newman
A Perfect Joy - Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven and Schumann, and impresses Bill Newman
Ensemble. Restrained Passion - Valeriy Sokolov and Eric Ferrand-N'Kaoua play Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Enescu and Prokofiev, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Sovereign Purity - Bach, Mozart and Beethoven from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, reported by Howard Smith
Thought and Understanding - Wanda Jeziorska finds food for thought in Mishka Momen's latest recital
Urgency and Drama - Dora de Marinis plays Beethoven at the Regent Hall Summer Festival, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Credentials - Music for viola and piano by York Bowen, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... above praise.'
Ensemble. Highly Charged - A recital by Daniel Kuzmin and Alberto Portugheis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Force of Nature - The Matsumoto/Jacobson Duo and The Art of Falconry, by Malcolm Troup
Ensemble. Radiant Lyricism - Victoria Grigorieva and Ekaterina Lebedeva play Beethoven and Ravel, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. An Enjoyable Programme - Chamber music at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman
A Natural Approach - Alex Kobrin plays Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. A Testing Programme - Bill Newman listens to Mayuko Katsumura and Gordon Back
Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Dangers Transcended - A concert by Trio Albonata, enjoyed by Gordon Rumson
Ensemble. Delectably Played - A concert by the Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Undermining the Theme? - Malcolm Miller is disappointed by a Barenboim Beethoven recital in London
Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations
Opposing Strengths - Beethoven and his music, by Margaret Willson
Record Box. For All Tastes - Christmas music from Germany, appreciated by Patric Standford
Julian Jacobson - No longer one of British music's best-kept secrets! As reported by Malcolm Troup
A Pianistic Firecracker - A lunchtime recital by Tali Morgulis, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup
Warmth and Vigour - Mike Wheeler listens to a recital by the Adelfi Duo
Ensemble. Beethoven in Budapest - The MÁV Symphony Orchestra with Zoltán Kocsis, reviewed by Karen Haid
Searing Intensity - Gillian Wills talks to conductor Sebastian Lang-Lessing in the context of the recent Mendelssohn Festival in Hobart, Tasmania
Ensemble. A Divine Evening - The London Bridge Ensemble plays Brahms, Beethoven and Schumann, enjoyed by Tau Wey
CD Spotlight. A Neat Idea - Edmund Battersby plays Beethoven on piano and fortepiano, reviewed by Mike Wheeler. '... it's fascinating to hear the two side-by-side ...'
Ensemble. Eloquent Performance - A concert by Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Drama and Sonority - The Rosamunde Trio plays Dvorák, Fribbins and Beethoven, reviewed by Bill Newman
Beethoven's Supremacy - The 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Julian Jacobson
Ensemble. Silvery Tone - A recital by Serena Leader and Gordon Back, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Unstoppable Momentum - Masterpieces from the Austro-Germanic symphonic repertoire played by Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Splendidly Sonorous - Sharona Joshua plays a copy of an early piano, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. An Impressive Partnership - A recital by Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Beethoven's Ninth Solstice - A poem by Debra A Hoffmann
A Radiant Performance - Ashley Wass in Derby, assessed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Special Performance - Beethoven and Brahms from Pittsburgh, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Quietly Compelling - The Coull Quartet plays Haydn, Shostakovich and Beethoven, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Safe Passage? - Mozart's 'Così fan tutte', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a disappointing monument ...'
Drive and Energy - Andreas Boyde's recent Derby recital, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Tanglewood and Beyond - The sounds of summer in the Berkshires, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Intelligent and Cogent - Julian Jacobson attended the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Celebrity Festival
Old-time virtuosity stages a comeback - Daniel Grimwood at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Malcolm Troup
Ensemble. Flair and Fidelity - A concert by the Aroha String Quartet, enjoyed by Howard Smith
Ensemble. Sunshine and Stars - The Australian Festival of Chamber Music 2006 continues, and Malcolm Tattersall sends a second report
Ensemble. Powerful Forces - Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms from the Navarra Quartet and Simon Lane, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Haitink's Beethoven - Malcolm Miller was at the second of three April concerts at London's Barbican Hall
Ensemble. One Generation 4 Another - Malcolm Miller was at the Lord's Taverner's charity pop concert at London's Royal Albert Hall
The Lion and the Lamb - A Tau Wey piano recital, appreciated by Malcolm Troup
Profile. Tête-à-Tête - Bill Newman talks to British pianist Mark Bebbington
CD Spotlight. Creative Tensions - A double CD from the Fry Street Quartet, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... excellent by any standards ...'
