A selection of M&V 'Germany' articles
CD Spotlight. Shining Through - The classical inheritance of Schubert's Symphonies impresses Andrew Schartmann. '... a fascinating perspective ...'
Ensemble. Vibrant and Wild - Wagner's 'Flying Dutchman' enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Mature or Immature? - Roderic Dunnett asks some questions about 'Die Feen', a Wagner rarity performed recently by Chelsea Opera Group
CD Spotlight. Intimate Style - Schubert's String Quintet in C pleases Stephen Francis Vasta. '... unusually sensitive, freshly considered ...'
CD Spotlight. Cogently Structured - Orchestral music by Joachim Raff, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... very well portrayed by Järvi ... and the Suisse Romande Orchestra ...'
Ensemble. Fatal Obsession - Wagner's 'Flying Dutchman' at Los Angeles Opera, experienced by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Seductive Intensity - Richard Wagner's 'Parsifal' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera impresses Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Striking Effect - Stephen Sondhein's 'Sweeney Todd', heard by Howard Smith. 'A "killer diller" on all counts.'
Ensemble. Anything Goes - A shocking 'Die Walküre', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler listens to Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen
Ensemble. Much Awaited - Bayreuth's 'Das Rheingold' previewed in Rome, as experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Communicative Aplomb - Joseph Rackers' debut recording, heard by Howard Smith. '"Eureka" moments ... are conspicuous by their absence.'
CD Spotlight. Much Playfulness - Beethoven cello sonatas and variations, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Fournier and Gulda give Handel a rousing send-off ...'
Ensemble. Very Emotional - Concerts in Rome for Peace, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'
Ensemble. Bounce and Swagger - Musica Donum Dei's 'Handel and Other Visitors to London', heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Top Notch - Magdalena Kozená's Carmen, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... sheer and utter brilliance in every department.'
CD Spotlight. Powerful Drama - Puccini's 'Suor Angelica', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Nelsons and the WDR Symphony Orchestra of Cologne have done their best for Puccini ...'
DVD Spotlight. Innovative Colours - J S Bach's Christmas Oratorio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... musically reliable ...'
Ensemble. Fairy-tale Magic - Mike Wheeler listens to the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra
DVD Spotlight. Diverse Moods - Carl Orff's 'Gisei', explored by Gerald Fenech. 'An exciting discovery ...'
DVD Spotlight. Balm to the Soul - Anton Bruckner's Symphony No 7, savoured by Robert Anderson. 'Celibidache is in no hurry ...'
CD Spotlight. Gloriously Provocative - Bernstein's Mass, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the scandal and much of the fun is in the "tropes".'
CD Spotlight. A Lyrical Outpouring - Vocal music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Anne Schwanewilms manages a thoughtful and gentle radiance throughout.'
Ensemble. Innovative Dramaturgy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the annual Munich Opera Festival
Nicely Paced - Martyn Rawles at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Lyrical Eloquence - Brahms piano trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... an unusual and most welcome expressive range from the strings ...'
Playing Devil's Advocate - Bill Newman tells the story of his visit to London's St John's Smith Square to hear Idil Biret play Beethoven
CD Spotlight. Strikingly Consistent - Elena Kuschnerova plays Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... sparkling vivacity and palpable ardour.'
Ensemble. Marxist Opera - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Berlin for the opening night of a revival of 'The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny'
CD Spotlight. A Triumphant Achievement - Diabelli variations by Beethoven and others, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... deft conjuring tricks ...'
Ensemble. Musical Credibility - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's production of Verdi's 'Attila'
CD Spotlight. Gripping Intensity - Simon Rattle's new Bruckner 9, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... polished and vigorous performances ...'
Ensemble. Important Debuts - 'Der Rosenkavalier' at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a festival with a rich programme but a dire financial situation, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Tremendous Production - Strauss's 'woman' on the analyst's couch, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Contemporary Allegory - Paul Ben-Haim's oratorio 'Joram', heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Brilliantly Incisive - Bach's St Mark Passion in a new English translation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Natural Affinity - Klaggerud, Petrenko and the Philharmonia, heard by Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Spoils of Victory - Handel's 'Germanico', heard by Robert Anderson. '... always exhilarating though less often idiomatic.'
CD Spotlight. Interpretatively Distinctive - Recent music for viola and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... keen, committed musicianship.'
CD Spotlight. Airy Pleasantries - Telemann cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... delicious music-making from the whole team ...'
Ensemble. Nuanced Tone - Wagner's Götterdämmerung in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, seen and heard in Arizona by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Sublime Music-making - Kurt Masur conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Pretty Good - A Neapolitan 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Great Evening - Beethoven and Dallapiccola from Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Great Character - German Baroque from the Hanoverian Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... another treasure trove of wonderful music ...'
CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Imprint - J S Bach keyboard concertos, heard by Howard Smith. '... stunning aeration ...'
Ask Alice - A visit to Covent Garden for 'Die Meistersinger', with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Quite Superb - Julian Jacobson plays Beethoven, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Believable Characters - Handel's 'Rodelinda' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed from the HD transmission by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Poetic Insight - A recital by Erdem Misirlioglu, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. A Date with the Devil - Gounod's 'Faust' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Sheer Conviction - Handel's 'Agrippina', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Handel's music survives gloriously, with singers and orchestra at top voltage.'
Ensemble. Wagnerian Glory - 'Siegfried' from New York in HD, appreciated by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Impetuous and Ruminative - Music for cello and piano by Schumann, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... imaginative gestures of great power and significance.'
Ensemble. Time is a Strange Thing - Teatro Real, Paris Opéra and La Scala join forces for the centenary of 'Der Rosenkavalier', reported by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Memorable Evening - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the Richard Strauss masterpiece co-produced by Rome's Teatro dell'Opera and the Salzburg Festival
CD Spotlight. Opulent Sonorities - Brahms violin sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Zina Schiff has the range of tone colour and subtlety of vibrato to put the music convincingly across.'
Ensemble. Faith and the Devil - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Janácek and Strauss at the Salzburg Summer Festival
CD Spotlight. A No-nonsense Approach - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... not quite the whole story.'
Ensemble. An Invaluable Experience - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in New York, appreciated by Gregory Moomjy
Finest Attributes - Wigmore Hall recitals by Danny Driver, and by Jack Liebeck and Katya Apekisheva, admired by Bill Newman
A Stunning Voice - A recital by Vuyani Mlinde impresses Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Consummate Mastery - Beethoven Piano Concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... worth a king's ransom.'
