A selection of M&V 'United Kingdom' articles

Ensemble. Wholly Serious - Handel's 'Tamerlano' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beautifully Turned - Horn trios by Lennox Berkeley, Jeremy Thurlow and Haydn impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Enjoyable Evening - Opera North's 'Ruddigore', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Strong Performances - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Celebrating in Style - Derby Concert Orchestra's sixtieth birthday, with Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sense of Purpose - Beate Toyka and Thomas Solzbacher celebrate Chopin, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - On the benefits of singing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ninety Stars are Born - Giuseppe Pennisi tours Austria with a young Italian symphony orchestra

Ensemble. Beautifully Expressive - The Isolani Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Crisp Performance - 'Belshazzar' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Wilfully Distorted - Petrenko conducts the RLPO, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fine Drama - Chelsea Opera Group's 'La Traviata', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Black Comedy - Prokofiev's 'The Gambler' impresses Robert Hugill

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. High Voltage - Sol Gabetta joins Slatkin and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Splendidly Imaginative - Julian Jacobson and Meng Yang Pan celebrate Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year, enjoyed by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. A Hyperrealistic Setting - Robert Hugill has some reservations about Jonathan Miller's 'L'elisir d'amore'

Ensemble. Crisp and Energetic - Ilya Gringolts, Sinfonia Viva and André de Ridder, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Shattering Conviction - Mike Wheeler listens to Markus Stenz and the Hallé in music by Colin Matthews and Mahler

Ensemble. Something Magical - Andris Nelsons conducts the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. In Full Voice - Britten's 'St Nicolas' at Canterbury Cathedral, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

CD Spotlight. Fifty Years - Celebrating Lyrita's recordings of British music, by George Balcombe. '... a meticulous reproduction of orchestral sound ...'

Ensemble. Sparks Really Flew - Mike Wheeler listens to the Denner Ensemble

Mature and Considered - Stephen Savage plays Beethoven, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ask Alice - On the craziness of worldwide auditions, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

DVD Spotlight. A Rarity - Jonathan Dove's 'The Adventures of Pinocchio', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... considerable merits on display ...'

CD Spotlight. A Forthright Approach - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the Ex Cathedra performance is a triumph.'

DVD Spotlight. Unfailing Energy - Bartók's Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, welcomed by Patric Standford. 'The video reveals Solti's benign authority ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Poise - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich symphonies, recommended by Paul Sarcich. '... care and thoughtfulness ...'

CD Spotlight. Lovely Accounts - Chamber music by Robert Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... the performances suffer from a worrying anemia ...'

Magnificent Scholarship - Robert Hugill reads the new Cambridge Handel Encyclopaedia

CD Spotlight. Miniaturist Skills - Music by Carey Blyton, heard by Patric Standford. '... a delight for both performer and listener.'

Ensemble. Crisp and Stylish - Derby Choral Union performs Handel's 'Messiah', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'

Ensemble. Verve and Flair - Derby Concert Orchestra plays film music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Mike Wheeler listens to the Sitwell Singers

Ensemble. Dancing in the Air - Mary Isaac enjoys a concert of music from Latin America

Charismatic and Inspiring - Lynn Norris talked to the late Roy Budden about his life with music

World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. A Particular Pleasure - Christine Brewer sings Wagner, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Consistently High Standard - Julian Jacobson reports from the 2009 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Ensemble. Tremendous Gusto - The Derby Bach Choir joins the 'Sing Hallelujah' project, reported by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thoughtfully Conceived - James Judd conducts Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. Impressive Singing - Vocal and choral music by Cecilia McDowall, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive, lyrical and sometimes forceful ...'

Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Sinfonia Viva plays Judith Weir, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Discoveries Ahead - Malcolm Miller samples 'The World of Jewish Music' in London

CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Historical English Christmas music, heard by Howard Smith. '... sheer "joie de vivre" ...'

Ensemble. Particularly Effective - Mozart's 'Così fan tutte', heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Warmth and Richness - Massenet's 'Werther', heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Really On Form - A concert by the Derby Bach Choir, heard by Mike Wheeler

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.'

Ensemble. A Sparkling Concert - Sabbath music from the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Quirky Opera - Mike Wheeler experiences Janácek's 'The excursions of Mr Broucek'

Ensemble. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler

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

Ensemble. Too Good to Miss - Robert Hugill was at the first night of Tchaikovsky's 'The Tsarina's Slippers' at Covent Garden

Ensemble. Much Praise - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' from Kentish Opera, reviewed by Pippa Hare

CD Spotlight. A Superb Work - Thomas Arne's 'Artaxerxes', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Roy Goodman and his team give their all ...'

Ensemble. A Bold Piece - Jonathan Dove's 'Swanhunter', reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Boisterous Energy - Vaughan Williams' piano concerto, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Highly recommended ...'

A Model of Clarity - A new score of Elgar's 'Mina', appraised by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight. Highly Challenging - Music for unaccompanied violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching performance ...'

Ensemble. Vivid and Enlivening - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Lyric Warmth - Jennifer Larmore sings Barber, Berlioz, Ravel and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a compelling disc ...'

Ensemble. A Cogent Argument - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Johnson and the BBC Philharmonic

CD Spotlight. Splendidly Performed - Baroque music for cello, recommended by Howard Smith. 'An exemplary CD ...'

CD Spotlight. A Stimulating Recital - Contemporary music for oboe and ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... a wide range of interest.'

Ensemble. Strong Performances - Handel's 'Susanna' from Les Arts Florissants, assessed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Passionate Commitment - Victoria's 'Missa Gaudeaumus', welcomed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous celebration ...'

Ensemble. A Virtue of Necessity - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Alcina'

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. Dark and Serious - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Tolomeo'

CD Spotlight. A Rare Collection - The collected 78rpm recordings of Peter Warlock, heard by Patric Standford. '... some interesting and revealing performances.'

Ensemble. An Enthralling Performance - Robert Hugill reviews Handel's 'Flavio'

Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Glittering Technique - Music by Gershwin for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... commendable drive and clarity.'

Ensemble. Inexorable Momentum - Music by Dvorák, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from Sergio Tiempo, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Buoyancy and Lyricism - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates four composer anniversaries, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Jaw-Dropping Technique - Sharon Bezaly plays Gubaidulina, Beamish and Takano, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a beautiful tone at any volume in any octave ...'

Ensemble. A Classy Show - Pimlico Opera's 'Rigoletto', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Alert Playing - A recital for oboe and harp, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Deeply Felt - Verdi's 'Don Carlo' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Particularly Memorable - Elgar, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from the Hallé Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Nicely Judged - A recital by harpist Anneleen Lenaerts impresses Mike Wheeler

Arts and the Colour of Politics - Béla Hartmann muses on growing social equality and democratization

Ensemble. Perfectly Measured - Bill Newman listens to Aldo Ciccolini

Ensemble. Expertly Structured - Mike Wheeler was at a song recital by Richard Roddis and Philip Robinson

Ensemble. Sterling Performances - Donizetti's 'Linda di Chamounix', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Brilliant Opportunities - A Rossini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Challenging - Music by Philip Wilby, heard by Patric Standford. 'Nothing stands still for long ...'

Ensemble. The Boys - Bill Newman was at Nettle and Markham's thirtieth anniversary recital

Ask Alice - On statistics, surveys and rock groups networking and the guitar, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ardent Charms - Bill Newman reviews two recitals by 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.'

Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton

Ask Alice - On location, social networking and the guitar, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Very Powerful - Orchestral music by Vytautas Bacevicius, reviewed by Gordon Rumson. 'He had much to say and said it very well.'

The Philosophy of Absence - Jennifer Paull investigates four releases of Cage's Number Pieces

Outstanding and unforgettable - Lilya Zilberstein's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Bill Newman

An Invigorating Performance - Paul Hale provides a fitting end to Derby Cathedral's summer organ series, and Mike Wheeler was there

Ensemble. Sing ye to the Lord - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2009 Hereford Three Choirs Festival

Convincingly Handled - Tom Corfield plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ask Alice - On orchestral horn solos and funding cuts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

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

Highly Effective - Peter Gould helps celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Derby Cathedral's Compton Organ, as noted by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall

A Liquid Lunch - A recital by Evelyne Berezovsky, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Compelling Performance - Members of Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Lively Characterisation - An organ recital by Ian Tracey, heard by Mike Wheeler

Marvelously Gifted - Bill Newman listens to pianist Alexander Romanovsky

Ask Alice - On rites of passage, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

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.'

Thoughtfulness of Approach - A recital by Australian pianist Jayson Gillham, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Dexterous Journey - Alessandro Taverna at London's Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

A Real Find - Robert Davies made a remarkable impact when he stood in as Papageno late in the run of English Touring Opera's 'The Magic Flute'; Roderic Dunnett profiles him and celebrates the progress of other ETO cast members

Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Cumulative Weight - Mike Wheeler listens to Peter Williams at the organ of Derby Cathedral

Ask Alice - On classical music in London's Royal Albert Hall, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Making a Real Fuss - Robert Hugill looks forward to English Touring Opera's HandelFest this autumn

Ensemble. A Slow-burn Approach - 'The Lighthouse' by Peter Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Sparkling Account - The Kanazawa-Admony Piano Duo pays tribute to Carola Grindea, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Grippingly-staged - Mike Wheeler is delighted to be surprised by Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia'

Ensemble. Buoyant and Fresh - André Messager's 'Véronique' delights Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Full Rein - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler

Clear Detail - Mike Wheeler listens to organist Matthew Owens at Derby Cathedral

Ensemble. Elemental Music - Malcolm Miller listens to music-theatre works by Harrison Birtwistle

A Useful Survey - Thomas May's 'The John Adams Reader', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Different Sort of Beauty - Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Splendidly Varied - Thomas Trotter at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thought-provoking - Music by Harle and Maxwell Davies, heard by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Thrilling Performance - Verdi's Requiem from Derby Bach Choir, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

A Natural Aristocrat - 'Cardus - Celebrant of Beauty' by Robin Daniels, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Dramatic Essentials - 'Carmen' from Paris, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - 'The Fragile Shell' amazes Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Another Treat - Martinu's 'Mirandolina' at Garsington Opera, by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. A Compelling Portrait - Verdi's 'Don Carlos' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Focused Intensity - Purcell and MacMillan from The Sixteen, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Heady Delight - Shostakovich's operetta 'Moskva, Cheryomushki', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Excellent Throughout - A lunchtime piano recital by Maiko Mori, heard by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Deceptive Naturalness - Red Priest's 'Nightmare in Venice', entertains Howard Smith. '... irrepressible, chic ...'

CD Spotlight. Essentially Lyrical - Hindemith viola sonatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a committed and convincing performance throughout.'

Ensemble. A Poignant Question-mark - Opera North's 'Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sonic Imagination - Mike Wheeler listens to Horses Brawl

Ensemble. Refreshing Surprises - A concert in London by the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

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

Ensemble. Student Life and Love - Puccini's 'La bohème' from Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

Ensemble. Dramatic and Responsive - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' from Chelsea Opera Group, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Notable Success - Grange Park Opera's 'Norma', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - On children, competitions and TV, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Refreshing Contrasts - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition

CD Spotlight. Highly Engaging - Emma Johnson plays Bernstein, Copland and Dankworth, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances ...'

DVD Spotlight. Superlative Music - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the flames are formidable ...'

CD Spotlight. In Calm and Storm - John Hardy's 'Blue Letters from Tanganyika', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... colorful, filmic, and open to pleasurable listening ...'

Ensemble. Refreshingly Different - Mike Wheeler listens to the Prague Symphony Orchestra

A Symbol of Peace - Howard Smith comments on Alberto Portugheis' recent publication

Ensemble. Coherently Brilliant - Robert Hugill was at the opening performance of English National Opera's 'Peter Grimes'

Caressing Hands - Andrejs Osokins at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Intensity of Playing - Robert Hugill was at the start of Endymion's 30th birthday celebrations

Ask Alice - On employment in music, insanity, rottweilers and the European Union, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Record Box. An Inspired Creation - Music by Jonathan Little, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Exciting Results - A new partnership between Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, experienced by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Unique Sonorities - Britten's Peter Grimes, heard by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. A Deft Touch - Mendelssohn and Kurt Weill from Sinfonia Viva, with no complaints from Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sometimes Impressive - Bellini's 'Norma' from English Touring Opera, heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. An Eloquent Performance - Music from the Richard Roddis Singers and the Helix Ensemble, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Declamatory Eloquence - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Shostakovich from the Navarra Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Addition - Chamber music by Brian Ferneyhough, heard by Patric Standford. '... strong and committed performances ...'

CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Voice - Music by Vincent d'Indy, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'The eloquent solo viola of Lawrence Power is crucial ...'

Ensemble. New Colours - Leslie Anne Lewis conducts a new chamber ensemble arrangement of Bloch's Sacred Service, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Perfection - Benjamin Britten folksong arrangements, recommended by Howard Smith. '... this release is worth several times it's weight in gold.'

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. Highly Resourceful - Mike Wheeler listens to a new work by Richard Roddis

Ensemble. Humanity and Generosity - Malcolm Miller attends a memorial concert for David Sonin

Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra

Ensemble. Expert Playing - Music for voices and brass, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Vigorous and Declamatory - Sacha Grynyuk plays for Derby Chamber Music, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sheer Exuberance - Elizabeth Watts and Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Schubert from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Conviction - Mahler's Symphony No 2 in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Quite a Charmer - 'Alessandro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Something Different - Rossini's opera 'Ermione', 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'

Record Box. Wonderfully Auspicious - Haydn from the Florestan Trio, reviewed by Robert Anderson

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

The Piano Spoke - A recital by Dora de Marinis, reviewed by Gustav Schiller

Ensemble. Luxurious Textures - Sacred music from the Phoenix Chorale, heard by Maria Nockin

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

Ensemble. A Complete Success - An evening long retelling of the 'Romeo and Juliet' story, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Crisp and Incisive - English Touring Opera's 'Magic Flute', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Piquant Contrast - Music by Fauré and Poulenc, reviewed 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. Compositional Mastery - Maxwell Davies' Naxos Quartets 9 and 10, applauded by Howard Smith. '... much to admire ...'

CD Spotlight. Sovereign Horn Territory - Music for horn and orchestra, recommended by Howard Smith. '... stunning breath control and consummate understanding ...'