Ensemble. An outstanding recital - The Denali Piano Trio, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Dynamic playing - Roberto Abbado strikes fire with the New World Symphony, and Lawrence Budmen was there
Ensemble. Debussy to savour - Malcolm Miller admires Valerie Tryon in recital
Ask Alice - On Beethoven bowings, hero worship and the pressures of academic study, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Maturity and insight - Julian Bliss and Sinfonia Viva in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. High expectations - A concert by The Quince Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Punchy dynamism - Sinfonia ViVA at Derby's Guildhall, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Incandescent conviction - Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven in Littleover, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Passion and yearning - Sujeeva Hapugalle gives a piano recital at London's Leighton House, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. A musical treasure - Polina Osetinskaya displays fiery command in Beethoven and Liszt, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Liszt on Wagner's Steinway - Malcolm Miller applauds a young artist in the Festspiel-Soirée Series at the Wahnfried in Bayreuth
Ensemble. Delicate confidence - Kelly Ferjutz was at the Cleveland International Piano Competition
Ensemble. Darkness to light - Malcolm Tattersall is at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music
Remembrance of things passed and failed - Jenna Orkin of wtceo.org remembers her days teaching at Juilliard
Ensemble. Different approaches - Comparing two piano trios on the same day, with Bill Newman
Ensemble. Much to applaud - Malcolm Miller reports on an impressive array of talent at the BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2005
CD Spotlight. Schnabel and Richter - Piano music by Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... as varied as the works themselves.'
Ensemble. Winds of change - Malcolm Miller applauds a new work by Richard Dubugnon premièred by the Haffner Wind Ensemble and Min-Jung Kym
Ensemble. Refreshing clarity - Paul Goodwin and the Academy of Ancient Music play Beethoven, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Piano sonority - Lydia Scadding wins the 2004 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reported by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Rebel to rebel - Beethoven, Berg and others in Cleveland and New York, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Remarkable diversity - The Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Manus Carey
Ensemble. Magisterial Beethoven - A recital by young Russian pianist Denis Burstein, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Dazzling technique - Julia Fischer plays Sibelius, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Engaging and colourful - Bernard Roberts plays music by Stephen Dodgson, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. A musical treasure - Aaron Rosand plays Beethoven, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
Fascinating suggestions - 'The Beethoven Violin Sonatas: History, Criticism, Performance' from the University of Illinois Press, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Thirty-two sonatas a day - Malcolm Miller attends Julian Jacobson's Beethoven marathon
Ensemble. A musical joy - London's Regent Hall Piano Festival, reviewed by Manus Carey
Ensemble. Admirably involving - Tau Wey at the 2004 Regent Hall Summer Festival, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Passion for Bach - Dominic Miller's 'Shapes', reviewed by Tess Crebbin. '... he is a genius.'
Ensemble. Time to mature - Pianist Stewart Goodyear plays an uneven program, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Pianistic excellence - John Lill and Prokofiev's Eighth Sonata at sixty, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. High calibre - The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Masterclass with the Gwyneth George Prize, reviewed by Manus Carey
Ensemble. Gypsy fire - Lawrence Budmen is impressed by Ukrainian violinist Vadim Gluzman
CD Spotlight. Beethoven unbuttoned? - Volume two of the Metier 'Beethoven Explored' series, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... nice rhythmic sense and technical assurance.'
CD Spotlight. Stature and vision - Beethoven sonatas for cello and piano, appreciated by John Bell Young. '... an energetic undercurrent that sets fire to virtually every phrase.'
Ensemble. Old world charm - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Philharmonia Quartett Berlin playing Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven
CD Spotlight. Editor's choice? - Schumann string quartets, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'I could wish indeed that the music had puzzled them more.'
Record box. Glittering figuration - Basil Ramsey listens to concertos by Czerny and Ries, played by Felicja Blumental
Ensemble. Stylistically convincing - Malcolm Miller listens to Trio Lignum
Total commitment - Lawrence Budmen appreciates the playing of Richard Goode
CD Spotlight. Musical impression - Beethoven and the Habsburgs, explored by Robert Anderson. '... infectious zest ...'