Ensemble. An Important Milestone - Robert Hugill was at Grange Park Opera's 'Tristan and Isolde'
Ensemble. A Complete Delight - Wagner's 'Die Walküre' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed in HD from Arizona by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Truly Beautiful - Gounod's 'Faust' at San Diego Opera delights Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Positively Spellbinding - Music for clarinet, piano and cello, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a fine recording ...'
Ensemble. Golden Sounds - 'Der Rosenkavalier' in San Diego impresses Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Meant to Last - J S Bach cello suites, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... brilliance and beauty ...'
CD Spotlight. Somewhat Lacklustre - Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... a tumultuous, dynamic conclusion.'
Sex and Absolute Power - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare in Egitto', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Simple and Effective - A new production of Verdi's 'Nabucco' celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's Unification, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Perfection Itself - Michail Lifits at London's Wigmore Hall delights Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Distinct Insights - Dejan Lazic plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a crisp, vernal, excellently deliniated performance ...'
Ensemble. An Impressive Achievement - Berlioz's 'The Trojans' at Berlin's Deutsche Oper, assessed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Great Sensitivity - The Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Instinctive Artistry - Jill Crossland plays Mozart and Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a distinctive, beautifully considered performance.'
Ensemble. For King, Country and Sex - Marco Tutino's 'Senso', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Deeply Satisfying - Elena Kuschnerova plays J S Bach, selected by Howard Smith. '... decisive and fresh as a dewfall.'
Ensemble. Unmistakably French - 'Les Nuits d'Eté', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi from Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Ensemble. Unmistakably American - William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Memorable Programme - Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Excellent Performance - Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Movies, seen and heard by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Quite Breathtaking - David Korevaar plays Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, admired by Howard Smith. '... lots to admire ...'
CD Spotlight. Many Levels - Chamber music by Mozart and Smetana, heard by Howard Smith. '... judged to perfection ...'
Ensemble. Eros versus Thanatos - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Paris, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Brave Assurance - Elmar Oliveira plays J S Bach, heard by Robert Anderson. '... full and vibrant ...'
DVD Spotlight. Ho hum! - Vidor Nagy plays Bach and Paganini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... moments of splendour.'
CD Spotlight. Still Misunderstood - Blomstedt conducts Brucker 4, heard by George Balcombe. '... playing magic ...'
CD Spotlight. Well Worth Exploration - Orchestral music by Lodewijk Mortelmans, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The performances ... are a delight ...'
CD Spotlight. Striking Musicianship - Elena Kuschnerova plays Prokofiev, heard by Howard Smith. '... sparkling, lyrical and appropriately balletic ...'
Ensemble. What does this symphony mean? - Shostakovich's 'Leningrad', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Better Late than Never - The BPSE Late Summer Festival, attended by Malcolm Troup
Ensemble. Highly Dramatic - The Wihan Quartet at Kings Place, heard by Bill Newman
Flying Colours - A piano recital by Theresia Renelt, appreciated by Mary Isaac
Ensemble. Growing Up - Hans Werner Henze's 'Pollicino' thrills children and adults in Florence, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Gripping Intensity - Verdi's 'Macbeth' at New Zealand Opera impresses Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. Haste or Speed - J S Bach gamba sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitive and very musical.'
Ensemble. No Intermission - Maria Nockin experiences Metropolitan Opera's HD transmission of 'Das Rheingold'
Ensemble. Bravura Performance - A piano recital by Anthony Hughes, heard by Mary Isaac
CD Spotlight. Almost a Transformation - David Rubinstein plays Busoni, heard by K C Devereaux. '... Rubenstein's hand is steady on the tiller.'
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Melodious - Richard Strauss operatic scenes, heard by Maria Nockin. '... an iridescent wave of vocal color.'
CD Spotlight. Lightness of Touch - Brahms and Strauss, heard by Patric Standford. '... a very fine performance by Joshua Pierce ...'
CD Spotlight. Powerful and Concise - Blomstedt conducts Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a composer of infinite promise ...'
CD Spotlight. Clearly Etched - Violin concerti by Vieuxtemps, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... crisp ensemble and warm, full tone ...'
CD Spotlight. Ready to Oblige - Music by Beethoven?, reviewed favourably by Robert Anderson. '... the pleasure of unfamiliar music and fine performances.'
Ensemble. Convincing and Engrossing - Robert Hugill visits the Gut Immling Festival for a performance of Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman'
Ensemble. Orchestral Firepower - Lawrence Budmen sends his final report from the 2010 Tanglewood Festival
CD Spotlight. Beautifully Managed - Music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... reflective and purposeful ...'
Ensemble. Painfully Accurate - For Sciarrino, a modern mad scene: non-Kafka lovers, attend at your own risk, by Gregory Moomjy
CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Piano music by Moscheles, Mendelssohn and Schumann, heard by Robert Anderson. '...Todd Crow deserves unstinted gratitude.'
CD Spotlight. Finely Judged - Brahms and Schumann piano quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'This is music-making both sensitive and relaxed.'
Ensemble. Pure Joy - Giuseppe Pennisi finds 'Madama Butterfly' at the Puccini Festival a pleasure for the ears and the eyes
Ensemble. Real Poise - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Indulging in Forbidden Consecutives - Mastersingers at the BBC Proms, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. 'Alceste' in the Madhouse - Giuseppe Pennisi files his last report from the 2010 Aix-en-Provence Festival
Ensemble. Young Purity - A Covent Garden 'Salome' revival, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Opera in the Arena - Rebecca Schmid listens to Renée Fleming and the Berlin Philharmonic
Ensemble. Contemporary Resonance - Grange Park Opera's 'Capriccio', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Flight of Eloquence - Blomstedt conducts Bruckner, heard by Robert Anderson. '... opulence and splendour ...'
Stimulating Fare - Eugene Alcalay plays Bartók, Dutilleux and Beethoven, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Thoughtfully Appealing - Judith Lambden plays J S Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... a great deal to admire ...'
CD Spotlight. Full of Clarity - Baroque music in Poland, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... very fine interpretations ...'
Ensemble. High Expectations - Barenboim's 'Das Rheingold' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. A Symbol of Gratitude? - Mozart Symphonies 39 and 40, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vitality and alertness ...'
CD Spotlight. Thrilling Mastery - Tanja Becker-Bender plays Paganini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... sparkling clarity and power ...'
Ensemble. Difficult to Forget - Richard Strauss' 'Die Frau ohne Schatten', enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Atmosphere is Everything - Weber's 'Der Freischütz', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Delightful Contributions - Nicholas Kok conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Masterly Performance - Massenet's 'Werther' on the psychotherapist's couch, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Maximum Interest - A double bill from Los Angeles Opera impresses Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Seething with Evil - Franz Schreker's 'Die Gezeichneten', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Seldom Performed - 'Lulu' lands at La Scala, by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Huge Fun - J S Bach and a single popping cork, heard by Howard Smith. '... riven with eccentricities ...'