Ensemble. Nicely Thought-out - The early music ensemble Concert Royal celebrates the Purcell anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Haunted Loneliness - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Thought-provoking - John Adams' 'Dr Atomic' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

A Major Pleasure - A new study score of Elgar's 'Empire March', reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Elegance and Authority - Leila Josefowicz and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Wonderful Music - The Cardinall's Musick sings William Byrd, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... the scholarship in the set is impressive ...'

Intrinsic Virtue - A concert and Handel exhibition at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Ineffable - Medieval music by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... profoundly moving.'

Ensemble. Dignity Personified - Apollo's Fire performs 'Dido and Aeneas', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Operatic Passions - Francesco Cilea's 'Adriana Lecouvreur', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Lucidity and Conviction - Karis Stretton plays Messiaen, impressing Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Rich Sound - Handel's 'Samson', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beautifully Handled - Haydn, Dvorák and Lawrie Rose from the Iuventus Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'

Ensemble. A Near-perfect Occasion - Alice McVeigh braves the snow to listen to Fretwork at London's Wigmore Hall

Record Box. Great Beauty - Music by Guillaume Dufay impresses Gerald Fenech

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

Record Box. Fresh and Inspired - Gerald Finzi's 'Dies natalis' rewards Patric Standford

Record Box. Full and Resonant - Violin concertos by Bohuslav Martinu, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Wonderful Sound - Mozart's Requiem at Canterbury Cathedral, praised by Pippa Hare

Record Box. Beautifully Performed - Choral music by Pawel Lukaszewski, recommended by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. A Glistening Treasury - Songs with orchestra from Deborah Riedel, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a bounteous seam of unfamiliar, wholly blissful vocal gems ...'

Ensemble. Infectious Enthusiasm - Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, heard by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. A Healthy Revival - Choral music by Randall Thompson, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... performances and recording are exemplary throughout.'

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

Record Box. Stirring Performances - String chamber music by Imogen Holst, recommended by Gerald Fenech

A Stressful Collaboration - Gerard Schurmann describes his involvement with the music score for 'Lawrence of Arabia'

Record Box. Richly Moving - Jamie Walton plays Shostakovich, recommended by Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'

Pure Fashion? - Several Composers in Search of an Identity, by Béla Hartmann

Record Box. Admirable Musicianship - Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone play Chopin and entertain Robert Anderson

Record Box. Entirely Idiomatic - Vaughan Williams from Japan, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Magical and Sensitive - A recording by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain inspires Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Perfectly Cast - The Sleeping Beauty, recommended by Howard Smith. '... utterly enchanting ...'

Record Box. Unjustly Neglected - Violin concertos by Nikolay Roslavets impress Gerald Fenech

Record Box. Nothing Happens - 'the sound of one', reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall

CD Spotlight. Get Up and Dance - Elizabethan street songs, heard by Maria Nockin. '... plain good listening ...'

Ensemble. Shade and Nuance - Chamber music by Julian Dawes, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Complexity of Thought - Eugene Feygelson and Malcolm Troup play Beethoven and Bloch, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Amazing Confidence - Concertos by Handel, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... the playing here is some of the most incisive that I have heard ...'

Immaculate Blend - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Shining Confidence - Derby Cathedral Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah' invigorates Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Great Agility - The Aquinas Trio plays Haydn, Ravel and Saint-Saëns, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Bold and Inventive - Charles Avison's reworkings of Scarlatti, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Avison's deployment of massed strings is wonderfully effective ...'

Record Box. An Unfolding Cycle - Gergiev conducts Mahler, heard by Patric Standford

Record Box. Unique Timbres - A recording by The Brahms Trio Prague, reviewed by George Balcombe

CD Spotlight. Pride of Place - Piano music by Frank Bridge, praised by Howard Smith. 'A standing ovation for Mark Bebbington ...'

Ensemble. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music

Potential and Achievement - The sixteenth Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, experienced by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Powerfully Sonorous - Fauré, Bliss, Brahms and Weber played by the Frith Piano Quartet, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Masterly Account - Donizetti's 'Parisina d'Este', heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Jubilant Energy - The Derby Bach Choir begins its 50th anniversary celebrations, reported by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Tangos and fantasies, explored by Howard Smith. '... good in parts.'

Record Box. A Rewarding Experience - Music from The Phoenix Chorale impresses Patric Standford

Ensemble. Compact and Imaginative - Judith Bingham's 'Shakespeare Requiem' receives its first performance, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Thrilling Performance - Wagner, Mozart and Schubert from Julian Bliss, Andreas Reiner and the Munich KlangVerwaltung, impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - English Touring Opera's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. In Memory of Hickox - Vaughan Williams' 'Sancta Civitas', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Brilliantly Realised - Bellini's 'I Capuleti e i Montecchi', heard by Mike Wheeler

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

Lovely Performance - A recital by Bálint Székely and Mariko Kondo, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Tonal Understanding - The Belcea Quartet plays Schubert and Beethoven, enjoyed by Bill Newman

Record Box. Rich Variety - Oboe music by Edwin Roxburgh, heard by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Lively Playing - A concert by Zephyr, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Seeds of Genius - Alberto Portugheis plays Beethoven at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Wonderful Weekend - 'Tosca' and 'Mikado' in Arizona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Strength and Toughness - Independent Opera's 'Pelléas et Mélisande' impresses Robert Hugill

Rare Talent - Young Concert Artists Trust recitals, reviewed by Bill Newman

Finely Executed - A Beethoven recital by James Lisney, reviewed by Thomas Bielinski

Ensemble. Inner Calm - Holst and Vaughan Williams from Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Dancing Goblins - Music by Bazzini, heard by Howard Smith. '... Hanslip brings it off with suitable aplomb.'

Committed and Tough - Malcolm Troup plays Bloch's Piano Sonata, appreciated by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. A Fascinating Work - The first performance of Gabriel Jackson's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill

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

Record Box. A Youthful Composer - Orchestral music by William Alwyn, heard by Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Understandably Controversial - Derek Jarman's 'War Requiem', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... cutting room virtuosity.'

Ensemble. A Brilliant Idea - A Bernard Stevens celebration at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Superb Cast - Rossini's 'Mathilde de Shabran' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

DVD Spotlight. Some point? - Tony Britten's 'new version' of Verdi's Falstaff, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Shame on him ...'

DVD Spotlight. Engaging Integrity - Mark Dexter plays Peter Warlock, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... a triumphant success ...'

CD Spotlight. Poetic Lyricism - Tim Hugh and Olga Sitkovetsky at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... breathtaking musicianship captured my attention ...'

Ensemble. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens

Ensemble. Deeply Thoughtful - Byrd, Vaughan Williams, Parry and Elgar from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Second Oscar? - Music by Rachel Portman, reviewed by K C Devereaux. 'Portman's score ably captures the poignancy ...'