Iberian discovery - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Nancy Lee Harper recital of unfamiliar music
Ensemble. On the lake - Toronto's summer musical fare, including music by Wagner, Weill and Alex Eddington, sampled by Malcolm Miller
Caught unawares - Howard Smith listens to Serbian pianist Sonja Radojkovic in New Zealand
Ensemble. Meeting the challenge - Keith Bramich listens to early Beethoven from the Miller Piano Quartet
Ensemble. Creative reinterpretation - The 'Missa Solemnis' in facsimile and performance. Malcolm Miller attended a conference and concert at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign
CD Spotlight. Mephistopheles in attendence - The playing of Marina Milic-Apostolovic, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Spotlight in Miami - Gifted artists at the International Piano Festival, by Lawrence Budmen
Celestial music - Gordon Rumson explores sacred and secular in the writing of Wilfrid Mellers
East and West - Malcolm Miller applauds Natasa Sarcevic's performance of music by Paul Ben-Haim
Ensemble. Matched to perfection - Rex Harley closes his eyes and enjoys the Gould Piano Trio
Kvapil in concert - Malcolm Miller attends a fascinating masterclass and recital
Japanese Fantasy - Malcolm Miller admires the virtuosity of Hiromi Okada and the Sonata by Akio Yashiro
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - no composers, thank you!
Ensemble. Latin American blend - Malcolm Miller applauds Alberto Portugheis in recital
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - meanings
Ensemble. Shostakovich and Beethoven Trios - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Stockholm Arts Trio's UK début
Ensemble. Purpose and insight - Malcolm Miller enjoys two outstanding débuts by German and Italian artists
Ensemble. Devotion and heroism - Ted and Emi Norrish enjoy a musical weekend in Munich
Ensemble. Warmth and communicability - Bernard Roberts' Romantic pianism launches the Glenilla concert season. Malcolm Miller listens
Ensemble. Of head and heart - David Thompson samples three symphonies from two international orchestras at the BBC Proms
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - completions
Record box. Musical insight - Patric Standford appreciates Beecham's 1937 recording of Beethoven's 'Missa Solemnis'
Beethoven's Tenth - An occasional addendum to last year's 'Captivating Moments', with Jim Stokes
CD Spotlight. An aviator of the piano - A unique recording of Russian pianist Samuel Feinberg, reviewed by John Bell Young
Ensemble - Jubilant 'Choral' Symphony for the Jubilee. Malcolm Miller at the penultimate London Soloists Chamber Orchestra 'Totally Beethoven' concert
Brilliant Beethoven - Malcolm Miller attends the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Celebrity Concert, given by Bernard Roberts
Ensemble - Totally Beethoven. Malcolm Miller attends a recent concert by the London Soloists Chamber Orchestra at the Purcell Room
Ensemble - In virtuoso manner. Alice Neary and Gretel Dowdeswell at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - teaching composers
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - moments of weakness
Ensemble - Quintessential quintet. Malcolm Miller admires the Etesian Ensemble's period performance concert with a Beethoven arrangement première
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - the piano
CD Spotlight - Fresh impressions. '... more immediate, more compelling, sometimes more alienating, always more convincing.' Quatuor Turner plays Beethoven String Quartets, considered by Peter Dale
Teenage talent - Malcolm Miller hears Asuka Nakamura at Leighton House, London
Ensemble - Styles of our time - Malcolm Miller at the world première of Stephen Dodgson's Trio No 3
MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - M&V's monthly visit to the world of online music investigates the 'avant-garde'
MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - M&V's monthly visit to the world of online music
Iberian spice - Malcolm Miller attends a recital by Mats Lidström and Alberto Portugheis
Stage presence - Keith Bramich listens to soprano Anya Szreter in London's Regent Hall
CD Spotlight - Idiosyncracies. Anderszewski plays Beethoven, with Shirley Ratcliffe
New twists - Malcolm Miller listens to American pianist John Robilette
Record box - Trawling for treasure. Dennis Brain on BBC Legends
CD Spotlight - Power and virtuosity. '... a powerful (in every sense) take on these endlessly rewarding works ...' Kovacevich plays Beethoven, with David Wilkins
Beethoven première? - Malcolm Miller evaluates the chamber version of Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto, premièred recently in London
Planning your collection - William Primrose -
Planning your collection - Elly Ney, William Primrose and the two Syds
Planning your collection - Jess and Moser -
Planning your collection - Steven Wray and Sam Haywood, with Bill Newman
Planning your collection - John Bingham -
Record box - Blowing to good purpose - Brass in consort, with Basil Ramsey
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