CD Spotlight. Lyrical Powers - Orchestral music by Louis Spohr, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Howard Shelley and the Swiss orchestra clearly relish this unusual assignment.'
CD Spotlight. Utmost Clarity - William Appling plays Joplin and Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently four square, honest, unpretentious ...'
Ensemble. An Erotic 'Tannhäuser' in Bollywood - Giuseppe Pennisi has mixed feelings about La Scala's new Wagnerian production
Ensemble. Highly-Charged - Joyce Yang, Edo de Waart and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, reviewed by Rebecca Schmid
CD Spotlight. Joyously Guiltfree - Haydn's 'Creation', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Haydn is on top form throughout ...'
Ninety Stars are Born - Giuseppe Pennisi tours Austria with a young Italian symphony orchestra
Ensemble. A Fine Performance - Verdi's 'Nabucco' from San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Chicago Baroque - Trio Settecento's A German Bouquet, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... very fine performances of some rarely heard but attractive music ...'
Ensemble. Sheer Tension - The first performance of the unabridged 'Elektra' enthralls the audience, related by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. A Flowing Delivery - Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... vital technical flair ...'
Ensemble. A Double Farewell - Henze and Mahler in Rome, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Sterling Playing - Wendy Warner's interpretations of Popper and Piatigorsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... sovereign music-making deserving of the highest accolades.'
CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'
CD Spotlight. Robust and Spirited - James Tibbles plays J S Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... worthy of widespread international recognition.'
CD Spotlight. An Exceptional Recording - Mozart's 'Idomeneo', treasured by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced and crafted ...'
DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'
Ensemble. Style and Drama - Gluck's 'Alceste', heard by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Mice in the Manger - A selection of Christmas music, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing collection.'
CD Spotlight. Highly Challenging - Music for unaccompanied violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching performance ...'
CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Intelligent - Schumann and Beethoven songs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... he is undoubtedly more comfortable in his baritone register.'
CD Spotlight. Splendidly Performed - Baroque music for cello, recommended by Howard Smith. 'An exemplary CD ...'
CD Spotlight. The Gamba Problem - Music by J S Bach, heard by George Balcombe. '... a number of oddities ...'
DVD Spotlight. Intensity and Concentration - Kurt Masur conducts Richard Strauss, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz. '... beautifully and confidently performed ...'
CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Portrayed - Friedrich Klose's 'Ilsebill', praised by Gerald Fenech. '... a risky yet rewarding adventure ...'
Ensemble. Authority and Charisma - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Maria Nockin
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. Exquisitely Nuanced - Steve Davislim sings Vierne and Chausson, recommended by Howard Smith. 'I cannot think of higher praise.'
CD Spotlight. Utterly Absorbing - A sampler from Cedille Records, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... top quality standards.'
CD Spotlight. Perfection of Ensemble - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no excuse for the near-supersonic velocity ...'
CD Spotlight. Sacrificing the 'unmodern' - Music by Julius Röntgen and Per Nørgård, heard by George Balcombe. 'How could any audience resist ... ?'
Thank You Mama - Bill Newman talks to pianist Igor Tchetuev
DVD Spotlight. Extreme Individuality - A film about Delius, seen by Paul Sarcich. '... a commendable breadth.'
CD Spotlight. Exceptional Assurance - J S Bach organ sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... an immensely satisfying conclusion.'
CD Spotlight. Very Powerful - Orchestral music by Vytautas Bacevicius, reviewed by Gordon Rumson. 'He had much to say and said it very well.'
CD Spotlight. Diversely Experienced - Music for bassoon, harpsichord and double bass, impresses Howard Smith. '... an outright "tour de force".'
CD Spotlight. A Purposeful Vigour - Symphonies by Albéric Magnard impress Patric Standford. '... a notable symphonic architect.'
Effectively Projected - York Minster's Robert Sharpe plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'
Cumulative Weight - Mike Wheeler listens to Peter Williams at the organ of Derby Cathedral
DVD Spotlight. Beyond Beauty - A film about Sergiu Celibidache, seen by Ioana Osoianu. 'There are no compromises.'
CD Spotlight. Essentially Lyrical - Hindemith viola sonatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a committed and convincing performance throughout.'
Ensemble. Actually Sung - Weill and Brecht's 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. A Real Work-out - Jane Parker-Smith at the organ of St Gudula, Rhede, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Sensuality and Freedom - Stokowski conducts Schubert and Dvorák, heard by Béla Hartmann. '... one is never left in any doubt as to the force of the conductor ...'
Ensemble. A Deft Touch - Mendelssohn and Kurt Weill from Sinfonia Viva, with no complaints from Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'
CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Duo - Performances by the Elaris Duo, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... all the passion, drama and integrity one could want.'
Ensemble. Recovered Voices - Two operas in Los Angeles over the Easter weekend, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Notable Liveliness - 'Jephtha' at the London Handel Festival, heard by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Superb Team - Haydn, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Humanity and Generosity - Malcolm Miller attends a memorial concert for David Sonin
Ensemble. A Delightful Afternoon - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Chameleon Musicians
Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra
Ensemble. Quite a Charmer - 'Alessandro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill
An Unexpected Treasure - Jeanette Hanscome talks to author Helen Martens about her new book 'Felix Mendelssohn: Out of the Depths of His Heart'
Ensemble. Energy and Imagination - Beethoven from Louis Lortie, Kurt Masur and the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. An Involving Performance - Brahms' German Requiem, sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Fire in its Belly - Lothar Zagrosek conducts the Konzerthausorchester, Berlin, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Winning Freshness - Music by Bach, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Mozart and Wagner, played by Sinfonia Viva, and heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Fire and Magic - Richard Stoltzman's 'Phoenix in Flight', recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... meltingly beautiful ...'
Record Box. A Winner - Orchestral music by Debussy, recommended by Gerald Fenech
Ensemble. New and Different - 'Rheingold' from Los Angeles, recommended by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Elegance and Authority - Leila Josefowicz and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Intrinsic Virtue - A concert and Handel exhibition at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. A Rich Sound - Handel's 'Samson', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Rousing Performance - Mendelssohn, Ravel, Larsen and Tchaikovsky in South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'
Ensemble. Fresh Energy - Sinfonia Viva begins its Mendelssohn celebrations, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Potent Alchemy - The launch of a new series of Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. A Passionate Attraction - The Cleveland Orchestra in Miami, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. A Glistening Treasury - Songs with orchestra from Deborah Riedel, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a bounteous seam of unfamiliar, wholly blissful vocal gems ...'