Ensemble. An Accomplished Performance - Matthew Moss sings British music, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. High Spirits - Freddy Kempf and the Moscow Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler

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

Ensemble. A Concentrated Distillation - Peter Brook's 'La Tragedie de Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Delicate Balance - Cavalli's 'La Calisto', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Refreshingly Poetic - Eleftheria Kotzia returns to Derby, and Mike Wheeler listens

Ensemble. Drama and Bite - A concert by the Op 3 piano trio, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Tonal Contrast - A recital by Victoria Simonsen and Simon Lane, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'

Record Box. Wit and Energy - Music for piano and orchestra by Benjamin Britten, enjoyed by Robert Anderson

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. Inhibited by Cleverness - 'Cav and Pag' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Beautiful Moments - Mozart wind serenades, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall

Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell

Record Box. Vitality and Wit - Piano music and songs by Robin Milford, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Spellbound Audience - The Sixteen at Stour Music, reviewed by Pippa Hare and Rosie Evelegh

Scrupulously Done - Andrew Barnett's 'Sibelius', read by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Joyous Tintinnabulation - The Play of Daniel intrigues and delights Robert Anderson

Ensemble. A Bright Future - Malcolm Miller was at the final night of the 2008 BBC Proms in London

Evocative Canvases - A recital by Miriam Brickman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Snappily Executed - Jonathan Dove's opera 'Flight' impresses Robert Hugill

Record Box. Many Moods - Orchestral music by Glazunov, recommended by Robert Anderson

Record Box. Joyful Interplay - Corelli from the Purcell Quartet, heard by Alice McVeigh

A Labour of Love - John Suchet's 'The Treasures of Beethoven', read by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Glorious Melody - British Youth Opera's 'La Rondine', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Other Trumpets - Fascinating electro-acoustic collaborations, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... individual works are challenging listening but stunningly achieved.'

CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Chamber music by Roger Smalley, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the performance may be regarded as definitive.'

Youthful Freshness - Gareth Green gives the final organ recital in Derby Cathedral's summer series, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience

Ensemble. Snap and Crackle - The Artemis Quartet plays music by Beethoven, Stravinsky and Schubert, reported by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Simplicity and Eloquence - Quatuor Ebène plays Haydn, Webern and Schubert, reviewed 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. Wonderful Mozart - Bill Newman listens to the Razumovsky Ensemble

Ensemble. Rhythmic Drive - Mike Wheeler listens to The Midas Touch Organ Duo

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

Much Subtlety - Peter Sutton's play 'Elgar and Alice', read by Robert Anderson

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

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

An Interesting Programme - An organ recital by Martin Neary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Force of Nature - The Matsumoto/Jacobson Duo and The Art of Falconry, by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Any Questions? - Bernstein's 'Candide' at English National Opera, enjoyed by David Wilkins

Lucid Messiaen - Cathy Lamb at the organ, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Amorous Inclinations - Early music from England and France, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz

Mightily Impressed - Nikolai Demidenko plays Chopin, enjoyed by Bill Newman

DVD Spotlight. Enchanting - Hérold's 'La fille mal gardée', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... Covent Garden at its best.'

Ensemble. Musical Inventiveness - The Gwilym Simcock Trio, enjoyed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Four Heroes - Mike Wheeler enjoys a multi-player organ recital

Ensemble. Off the Wall - Contemporary opera at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Musical Quintessence - Orchestral music by Leroy Anderson, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... immediately appealing melodies ...'

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

The Speed Merchant - Jonathan Scott plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Fortunes in Love - Mozart's 'Mitridate', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... marvellous singing throughout ...'

Ensemble. Radiant Lyricism - Victoria Grigorieva and Ekaterina Lebedeva play Beethoven and Ravel, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Extraordinary Clarity - Naji Hakim begins the Derby Cathedral summer organ recital series, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Intelligent - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Sustained Intensity - Rex Harley enjoys Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' at Longborough Festival Opera

CD Spotlight. A Thrilling Experience - Kevin Bowyer plays Alkan, reviewed by Alistair Hinton. '... flawless technique and missionary commitment ...'

Ensemble. No Excuses Necessary - Robert Hugill enjoys Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West' at Grange Park Opera

Ensemble. Traditional or Radical? - Dvorák's 'Rusalka' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Bess of Hardwick - Derbyshire celebrates an important sixteenth century figure, by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Attractive Freshness - Celebrations in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beauty of Line - Andreas Scholl in London, heard by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Thematic Economy - Orchestral music by Albert Roussel, heard by Robert Anderson

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. Essential Lyricism - The violin concertos of Ernö von Dohnányi, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a very impressive performance.'

Ensemble. A Thrilling Production - Verdi's 'Macbeth' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sleep and Dreams - Mike Wheeler listens to Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Ensemble. Gallic Elegance - Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Special Magic - Massenet's 'Cendrillon', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

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. Peak Form - Mike Wheeler finds Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra a joy to hear

Record Box. Particular Sensitivity - Chamber music and songs by William Alwyn, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Poetic Touches - The Russian State Symphony Orchestra plays Musorgsky, Prokofiev and Rakhmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Power and Delicacy - Beate Toyka plays Grieg's piano concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Mahler and Mozart in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

An Enviable Technique - Matthew Schellhorn's Wigmore Hall début recital, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Pastoral Pleasures - English music for flute, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... the Tavener alone would justify the purchase ...'

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

Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - John McCabe pays tribute to a friend and colleague

Ensemble. Excellently Contrasted - Mike Wheeler listens to tenor saxophonists Don Weller and Bobby Wellins, backed by a rhythm section and a string quartet from Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. A Singing Style - Violinist Jack Liebeck makes a short-notice appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfactory - English National Opera's new production of 'The Merry Widow', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Lyrical Spaces - A recital by the Tippett Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Chopin in the Boondocks - Stephen De Pledge returns to New Zealand, by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Worth Discovering - 'Atalanta' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Real Large Work - Mike Wheeler listens to Alban Gerhardt, Rory Macdonald and the Hallé Orchestra

Wales loses its patriarch - Roderic Dunnett pays tribute to the Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott, who died in March

Penetrating Musical Insight - Evgenia Rubinova plays Chopin with the Orchestra of Opera North in Huddersfield and Leeds, heard by Patric Standford

Record Box. Glorious Textures - Sacred vocal music by Robert Parsons, reviewed by Patric Standford

DVD Spotlight. Spitfire Coloratura - Die Zauberflöte from Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... this admirable DVD is a double first ...'

Prizewinner's Recital - Malcolm Miller applauds Julian Clef at London's Foundling Museum

Record Box. A Welcome Insight - Orchestral music by Charles Camilleri, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Mirror of Control - Chelsea Opera Group's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Geordie Knees-Up - John Wilson conducts the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

All Purpose Pianist - Brazilian Eduardo Monteiro plays at Wigmore Hall and talks to Bill Newman about his varied musical life

Ensemble. A Fascinating Programme - English vocal and instrumental music from Musica Mundi, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Depth and Sonority - The first concert by Malcolm Goldring and the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Triumph - Bach's St John Passion from Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wonderfully Refreshing - Antoni Wit and the Warsaw Philharmonic on tour impress Mike Wheeler

Timings - Both Sides of the Global Fence - James Gardner, by Jennifer Paull

Ensemble. Highly Promising - Rossini, Schubert and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Great Fun - More from Sinfonia Viva's school and college residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Excellent Team - Bach's St Matthew Passion from Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Great Promise - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2008 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition

An Enviable Reputation - Mike Brewer and The National Youth Choirs celebrate their 25th anniversary, by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' from English Touring Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Wonderfully Inventive - Music and dance on the theme of creation, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Specific Qualities - Michael Hoppé's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a talented melodist ...'

Musically Thrilling - 'Maria Stuarda' at San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Striking Individuality - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity and conviction.'