CD Spotlight. Structurally Important - Evgeni Mikhailov's Scriabin sonatas impress Patric Standford. '... commanding performances of powerful works ...'
Ensemble. Infectious Enthusiasm - Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, heard by Robert Hugill
DVD Spotlight. Insightful Performances - 'Die Walküre' from Provence, experienced by Maria Nockin. 'The cast is excellent.'
Record Box. Dazzling Works - Contemporary music from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, recommended by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Imaginatively Programmed - Handel arias from the Classical Opera Company, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'
Record Box. Admirable Musicianship - Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone play Chopin and entertain Robert Anderson
Record Box. Almost Supersonic - Vivaldi recorder concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
CD Spotlight. Amazing Confidence - Concertos by Handel, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... the playing here is some of the most incisive that I have heard ...'
Record Box. Unique Timbres - A recording by The Brahms Trio Prague, reviewed by George Balcombe
Ensemble. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music
Ensemble. Powerfully Sonorous - Fauré, Bliss, Brahms and Weber played by the Frith Piano Quartet, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Jubilant Energy - The Derby Bach Choir begins its 50th anniversary celebrations, reported by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Imperious Assurance - String Quartets by Brahms never cease to surprise Robert Anderson
Ensemble. A Thrilling Performance - Wagner, Mozart and Schubert from Julian Bliss, Andreas Reiner and the Munich KlangVerwaltung, impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Expressive Warmth - Ruth Palmer plays the Barber Violin Concerto, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Seeds of Genius - Alberto Portugheis plays Beethoven at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Record Box. Richness of Colour - Stokowski conducts Wagner, Enescu, Debussy and Stravinsky, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Finely Executed - A Beethoven recital by James Lisney, reviewed by Thomas Bielinski
Ensemble. Inspired Vision - Mendelssohn's 'Elijah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Rare Provenance - Kristallnacht remembered, by Howard Smith
Record Box. Orchestral Skill - Music by Julius Röntgen, recommended by Gerald Fenech
Ensemble. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens
Ensemble. An Exhilarating Performance - Tim Lowe plays Haydn, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Very Convincing - Handel's 'Partenope', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Old and New Worlds - Ioana Osoianu talks to Keith Bramich about her life in the East and West
CD Spotlight. Melodic Impact - Music by Spohr, Rolla and Kalliwoda, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... seasoned insights and faultless empathy.'
Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'
CD Spotlight. Stylistic Eloquence - Italian arias and madrigals, recommended by Maria Nockin. '... performed with accuracy and grace.'
CD Spotlight. Eminently Agreeable - Piano music by Ahmet Adnan Saygun, recommended by Howard Smith. '... unfailing rhythmic clarity and beautifully controlled dynamics ...'
Evocative Canvases - A recital by Miriam Brickman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
A Labour of Love - John Suchet's 'The Treasures of Beethoven', read by Howard Smith
Punchy and Informative - John Bell Young's survey of the Beethoven symphonies, read by Gerald Fenech
Beauty and Inspiration - Jennifer Paull pays tribute to Matthew Peaceman (1956-2008)
Ensemble. Sovereign Purity - Bach, Mozart and Beethoven from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, reported by Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. Consummate Mastery - Zeynep Ucbasaran plays Mozart, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... an art of crystalline clarity.'
Ensemble. A Wonderful Experience - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe for operas by Verdi, Mozart, Britten and Handel, plus the first American performance of Kaija Saariaho's 'Adriana Mater'
Thought and Understanding - Wanda Jeziorska finds food for thought in Mishka Momen's latest recital
Ensemble. Indelible Magic - Hansel and Gretel in New Zealand, experienced by Howard Smith
Urgency and Drama - Dora de Marinis plays Beethoven at the Regent Hall Summer Festival, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
Dynamic Extremes - Mike Wheeler enjoys Timothy Noon's recital of Bach, Bohm, Dubois, Messiaen and Widor
Ensemble. Force of Nature - The Matsumoto/Jacobson Duo and The Art of Falconry, by Malcolm Troup
Record Box. Doubled Concertos - Malcolm Tattersall listens to Bach
Ensemble. Pace and Wit - Albert Lortzing's 'Der Wildschütz', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Propulsive Energy - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
A Very Expressive Voice - Tess Crebbin talks to the tenor Zoran Todorovich
Ensemble. A World-class Voice - Tess Crebbin experiences Verdi's 'Rigoletto' at the Immling Summer Music Festival
CD Spotlight. A Special Pleasure - Masaaki Suzuki directs J S Bach cantatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'If the Japanese tempo is faster than mine, so be it ...'
Ensemble. Beauty of Line - Andreas Scholl in London, heard by Robert Hugill
Hope Breaking Through - Alban Gerhardt plays Bach at Munich's 'Long Night of Music', and has a late night chat with Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier'
Ensemble. Stylish and Enjoyable - 'Bluebeard' at Grange Park Opera, experienced by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. An Exhilarating Freshness - Recordings of the Beethoven symphonies attract Patric Standford. '... an outstanding overall impression.'
CD Spotlight. An Orchestral Conception - Bach church cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... robust and sensitive as required ...'
Record Box. A Triumph - Matthias Goerne sings Schubert, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Power and Delicacy - Beate Toyka plays Grieg's piano concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Telling Power - Malcolm Miller attends the final concert in a series devoted to music by banned composers
Good-hearted Buoyancy - Dvorák and Brahms from Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Singing Style - Violinist Jack Liebeck makes a short-notice appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Worth Discovering - 'Atalanta' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Triumph - Bach's St John Passion from Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. An Excellent Team - Bach's St Matthew Passion from Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A New Fascism - 'Elektra' at Hungarian State Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. Joyful and Celebratory - Schumann and Strauss from Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Delectably Played - A concert by the Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Of Purest Heart - An unusual double bill at LA Opera impresses Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Radiant Loveliness - 'Tristan and Isolde' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations
Medieval Legends - Richard Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Opposing Strengths - Beethoven and his music, by Margaret Willson
Record Box. Song of Bergen - Music by Georg von Bertouch and from the Mestmacher Manuscript, enjoyed by Patric Standford
Record Box. For All Tastes - Christmas music from Germany, appreciated by Patric Standford
Editor's Inbox - Another selection of readers' letters
Record Box. Slow and Indulgent - Marin Alsop conducts Brahms, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A Majestic Reading - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Sibelius, Bach and Smetana from Pietari Inkinen and the CBSO
Ensemble. Beautifully Realised - Music for flute, viola and harp from The Wakeford Ensemble, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. On Fine Form - Jeremy Hagan and the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Warmth and Vigour - Mike Wheeler listens to a recital by the Adelfi Duo
'Bach the European' - Malcolm Miller attends András Schiff's 2007 RAM Bach Prize Lecture-Recital
CD Spotlight. Positively Inspirational - Jennifer Koh plays Schumann, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... superbly accomplished performances ...'