Remarkable Scope - On Ronald Stevenson's eightieth birthday, Patric Standford reads Colin Scott-Sutherland's 'Ronald Stevenson: The Man and his Music'

Unflagging Energy - Nicola Meecham plays Haydn, Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev and Gershwin, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

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. Nicely Caught - A song recital by Richard Roddis and Clive Pollard, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Absurdly Melodramatic - Mike Wheeler catches up with a touring production of 'La Traviata'

Ensemble. Romantic Love? - 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Believable Mixture - Mike Wheeler enjoys Jonathan Dove's opera 'The Adventures of Pinocchio'

Ensemble. Expressive Power - Mike Wheeler listens to Natalie Clein and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra

Undermining the Theme? - Malcolm Miller is disappointed by a Barenboim Beethoven recital in London

CD Spotlight. Sweeter than Roses - Amorous music by Purcell inspires Howard Smith. '... glorious song with inspirational accompaniments.'

Ensemble. Faultless Unanimity - A concert by the Roberts Quartet, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations

CD Spotlight. A Generous Earful - Peter Dawson favourites from Gregory Yurisch and the Tasmanian Symphony, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... in this repertoire they hardly miss a trick.'

Ensemble. Rebuilt City - Malcolm Miller enjoys the first performance of Judith Weir's choral-orchestral work, 'Concrete'

A Passionate Commitment - Robert Hugill talks to Bach Choir conductor David Hill about Carl Rütti's new Requiem

Ensemble. Thoughtfulness and Insight - Roderic Dunnett was at Armonico Consort's 'The Marriage of Figaro'

CD Spotlight. Impressive Authority - Piano music by Phillip Ramey, reviewed by Anthony Davie. '... totally sympathetic with Ramey's style.'

Record Box. Splendidly Achieved - Music by Robert Hugill, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Story Telling - Robert Hugill was at London's recent Judith Weir weekend

Ensemble. Lavish Entertainment - 'The Adventures of Pinocchio' by Jonathan Dove and Alasdair Middleton, impresses Patric Standford

Ensemble. Sensitively Attuned - Dvorák, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky from the Burlington Piano Trio, by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Bounce and Jollity - Derby Bach Choir's cathedral Christmas presentation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Unexpected Delights - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sitwell Singers

Magnificats and Fantasias - A Christmas programme from Derby Cathedral Choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A World of Wonder - Song cycles by John Joubert, recommended by Alice McVeigh. '... a passionate wildness to the piano writing ...'

Record Box. Distinctive and Attractive - 'Snowcarols' and other Christmas music by William Ferris, admired by Patric Standford

Record Box. Spirited Performance - Festive music by Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Points of Contact - Choral music by Britten and Finzi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Plenty of Atmosphere - A festive concert from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Oriental Spice - 'A Celebration of Israeli Music', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Litmus Tests - Malcolm Miller at the fifteenth BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition

Julian Jacobson - No longer one of British music's best-kept secrets! As reported by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Lively but Disciplined - Robert Hugill reviews a performance of Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda'

Editor's Inbox - Another selection of readers' letters

Record Box. Slow and Indulgent - Marin Alsop conducts Brahms, reviewed by Patric Standford

Irresistible Momentum - Alexander Shelley at Sinfonia Viva's helm, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Poignant Sweetness - Sarah Connolly and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler draws attention to the Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra

Emotional Extremes - Tchaikovsky, Janácek and Schubert from the Iuventus Quartet, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Colour, Energy and Warmth - Mike Wheeler enjoys a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers

Ensemble. Great Delight - Robert Hugill discovers two operas by Elizabeth Maconchy

Ensemble. A Majestic Reading - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Sibelius, Bach and Smetana from Pietari Inkinen and the CBSO

Ensemble. Youthful Talent - Contemporary music from the Guildhall Brass Band, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. New Territory - An unusual version of Puccini's 'Turandot', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Memorable Concert - Chloë Hanslip, Slatkin and the RPO, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Requiem in Blue - Rex Harley was at Harvey Brough's 50th birthday concert

A Pianistic Firecracker - A lunchtime recital by Tali Morgulis, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

A Superb Outing - Bellini's 'La Straniera', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Genuine Appreciation - Robert Hugill at a concert by Londinium City Voices

Ensemble. Impressively Balanced - Robert Hugill experiences Handel's opera 'Teseo'

Ensemble. Occasionally Stunning - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'The Coronation of Poppea'

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

Ensemble. Dramatically Riveting - Maria Nockin at Arizona Opera's 'Lucia di Lammermoor'

Ensemble. Music of Friends - Malcolm Miller attends a concert in London's Great Chamber of the Charterhouse

Warmth and Vigour - Mike Wheeler listens to a recital by the Adelfi Duo

Ensemble. Dispiritingly Unmusical - The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

'Bach the European' - Malcolm Miller attends András Schiff's 2007 RAM Bach Prize Lecture-Recital

Ensemble. Remarkably Paradoxical - Robert Hugill experiences James MacMillan's opera 'The Sacrifice' at Welsh National Opera

Ensemble. Refreshingly Inventive - Julian Bliss, Nicholas Kok and Sinfonia Viva in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Finesse and Subtlety - Orchestral music by Toru Takemitsu, recommended by Mike Wheeler. '... meticulous care for detail ...'

Ensemble. Fresh and Intense - Gluck's 'Iphigénie en Tauride', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Expressive Power - A recital by cellist Tim Hugh impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rapt and Radiant - Sarah Connolly, The Hallé Orchestra and Mark Elder visit Derby, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience

CD Spotlight. Monumental - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' from Birmingham, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a rich performance by both chorus and orchestra ...'

Ensemble. Primal Energy - Barenboim and the Vienna Philharmonic play Bartók, Kodály, Enescu and Ligeti

Ensemble. Vibrant Harmony - Shirley Ratcliffe was at Snape Proms to hear The London Adventist Chorale directed by Ken Burton

Ensemble. Brilliantly Engaging - Jirí Antonín Benda's 'Romeo and Juliet', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Multi-tasking - Peter Gould plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Tony Westerman

In Perfect Balance - Mike Wheeler listens to the last of Derby Cathedral's 2007 summer organ recitals

DVD Spotlight. Haunting Imagery - Tony Palmer tells the story of Shostakovich, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a landmark among 20th century cinema documents.'

An Extraordinary Showcase - Malcolm Troup was at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's annual Summer Festival in London

CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Music by Saint-Saëns, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The LPO is in peak condition ...'

Elgar and Englishness - Alistair Hinton takes issue with Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Record Box. Dissonance-Free - John Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', reviewed by Patric Standford

Grand Scale - Mike Wheeler attends summer organ recitals by Tom Corfield and Johan Hermans

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler makes a final visit to the Buxton Festival for Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro'

Compelling Effect - Malcolm Archer at the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Capturing the Essence - Mike Wheeler returns to the Buxton Festival to hear members of Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. Emotional Degradation - Music Theatre Wales presents Philippe Boesmans' 'Julie', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Conservative or Progressive? - Malcolm Miller attends the historic modern revival of Striggio's sixty-part Mass

Ensemble. Brahms and Jazz - Organist Peter Gould joins forces with The Swingle Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Sheer Delight - Orchestral music by Dvorák, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... vigorous and vital ...'

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Elgar and England

Beautifully Arranged - 'Antal Doráti and the joy of making music' by Richard Chlupaty, reviewed by Anna L Franco

Ensemble. Two Worlds Bridged - The first performance of Heiner Goebbels' 'Songs of Wars I have Seen', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Ravishing Beauty - Malcolm Miller enjoys Jonathan Harvey's 'Wagner Dream' at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam

Ensemble. Simply Wonderful - Mozart's 'Il re pastore' at Garsington, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Uniformly Strong - Tobias and the Angel, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Nimbleness and Warmth - The Armonico Consort at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Temperament and Imagination - Alberto Portugheis enjoys a recital by the Romanian-American pianist Eugene Alcalay

Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - Bellini's 'I Capuletti e I Montecchi', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Richness and Clarity - Ashley Grote opens Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sheer Verve - The Derby Bach Choir sings HMS Pinafore, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dramatic Effect - Handel's 'Semele' at Grange Park, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Magical - A Stravinsky and Purcell double bill at Opera North, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Classy Performance - Summer with The Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Absorption of Influences - A revival of Bloch's early C sharp minor symphony, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Names of Allah - Malcolm Miller reflects on a John Tavener first performance

Ensemble. Back to the Future - Cantors in concert at JMI Central, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A Riveting Evening - Janácek's 'Katya Kabanová', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wonderfully Vivid - Robert Hugill praises Grange Park Opera's production of Prokofiev's 'The Gambler'

Ensemble. A Divine Evening - The London Bridge Ensemble plays Brahms, Beethoven and Schumann, enjoyed by Tau Wey

Ensemble. A Celebratory Feel - Grange Park Opera's 'The Magic Flute', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beethoven Rules! - Malcolm Troup reports from the recent Annual Beethoven Chamber Music (Duos) Masterclass and Competition at London's Steinway Hall

Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - The Hallé Orchestra plays Colin Matthews, Debussy, Poulenc and Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Emotional Extremes - Malcolm Arnold string quartets [listen], reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'I recommend savoring the Maggini's outstanding advocacy ...'

Ensemble. Fine Playing - The Czech National Symphony on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Sordid Ferocity - 'Rigoletto' at the Grand Theatre in Leeds, UK. Patric Standford at the revival of last autumn's sensational production

Ensemble. Taut Austere Passion - Music with a Britten and Auden connection, performed by John Lofthouse and Stephen Rose, and reviewed by Malcolm Miller

A Real Treasure House - Dialogues with and about John Cage, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Strange Bedfellows - 'Les Noces' and 'Dido and Aeneas' at Opera North in Leeds. Patric Standford was at the first night on 5 May 2007

CD Spotlight. A Heady Mix - Havergal Brian's Symphonies 4 and 12, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... Adrian Leaper marshals his enormous forces well ...'

Fascinating and Rewarding - Machaut, O'Regan and Brumel from The Orlando Consort and Viva Voce, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Featuring the Flute - A recital by Jeanne Baxtresser, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... lovely but relatively rarely heard pieces.'

Ensemble. Emotive Power - Roderic Dunnett sings the praises of John Joubert, following the recent première of 'Wings of Faith' in Birmingham UK

Ensemble. Purity of Style - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Piano Circus event in north-west London

Ensemble. Lithe and Springy - The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Interval Talk - Alistair Hinton comments on Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ensemble. Eloquent Performance - A concert by Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Energy and Playfulness - A concert by the wind players of Ensemble 360 ends Derby Chamber Music's 2006-7 season and satisfies Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Expressive Fervour - Elgar's 'The Music Makers' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Gentle and Meditative - Music by Peter Dickinson, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Companion Pieces - A Ravel / Puccini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Delayed Reaction - Sondheim's 'Merrily we roll along', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Real Inspiration - Verse anthems from FifteenB, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Majestic Performance - Martino Tirimo's final 2006 Mozart recital, reviewed by Bill Newman

Vociferous and Delectable - Martino Tirimo plays Mozart, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Drama and Sonority - The Rosamunde Trio plays Dvorák, Fribbins and Beethoven, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Wondrous Colours - Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung play Schubert, Ravel and Stravinsky, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Godsend - Heritage Opera's 'La Bohème', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

An Admirable Book - Alan Riding and Leslie Dunton-Downer's companion to opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Beethoven's Supremacy - The 2007 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Various Challenges - Music by Trevor Hold, Elgar, Parry, Stanford, Delius and Vivaldi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Sonorous Feast - Music-making by Cédric Tiberghien, Jirí Belohlávek and the BBC Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Simply Ravishing - Sakari Oramo and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra play Mahler, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Silvery Tone - A recital by Serena Leader and Gordon Back, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Real Drama - 'Poro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Exquisite Finesse - A concert by the Elias Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Highly Dramatic - Nelly Miricioiu in Bellini's 'Beatrice di Tenda', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Tremendous Urgency - Derby Bach Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - A concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Exploiting the Unexpected - Handel's 'Orlando' from Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Rich Gutsy Tone - Kala Ramnath and friends meet Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Unstoppable Momentum - Masterpieces from the Austro-Germanic symphonic repertoire played by Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dramatic Story-telling - A performance of J S Bach's 'St John Passion', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. The Power of Music - Performances of 'The Magic Flute' and 'Orfeo' from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Which Concerto? - A concert by the European Union Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Italianate Sparkle - Opera North's 'The Elixir of Love', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Colourful Renditions - Recitals by Denitsa Laffchieva and Evelina Puzaite, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Outstanding Performances - Susan Milan at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Magnificent Performance - More reviews from London's Wigmore Hall, from Bill Newman

Ensemble. Creative Heritage - Regrets and remedies, the Wigmore way, by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Across the Meadow - British light music, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... a wasteland of clone music.'

DVD Spotlight. Enchanting Mockery - Gilbert and Sullivan's 'The Mikado', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Chorus and orchestra under Andrew Greene rollick their way through ...'

Splendidly Sonorous - Sharona Joshua plays a copy of an early piano, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Magical Blend - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Sariel-Ghilione Duo and Yehezkel Braun's new Sonata for Mandolin and Guitar

Ensemble. A Valentine Extravaganza - Julian Jacobson in the first of his orchestral Valentine Extravaganzas, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Boundaries of the Possible - Malcolm Miller admires Simon Bainbridge's new BBC commission, 'Diptych'

Ensemble. A Light-hearted Approach - Handel's 'Agrippina' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Stylistic Eclecticism - A concert by the Eden Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Energy and Drama - Handel's 'Messiah' from The Sitwell Singers, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thrilling Performance - The Moscow State Symphony Orchestra visits Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. New Light - A performance by Christian Knapp and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

'Shooting the Pianist'! - The eerie case of a South-American pianistic 'revenant', by Malcolm Troup

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

CD Spotlight. Illusion and Intrigue - English Songbooks of the 1700s, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... Baroque charms ...'

CD Spotlight. An Interesting Mix - Sacred treasures, enjoyed by Robert Hugill. '... certainly intoxicating.'

Ensemble. An Impressive Partnership - A recital by Katherine Jenkinson and Alison Farr, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Lithe and Musical - Donizetti's 'La Fille du Regiment', enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Clarity and Honesty - Malcolm Troup's recital at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Magical Music Theatre - Patric Standford was at the first night of Opera North's 'The Magic Flute'

Ensemble. Especially Dramatic - Premières by Sheriff and McCabe, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Remarkably Attractive - A rare London concert by Schola Pietatis Antonio Vivaldi, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Clear Vividness - The 1751 version of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Sense of Evolution - Malcolm Miller at an evening of music and drama celebrating 350 years of Jews in Britain

Record Box. A Welcome Novelty - Seasonal music from Naxos [listen], reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. An Absorbing Day - Julian Jacobson reports on the fourteenth BPSE Beethoven Intercollegiate (Senior) Piano Competition

Ensemble. Fluid Phrasing - A Christmas concert by the vocal ensemble 'Aitone', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Without Carols - Renaissance music for Christmas, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... endless web of glorious sound recorded sound ...'