CD Spotlight. Formidable Technique - Elena Kuschnerova plays Stravinsky, recommended by Howard Smith. '... unrivalled.'
CD Spotlight. Hope and Faith - J S Bach's Leipzig Chorales, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... the performances are exquisite.'
Ensemble. Fresh and Intense - Gluck's 'Iphigénie en Tauride', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Blockbuster Weekend - Beethoven's 'Fidelio' and Verdi's 'Requiem' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Important to Dream - Unusual performances of 'The Tales of Hoffmann', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Full Circle - The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra opens Musikfest Berlin, reviewed by Ciaran McAuley
Ensemble. Precisely Timed - Mester and Slawitschek impress Tess Crebbin at the Thann Festival
Ensemble. Perfect All Round - Tess Crebbin visits the Opera Festival at Gut Immling in Bavaria for Verdi's 'Un Ballo in Maschera'
Ensemble. A Must-See - 'Tosca' at the Bregenz Festival, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. 'Daphne' in the Desert - Karen Haid was in Santa Fe for the Richard Strauss one-act opera
Ensemble. Two Worlds Bridged - The first performance of Heiner Goebbels' 'Songs of Wars I have Seen', reviewed by Malcolm Miller
The End of an Adventure - Kelly Ferjutz marks the end of an era in American classical music radio
CD Spotlight. Quite Magical - Staatskapelle Berlin plays Mahler's Ninth [listen], recommended by Patric Standford. 'Barenboim and Mahler are fine partners.'
Ensemble. Pure Magic - 'Der Rosenkavalier' by Richard Strauss, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Stunning Performance - Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Anne-Marie McDermott in New York, enjoyed by Anna L Franco
Ensemble. A Divine Evening - The London Bridge Ensemble plays Brahms, Beethoven and Schumann, enjoyed by Tau Wey
Record Box. Beautiful Tone - J S Bach for guitar [listen], reviewed by Anna L Franco
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 ...'
CD Spotlight. A Heady Mix - Havergal Brian's Symphonies 4 and 12, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... Adrian Leaper marshals his enormous forces well ...'
Ensemble. Worldly Forces - Alban Berg's 'Wozzeck' at San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
The Wandering Traveller - Kelly Ferjutz delves further into Richard Wagner and the forthcoming symposium in Ohio
DVD Spotlight. Bloodthirsty Tyranny - A historical production of Beethoven's 'Fidelio', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Beethoven is free to tell an unvarnished tale ...'
DVD Spotlight. Happy Signposts - 'Die Frau ohne Schatten' from the Bavarian State Opera, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'It is evident that Sawallisch loves the work.'
Ensemble. Always a Thrill - Los Angeles Opera's production of Wagner's 'Tannhäuser', reviewed by Maria Nockin
DVD Spotlight. Weird Love Tales - Offenbach's 'The Tales of Hoffmann' [listen], reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a cast, orchestra, conductor and stage team fully up to tackling a very demanding project.'
Beethoven's Supremacy - The 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Julian Jacobson
Why Canton? - On the creation of an international Wagner symposium, by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. A Sonorous Feast - Music-making by Cédric Tiberghien, Jirí Belohlávek and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Distant Sound - LA Opera's 'Recovered Voices', reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Lustrous Sounds - Kurt Weill's 'The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny', reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Dramatic Story-telling - A performance of J S Bach's 'St John Passion', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Taut Conviction - Wagner's 'Lohengrin', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a delight to watch.'
Ensemble. New Meanings? - An evening of subtle brutality, by Karen Haid
Ensemble. Musical Paradise - The Artemis Quartet shines at Urbana's Krannert Center, reviewed by Sonja Stojanovic
Ensemble. A Light-hearted Approach - Handel's 'Agrippina' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Energy and Drama - Handel's 'Messiah' from The Sitwell Singers, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Pros and Cons - Music by Max Bruch, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... unruffled, reasonably considered, technically secure ...'
Ensemble. A Yiddish Winterreise - Malcolm Miller reviews a concert to commemorate Holocaust Day
Ensemble. Fiery Performance - The Hallé Orchestra plays Elgar and Wagner, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Leaves of Regeneration - Wagner's 'Tannhäuser', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a subtlety no other house can match.'
Ensemble. Clarity and Honesty - Malcolm Troup's recital at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Julian Jacobson
Ensemble. Especially Dramatic - Premières by Sheriff and McCabe, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Record Box. Clear Vividness - The 1751 version of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Perceptive Musicianship - Oboe concertos played by Andrea Gullickson [listen], enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... highly recommended ...'
DVD Spotlight. Global Society - Richard Strauss's 'Der Rosenkavalier' [listen], reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The Viennese chorus and orchestra know this opera inside out ...'
CD Spotlight. Vocal Artistry - Vivica Genaux sings Handel and Hasse [listen], enjoyed by Maria Nockin. '... a wonderful trip back in time ...'
CD Spotlight. Focus on Loneliness - Music by Lera Auerbach and Shostakovich [listen], reviewed by Howard Smith. '... unfailing virtuosity.'
Ensemble. An Absorbing Day - Julian Jacobson reports on the fourteenth BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate (Senior) Piano Competition
Ensemble. Truly Moving - Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Squeals of Delight - LA Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Zip and Sparkle? - The Munich Symphony Orchestra on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
A Radiant Performance - Ashley Wass in Derby, assessed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Resplendent Impact - Derby Bach Choir makes its contribution to the Mozart anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Transcendental Universality - Celebrating London's multi-ethnic pianism in the elect hands of Ivan Kiwuwa, Mishka Momen and Wu Qian, by Malcolm Troup
Record Box. Delightful Clarity - Mahler's Symphony No 7 played by Staatskapelle Berlin, recommended by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Quietly Compelling - The Coull Quartet plays Haydn, Shostakovich and Beethoven, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Mature Technique - Alina Pogostkina with Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Light and Sprightly - Handel's 'Theodora', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Sandals and Yoghurt? - Bach at the Berlin Philharmonie, reviewed by Ciarán McAuley
CD Spotlight. Spontaneity and Immediacy - Martino Tirimo celebrates Mozart's 250th Anniversary, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... outstanding performances.' [listen]
Drive and Energy - Andreas Boyde's recent Derby recital, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Clara's Karma? - 150 years' postponement in publication of Clara Schumann's piano sonata, investigated by Jennifer Paull. '... Karen Kushner brings welcomed light ...'
Ensemble. Dramatic Punch - Richard Strauss's 'Salomé', reviewed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Pungent Sonorities - Arthur Honegger's 'Le Roi David', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Also Sprach Richard Strauss - 'An Alpine Symphony', enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... beguiling music.'
Ensemble. Intelligent and Cogent - Julian Jacobson attended the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Celebrity Festival
Record Box. Enterprising Recordings - Music for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Patric Standford
Amazing and Dynamic - An organ recital by Martin Baker, reviewed by Tony Westerman
The Bayreuth Experience - Souvenirs of a festival in transition, by Malcolm Miller
DVD Spotlight. Simple Attractions - Berg's 'Wozzeck', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... quite convincing enough ...'
Record box. Grandeur and Impulsiveness - Joshua Pierce's recording of Brahms' second piano concerto, reviewed by Alice McVeigh
DVD Spotlight. Quicksilver Music - Rossini's 'L'occasione fa il ladro', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... a performance of bubbling vitality ...'
Ensemble. Piano meets Sitar - Malcolm Miller at a CD launch of Peter Feuchtwanger's exotic piano music
DVD Spotlight. Cruelty Scorned - Die Entführung aus dem Serail, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a final curtain meriting maximum applause.'
DVD Spotlight. Real Water, Real Music - Handel's Water Music: Recreating a Royal Spectacular, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... as authentic as we'll see and hear without a time machine.'
Ensemble. Gripping Stuff - Handel's 'Ariodante' at English National Opera, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Simple but Effective - 'Tolomeo' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. World Class Chamber Music - Malcolm Troup on the recent BPSE chamber music masterclass and competition in London
Ensemble. Magnificent Wagner - Lorin Maazel's orchestral transcription of 'The Ring', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Praiseworthy Style - Maria Nockin was at San Diego Opera for Handel's 'Julius Caesar in Egypt'
Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Kurt Weill's 'Arms and the Cow', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Haitink's Beethoven - Malcolm Miller was at the second of three April concerts at London's Barbican Hall
Ensemble. Close to Perfection - Arizona Opera's 'The Flying Dutchman', enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Inspiring and Memorable - Handel's oratorio 'Solomon', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Profile. The Hungarian Nightingale - A meeting with Gisela Doráti, better known as 'Gizi', by Bill Newman
Record box. Impressive Refinement - Handel Italian cantatas performed by Arcadia, and reviewed by Patric Standford
Baton Magician? - David Stahl in conversation with Tess Crebbin about Bernstein, Mahler and German-language opera
CD Spotlight. Eclectic Influences - Music by Peter Blauvelt, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'There is some real passion in the sonata ...'
Ensemble. Fascinating Fusions - Ladino music from Jewish Music Central marks the UK launch of the book 'The Sephardic Songbook', reviewed by Malcolm Miller
What makes a conductor? - 'Conductors in Conversation' by Jeannine Wagar, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
The Lion and the Lamb - A Tau Wey piano recital, appreciated by Malcolm Troup
Fire and Energy - Matthew Coorey and the RLPO in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. An acquired taste - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau in Munich, by Tess Crebbin and Sissy von Kotzebue
Ensemble. pppp or ppppp? - Valentyn Silvestrov at the Pinothek der Moderne, Munich, reviewed by Sissy von Kotzebue
CD Spotlight. Creative Tensions - A double CD from the Fry Street Quartet, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... excellent by any standards ...'
Record box. An appealing programme - Mahler, Schumann and Britten, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Divided loyalties - Massenet's 'Werther', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much is ravishingly beautiful ...'
Ensemble. Emotional claustrophobia - A concert performance of Strauss's 'Salomé', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. An outstanding recital - The Denali Piano Trio, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Cuts and Dissolves - Music by Turnage, Rihm and Benjamin, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a well-planned listening experience ...'
Ensemble. The devil is in the details - Schumann's 'Scenes from Faust' in Cleveland, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz
DVD Spotlight. Radiant and subtle - Strauss's 'Capriccio', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Renée Fleming ... (sang) like an angel throughout ...'
Ensemble. Buoyant and crisp - 'Messiah' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Beethoven winners - Malcolm Miller reports on two European competitions
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
Ensemble. Hushed intensity - Elgar, Brahms and Strauss in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Grandeur and intimacy - A performance of Handel's 'Solomon', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Mysterious nirvana - Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the climaxes are prepared with meticulous cunning.'
Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson
Editor's Inbox - Another selection of readers' letters, including a review of the Berlin version of Nicholas Maw's opera 'Sophie's Choice'
Ensemble. A creditable performance - Richard Strauss's 'Salome' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Spirit of friendship - Malcolm Miller admires Schubert and Mendelssohn at the London début of the newly formed piano trio 'Opus 3'
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. Vivid energy - Gerald Barry's new opera 'Petra von Kant', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Drama in the music - Robert Hugill muses on the staging of Handel's oratorios
Record box. A generous recital - Vadim Gluzman plays Schnittke, Pärt, Vasks and Kancheli, recommended by Howard Smith
Ensemble. Liszt on Wagner's Steinway - Malcolm Miller applauds a young artist in the Festspiel-Soirée Series at the Wahnfried in Bayreuth
CD Spotlight. Breathtaking brevity - Music by Sweelinck and his pupils, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... a brilliant performance ...'
DVD Spotlight. History and myth - Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a crowning glory from Bertrand de Billy and his superb team ...'
DVD Spotlight. Stunning lighting - Highlighs from Barenboim's 'Ring', concluding a series of reviews by Robert Hugill. 'The balance ... favours Evans more, which is a good thing.'
CD Spotlight. A tremendous conclusion - 'Twilight of the Gods' from Bayreuth, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... well worth waiting for.'
CD Spotlight. Sheer beauty - Barenboim's 'Siegfried', in the continuing set of reviews by Robert Hugill. '... a highly listenable, dramatic experience.'
CD Spotlight. Moments of crisis? - 'Die Walküre' from Bayreuth, the second review in a series by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Truly believable - Barenboim conducts Wagner's 'Das Rheingold' from Bayreuth, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a beautiful, well-shaped, flowing performance.'
Ensemble. Infused with magic - Rex Harley is entranced by 'Hansel and Gretel' at Longborough Festival Opera
Ensemble. A papal music tour - Tess Crebbin tours Bavaria with the local tourist office, and witnesses a performance of Tosca
Record box. Crystal clear heights - Andreas Scholl sings folksongs, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Record box. Exceptional skill - Music by Richard Strauss, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Standing ovations - Rolando Villazón performs in Munich, appreciated by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Tragic scenes - Handel's 'Flavio' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill
DVD Spotlight. Dramatic skill - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... when it is sung as beautifully as here, one is humbly grateful.'