Ensemble. Music in the Spacing of the Spheres - A spectacular version of Holst's 'The Planets' in Cleveland, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Deeply Involving - Emile de Roubaix and the Maraini Quartet play Mozart, Szymanowski and Brahms, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Splendidly Wide-ranging - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Truly Moving - Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Fizzing Performances - The Derby Concert Orchestra and Chorale in Christmas mood, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Meticulously Performed - Songs for children, reviewed by Anna L Franco

Ensemble. Renewal and Revitalisation - Malcolm Miller enjoys the London Jewish Male Choir's 80th anniversary concert

Ensemble. Slav Triumph - Malcolm Troup succumbs to the pzazz of the Burov/Miletic Duo

Ensemble. Energy and Exuberance - Music by Haydn, Karl Jenkins and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

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. Lovingly Shaped - André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed 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

Ensemble. Passionate Sympathy - Another take on Opera North's 'Peter Grimes', by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Electrifying Production - Verdi's 'Rigoletto' from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Glowing Performance - The Czech Philharmonic on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record Box. Noble and Poetic - Sequeira Costa plays Chopin, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Something for Everyone - An evening with the Zemel Choir, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. An Entrancing Evening - Handel's 'Orlando' at Sadler's Wells, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Strong and Appealing - Poulenc's 'La voix humaine' at Opera North, reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Achingly Beautiful - Leila Josefowicz plays Shostakovich, recommended by Howard Smith. '... her tightrope assurance is breathtaking.'

Ensemble. Elegant Playing - An eclectic programme by Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Spectacular Portrayal - Opera North's 'Peter Grimes', reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Passion and Commitment - English National Opera's 'Jenufa', appreciated by Robert Hugill

Record Box. Gentle Chromaticism - Music by Orlando Gibbons, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Vividly Dramatic - Monteverdi's 'Orfeo', reviewed by Robert Hugill

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. Strong Performances - 'Jephte' and 'Dido' from English Touring Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Captivating Delicacy - Igor Tchetuev plays Tchaikovsky, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Three Premières - Malcolm Miller applauds the latest concert of music by Julian Dawes

CD Spotlight. Sparkle and Polish - Robin Zebaida plays piano rarities, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... musical appeal is immediate.'

Ensemble. Simplicity and Directness - Malcolm Miller assesses Opera Project's 'Don Giovanni', currently on tour

Ensemble. Revisiting with Pleasure - Summer at Longborough Festival Opera, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett

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

Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Derby Cathedral Choir sings Mozart, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Modern Style - Pimlico Opera's 'The Barber of Seville', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A masterclass in performing Mozart - A concert by Stephen Hough, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra delighted Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Satisfying the Quest - 'The Nightingale and the Rose' by Oliver Rudland, reviewed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. A Sizzling Account - 'The Tempest' by Thomas Adès, reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ask Alice - On Steven Isserlis, Agnes Poirier and surrender monkeys, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Infallible Beauty - Martino Tirimo's Mozart from Cadogan Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Competition

Ensemble. Glowingly Realised - Robert Manning, David Johnson and Tom Corfield share an organ recital at Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Chinese Wunderkind - Nine-year-old Niu Niu's Wigmore Hall début, admired by Malcolm Troup

Record box. Satisfying Breadth - Chamber music by Hummel, appreciated by Patric Standford

Masterly and Musical - An organ recital by Adrian Lucas, appreciated by Tom Corfield

Rhythmic Bounce - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Belated Flowering - Six-part consorts by John Jenkins, appreciated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a wonderful group.'

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

Bold and Forthright - Marcus Huxley played at Derby Cathedral, and Mike Wheeler was there

Record Box. Enterprising Recordings - Music for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Patric Standford

Bubbling Energy - An organ recital by Malcolm Riley, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Fine Indeed - Stokowski symphonic transcriptions, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an unqualified testament to Stokowski's magic.'

Amazing and Dynamic - An organ recital by Martin Baker, reviewed by Tony Westerman

Ensemble. A Surreal Evening - Mike Wheeler reports from the Buxton Festival

CD Spotlight. Valuable Explorations - 'My Dear Siegfried' - Despatches from No Man's Land, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. 'The work has as much affinity with trance/techno as with the modernist art music from which it developed.'

A Name to Remember! - Mikhail Shilyaev at St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Malcolm Troup

Noble and Moving - An organ recital by Andrew Nethsingha, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tonkori in the Park - World music at the City of London Festival, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

The Big Statement - An organ recital by John Keys, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Wit and Originality - Garsington Opera presents The Philosophers' Stone, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Music in Captivity - Malcolm Miller was at a lecture recital by Ronald Senator, with Teresa Gobel and Miriam Brickman

Ensemble. Touching Contributions - A concert by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

A Force to Reckon With - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Wigmore Hall recital by the young Bulgarian pianist Vesselin Stanev

Ensemble. A Mythic Story - 'Nixon in China', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Fizzing with Energy - The Sitwell Singers celebrate a 40th anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Elegance and Agility - Bach, Arnold and Haydn from Sinfonia Viva in Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Respect and Understanding - A CD celebrating 300 years of Charpentier, reviewed by Peter Howell. 'The performance is excellent throughout.'

CD Spotlight. Melodic Felicity - Salon music by Katharine Parker, reviewed by Robert Hugill. 'Edwards has a lovely soprano voice ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting Styles - CDs of medieval music, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... delightful recording ...'

Ensemble. Taking Comedy Seriously - 'L'Elisir d'Amore' at Grange Park Opera, appreciated by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Piano meets Sitar - Malcolm Miller at a CD launch of Peter Feuchtwanger's exotic piano music

Ensemble. Opera to Gogol at - Rimsky-Korsakov's 'May Night' at Garsington Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Fluid Performance - The Chelsea Opera Group's 'I Puritani', reviewed by Robert Hugill

A Touch of Authenticity - A recital by Karolina Marchlewska, reviewed by Tau Wey

Ensemble. Wonderfully Enjoyable - Massenet's 'Thaïs', reviewed by Robert Hugill

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. Sparkle and Communicability - Joseph Horovitz's 80th birthday celebration, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Shining youth

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - The Budapest Symphony Orchestra on tour in the UK, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Pianistic Phenomenon - Malcolm Troup was at Qian Wu's recent London South Bank recital

Ensemble. All Deception - Shostakovich's opera 'The Nose', enjoyed by David Wilkins

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. Emotionally devastating - Stephen Sondheim's 'Into the Woods' impresses Mike Wheeler

DVD Spotlight. Moving and Powerful - Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess', appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'The work is in the safest possible hands ...'

Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - Yvonne Kenny and Iain Burnside at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Widely Divergent Composers - Music for violin and piano, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... clear and consistent ...'