Ensemble. Truly magnificent - Handel's 'Jephtha' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill.
DVD Spotlight. Utmost art - Die Walküre, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... live performances that rightly earn due applause act by act ...'
Alban Berg's 'younger brother' - Henri Dutilleux receives the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize, by Tess Crebbin
Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - The Terminology of Respect, by Jennifer Paull
Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - Reaching Upwards: 1888, by Jennifer Paull
Many happy returns - Tess Crebbin pays tribute to German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, eighty today
DVD Spotlight. Skill and sensitivity - Wagner's 'Parsifal' from Baden-Baden, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'The singing is generally superb, with the Gurnemanz of Matti Salminen quite outstanding.'
Canine choreography - An Austrian music professor goes to the dogs, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Handel's first night thoughts - Robert Hugill was at the Cambridge Handel Opera Group's 'Tamerlano'
Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - The Wind of Change: 1788, by Jennifer Paull
One year on - Lars Vogt talks to Tess Crebbin about his late friend and partner, the cellist Boris Pergamenschikow
DVD Spotlight. A dazzling 'tour de force' - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Graham Pushee sings with utmost bravura, fire and clarity ...'
CD Spotlight. Incontrovertible logic - Gillian Weir plays Bach at St Thomas's, Leipzig, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... skilfully explored ...'
Going the extra mile with an Egyptian deity - CeBIT, the world's largest computer fair, from a classical music viewpoint, by Tess Crebbin
Am I too loud? - Robert Hugill muses on Wagnerian sopranos and changing performance tradition
CD Spotlight. Schnabel and Richter - Piano music by Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... as varied as the works themselves.'
Ensemble. Vital performance - 'Die Walküre', appreciated by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Emotional drama - Tristan und Isolde, appreciated by Maria Nockin. '... you feel you are sitting in the tenth row center ...'
Irreplaceable to music - Tess Crebbin describes the memorial service in Munich for conductor Marcello Viotti
CD Spotlight. Integrity and musicianship - Haskell Small plays Bach and Small, appreciated by Roderic Dunnett
DVD Spotlight. Sinister power - 'Das Rheingold', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous experience ...'
Ensemble. A perfect marriage of music and theology - Pippa Hare was at the Tudeley Festival's performance of Bach's B minor Mass
Love of music and family - On the death of Marcello Viotti, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Refreshing clarity - Paul Goodwin and the Academy of Ancient Music play Beethoven, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Creditable performances - Vocal music by Wolfgang Rihm, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... purity, clarity and commendable accuracy.'
CD Spotlight. Love and learning - Schubert and Schumann song cycles, reviewed by Robert Anderson, who also pays tribute to the late Eric Sams
CD Spotlight. Entertaining tricks - Cello and violin CDs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... silken, silvery tone ...'
Nabucco, Silesia style - by Tess Crebbin
Record box. Lightness of interpretation - Harnoncourt conducts Haydn, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Uniting Europe - A Europamusicale Foundation fundraiser concert given by Andreas Scholl, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Magisterial Beethoven - A recital by young Russian pianist Denis Burstein, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Festive mood - Carols for brass, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz. '... simply superb.'
Ensemble. Mozart and lederhosen - A Bavarian Magic Flute, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Dazzling technique - Julia Fischer plays Sibelius, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Ding, dong! The Witch is Dead - Humperdinck's opera 'Hansel and Gretel' in Cleveland, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Profile. Cello and sushi - Meeting Danjulo Ishizaka for a bite, by Tess Crebbin
Record box. An impressive display - John O'Donnell plays Bach on the Ahrend organ in Monash University, Australia, reviewed by Basil Ramsey
Ensemble. Dangerous celli at large - An evening with the Cello Mafia, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. A worthy winner - The Donatella Flick Conducting Competition 2004, reviewed by David Wilkins
DVD Spotlight. Hothouse passions - Karajan's 'Il Trovatore', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... wonderfully and indeed relentlessly captured ...'
CD Spotlight. A unique achievement - EMI's golden years of the gramophone, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... total fascination ...'
Ensemble. An original statement - Claudio Bohorquez plays Dvorák, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
Fascinating suggestions - 'The Beethoven Violin Sonatas: History, Criticism, Performance' from the University of Illinois Press, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. The Pergamenschikow legacy - Scenes and music from the First International Boris Pergamenschikow Scholarship Award Ceremony, described by Tess Crebbin
Profile. It's in your blood - Tess Crebbin talks to Mexican tenor Rolando Villazon
Ensemble. Glistening quality - Christian Tetzlaff plays Brahms, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Triumph and smiles - Tess Crebbin was at the Echo Classics Awards in Munich
Record box. Buy or despair - The Rastrelli cello quartet, reviewed by Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Thirty-two sonatas a day - Malcolm Miller attends Julian Jacobson's Beethoven marathon
Ensemble. Wonderfully stylish - Offenbach in Paris, appreciated by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Winners and masters - The two Pergamenschikow Julians in concert, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
The basic essence - Tess Crebbin talks to Sven Helbig, Torsten Rasch and Gert Hof about the story behind the 2004 Echo Classical Award for best world première recording
Ensemble. Compelling performances - Elgar's Cello Concerto enlivens an ambitious Festival Miami concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Fundamental spirit - The Pergamenschikow-Gililov recordings 1990-1994, appreciated by Tess Crebbin. '... fresh and invigorating ...'
CD Spotlight. Musical journey - The Pergamenschikow-Gililov recordings 1984-1989, reviewed by Tess Crebbin. '... peak performances ...'
Ensemble. Deeply affecting - Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Cardiff, reviewed by Rex Harley
CD Spotlight. Soul-cleansing - Pergamenschikow plays the Bach solo cello suites, appreciated by Tess Crebbin. '... he goes beyond what is written ...'
CD Spotlight. Less is more - Tigran Mansurian's 'Monodia', appreciated by Rex Harley. 'The performance is exemplary.'
Record box. Exhilarating performances - A historic organ recital by Virgil Fox, reviewed by Patric Standford
Record box. Expanding repertoire - A Daniel Rubinoff saxophone recital, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A musical joy - London's Regent Hall Piano Festival, reviewed by Manus Carey
Ensemble. Coming home - The Pablo Casals Cello Competition, reported by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Fifth gear - Frans Helmerson and Pavel Gililov play at the Kronberg Academy in Germany, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
CD Spotlight. Always stimulating - Symphonic music by Villa-Lobos, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... skill and commitment ...'
CD Spotlight. German baroque - Sonatas by Johann Friedrich Fasch, appreciated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... an extremely talented and well-balanced ensemble ...'
European tour - A preview, of sorts, of the Cleveland Orchestra's four-city, three festival visit, by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Thistledown delicacy - Music for clarinet by Brahms, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'These CD performances are wholly admirable ...'
Cello addiction - Tess Crebbin previews the Kronberg Academy's Second International Pablo Casals Cello Competition
Ensemble. The big birdcage - Of pigeons and other strange birds at the 2004 Munich Opera Festival, by Sissy von Kotzebue
Ensemble. Richly sumptuous - The Czech Moravian Virtuosi Orchestra sparkles in novelties from Europe, by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Beauty and tragedy - Dennis Russell Davies at the Oberstdorf Music Festival, reported by Tess Crebbin
Symphonies and letters - Tess Crebbin reports on a new release by 'The Archangel', plus other BMG projects
Ensemble. Mesmerising - Further thoughts on Longborough's 'Ring' and Sir Donald McIntyre as Wotan, from Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. A real triumph - McIntyre sings Wotan at Longborough Festival Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett
Profile. Diving into the music - An encounter with accompanist Wolfram Rieger, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Beyond perfection - Mahler's Resurrection Symphony: Levine's farewell concert in Munich, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. An evening full of Hampsongs - by Sissy von Kotzebue
CD Spotlight. Impassioned performance - Slåttebrekk plays Schumann, reviewed by John Bell Young. '... huge-hearted, compelling and structurally intelligible ...'
Ensemble. Changing the world - Lang Lang displays musical excellence at the Rheingau Music Festival, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Record box. Movingly beautiful - Robert Dean Smith sings Wagner, reviewed by Tess Crebbin
Profile. Singing out - An encounter with celebrated Heldentenor Robert Dean Smith, by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Day of judgment - A little known work by Telemann, appreciated by Rex Harley
Ensemble. Particular virtues - Richard Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Pas de posthorn - John Neumeier's choreography of Mahler's Third Symphony, reviewed by Sissy von Kotzebue
Triumphs and failures - The first week of the Munich Opera Festival 2004, reviewed by Tess Crebbin and Sissy Kotzebue
Profile. A broad career - In the first of a two-part series spotlighting countertenors, Tess Crebbin talks to Flavio Oliver
Ensemble. Dance, Bernstein! - Neumeier choreographs Leonard Bernstein (and everybody wears Armani), by Sissy von Kotzebue and Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Musically stunning - Richard Strauss's 'Arabella' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Eternal optimism - Kelly Ferjutz reviews the Anne Frank double bill at Cleveland Opera
Anne Frank's birthday - Kelly Ferjutz previews a Cleveland Opera double bill which honours the event
Ensemble. An opera of extremes - Stuttgart Opera's 'Simplicius Simplicissimus' by Karl Amadeus Hartmann, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett
Timeless and eternal - John Neumeier expresses his admiration for Leonard Bernstein with 'Bernstein Dances', reported by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Early music in focus - Musica Florea and Zelenka's baroque opera 'Sub olea pacis et palma virtutis', by Tess Crebbin and Sissy von Kotzebue
Life and death - Tess Crebbin writes about 'Shadowtime', Brian Ferneyhough's first opera
Europamusicale Poland - Tess Crebbin talks to Penderecki and co
Record box. Efficient and sensitive - A Philip Amalong piano recital, reviewed by Patric Standford
Profile. Ben Heppner - A candid conversation with the Canadian tenor, by Tess Crebbin and Sissy von Kotzebue
Ensemble. Pianistic excellence - John Lill and Prokofiev's Eighth Sonata at sixty, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Laden with tension - Strauss's 'Elektra' in Cleveland last night, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz
Moments of happiness - Alfred Brendel wins the International Ernst von Siemens Music Award 2004, reported by Tess Crebbin
Ensemble. Emotional sound - Tess Crebbin and Sissy von Kotzebue review a Ben Heppner recital in Munich
Ensemble. High calibre - The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Masterclass with the Gwyneth George Prize, reviewed by Manus Carey
CD Spotlight. On top form - The Italian Girl in Algiers, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Its enchantments are as fresh as ever ...'
CD Spotlight. Enchanting simplicity - John Lill plays Schumann, and Robert Anderson listens. '... manifold subtleties of touch ...'
Special significance - Tess Crebbin reports on the start of the Europamusicale in Germany
Ensemble. Gypsy fire - Lawrence Budmen is impressed by Ukrainian violinist Vadim Gluzman
Singing Dvorák - Harald Stamm, one of Germany's foremost operatic basses, and a renowned Dvorák Stabat Mater soloist, talks to Tess Crebbin
Shopping for opera ... - Tess Crebbin investigates the largest classical CD store in continental Europe
Ensemble. Richness and warmth - The Netherlands Bach Society at Florida's Tropical Baroque Festival, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Treading new ground - Renowned American baritone Thomas Hampson shows a new side in Munich. Tess Crebbin investigates
John Neumeier - Recent weeks have seen extensive features in the German media. Tess Crebbin introduces the American choreographer
CD Spotlight. Unusual combination - 'Dance of the Blessed Spirits' for saxophone and organ, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a lovely technique ...'
CD Spotlight. Beethoven unbuttoned? - Volume two of the Metier 'Beethoven Explored' series, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... nice rhythmic sense and technical assurance.'
CD Spotlight. Vital inspiration - Music by Heinrich Schütz, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... expressively at one with the music.'
Ensemble. Gripping theatre - Robert Hugill experiences Zurich Opera's 'Radamisto'
Ensemble. Bravo Chameleon! - Scintillating sounds at the Third Annual Women Composers Concert, by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. To be savoured - Aubrey Brain plays Bach, Brahms, Glazunov and Mozart, appreciated by David Thompson. '... music making of the highest calibre ...'
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. Bracing Schoenberg - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Artemis Quartet
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.'
CD Spotlight. Unassuming virtuosity - András Schiff plays Bach's 'Goldberg Variations', enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... impressive and enviable effortlessness ...'
CD Spotlight. Often intriguing - New music for orchestra, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a hypnotically appealing experience.'
Listening with baroque ears - Robert Hugill investigates the world of collaborative opera
CD Spotlight. Tight development - Benjamin Lees' Symphonies Nos 2, 3 and 5, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'The orchestra responds beautifully ...'
Ensemble. Spiritual journey - Martin Torp's oratorio 'Siehe, ich mache alles neu', appreciated by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. A new group in the making - Bill Newman listens to the Rosamunde Trio
Record box. Glittering figuration - Basil Ramsey listens to concertos by Czerny and Ries, played by Felicja Blumental
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