Ensemble. The music of Julian Dawes - Malcolm Miller was at the first performance of 'Eleven Hebrew Folksongs'

Ensemble. Powerful Forces - Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms from the Navarra Quartet and Simon Lane, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Kurt Weill's 'Arms and the Cow', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Remarkable Achievement - Stephen Barlow's cathedral opera 'King', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Haitink's Beethoven - Malcolm Miller was at the second of three April concerts at London's Barbican Hall

Ensemble. A Rousing Send-off - Nicholas Kok's last concert as Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Consummate Style - Robert Hugill is won over by English National Opera's 'Orfeo'

Ensemble. One Generation 4 Another - Malcolm Miller was at the Lord's Taverner's charity pop concert at London's Royal Albert Hall

Ensemble. Breathtaking Pianism - Malcolm Miller was at Ian Hobson's Wigmore Hall piano recital

Ensemble. 'I wandered through Theresienstadt' - Malcolm Miller was at a Terezin concert on the eve of Holocaust Day 2006

Ensemble. Inspiring and Memorable - Handel's oratorio 'Solomon', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Life's Fulfilment - Bill Newman recalls the affection he felt for the great Hungarian conductor-composer Antal Doráti, who would have been 100 years old today

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - School music

Record box. Impressive Refinement - Handel Italian cantatas performed by Arcadia, and reviewed by Patric Standford

The Designer Touch - Tonina Doráti and opera production, as explained to Bill Newman

Ensemble. Spell-binding - Venetian Baroque music from The Derbyshire Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Stylistic Variety - Passiontide music sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Admirably Convincing - English Touring Opera's 'Tosca', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Opulently Staged - Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor', reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Fascinating Fusions - Ladino music from Jewish Music Central marks the UK launch of the book 'The Sephardic Songbook', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Arresting Playing - A recital by Althea Ifeka and Katherine May, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

What makes a conductor? - 'Conductors in Conversation' by Jeannine Wagar, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Radiantly fresh - Emma Kirkby and the Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Delicacy and Tenderness - The Russian State Philharmonic in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. To the Manner Born - Marcella Crudeli's recital at London's Leighton House, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Fire and Flexibility - Verdi's 'Attila', reviewed by Robert Hugill

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

Ensemble. Simply Stunning - A performance of Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' impresses Mike Wheeler

Fire and Energy - Matthew Coorey and the RLPO in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Witty and Entertaining - 'Sir John in Love', reviewed by Robert Hugill

The Mighty Venetian - Tess Crebbin talks to Charles Beare about the master instrument maker Domenico Montagnana

Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Judith Lang Zaimont about her Symphony for Wind Orchestra in Three Scenes

DVD Spotlight. Ultimate Destruction - Verdi's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much excitement ...'

Ensemble. Velvety Textures - Malcolm Miller enjoys Voces8 in London's new Foundling Museum Lunchtime Series

Ensemble. Worth waiting for - Phyllida Lloyd's production of Verdi's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Deeply satisfying - A piano recital by Jane Ford, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Mozart viewpoints - Bill Newman reports on the 250th anniversary

Record box. An appealing programme - Mahler, Schumann and Britten, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Effectively shaped - Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Colourfully set - Choral music by William McClelland, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Physical and Spiritual - Music on the theme of journeys, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Emotional claustrophobia - A concert performance of Strauss's 'Salomé', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Fresh and Involving - Lunchtime jazz from the Georgia Mancio Quartet, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Plea for peace - Vaughan Williams's 'Dona Nobis Pacem' in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. An outstanding recital - The Denali Piano Trio, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Flair and momentum - Malcolm Miller enjoys a highlight of the BBC Radio 3 Lunchtime Mozart Quartet Series

CD Spotlight. Cuts and Dissolves - Music by Turnage, Rihm and Benjamin, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a well-planned listening experience ...'

A straight line career path - Conductor Kenneth Montgomery talks to Maria Nockin about his life, his music and upcoming events

Ensemble. Vivid form - 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Thrilling impetus - José Serebrier conducts Glazunov, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... the Scottish players bring appropriate breadth and commitment ...'

CD Spotlight. Bitter strength - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances.'

Ensemble. Delightful music-making - A concert by the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Buoyant and crisp - 'Messiah' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Ingenuity and madness? - Malcolm Miller investigates Robert Voisey's '60x60' project

Ensemble. Beethoven winners - Malcolm Miller reports on two European competitions

Ensemble. The ideal match - Celebrating the tenth series of live music at London's Wallace Collection, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Style and concept - Two young pianists of outstanding promise, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Telling contributions - Carols from Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Alert rhythmic sense - The Tempest Saxophone Quartet in concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Much to enjoy - Colin Davies conducts Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius', and Robert Hugill was in the audience

Ensemble. Debussy to savour - Malcolm Miller admires Valerie Tryon in recital

Ensemble. Great panache - Derby Concert Orchestra plays Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Hushed intensity - Elgar, Brahms and Strauss in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A gripping evening - 'Billy Budd' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Giants? - Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's latest Provocative Thoughts

Ensemble. One hell of a concert - Hot - An Infernal Cabaret, the latest collaborative project by Peter Wiegold's 'notes inégales' and performance poet Murray Lachlan. Malcolm Miller was there

Ensemble. Grandeur and intimacy - A performance of Handel's 'Solomon', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Noël - Christmas carols and chants played by Anonymous 4, enjoyed by Basil Ramsey

DVD Spotlight. Mysterious nirvana - Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the climaxes are prepared with meticulous cunning.'

Ensemble. Striking sonorities - Twentieth-century British music, sung by Derby Choral Union, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Utterly gripping - A recital by Fiona McNaught and Daniel Tong, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Record box. Ignited memories - British light music, reviewed by Patric Standford

An uncanny emerging artist - by Anya Lomakova

CD Spotlight. Sprightly tempos - Rameau ballet suites, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... intelligent performances.'

Ensemble. Moments of magic - 'A Midsummer Marriage' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Changing moods - The Derwent Singers and Sinfonia Chorale, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson

Ensemble. Maturity and insight - Julian Bliss and Sinfonia Viva in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

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'

Class actions? - Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's latest on 'Class acts'

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

CD Spotlight. Aesthetic and didactic - Music by Respighi and Mussorgsky, reviewed by George Balcombe. 'Tadaaki Otaka conjures the composer's unique sound ...'

Ensemble. A terrific evening - 'Dialogues des Carmélites' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

A broad spectrum - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2005 Rotherham Arts Festival

Incandescent conviction - Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven in Littleover, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Magic piccolo? - English Touring Opera visits Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A fine sound - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. The freedom of jazz - 'All Rise', by Wynton Marsalis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Frenetic pace - Nielsen's 'Maskarade', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Old and new - The first public appearance of a new chamber choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Playful rapport - A recital by Harriet Adie and Jessica Burroughs, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Passion and yearning - Sujeeva Hapugalle gives a piano recital at London's Leighton House, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Vivid energy - Gerald Barry's new opera 'Petra von Kant', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record box. Accomplished playing - Kumiko Ida's British piano album, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Symphonic structure - The Hallé Orchestra plays Vaughan Williams in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Enjoyment all round - Greek guitarist Eleftheria Kotzia in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Provocations - Alistair Hinton and Chad Wozniak discuss Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Drama in the music - Robert Hugill muses on the staging of Handel's oratorios

Useful insights - Daniel Felsenfeld's book 'Samuel Barber and Benjamin Britten. Their lives and their music', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An exuberant performance - Mike Wheeler reviews the last of Derby Cathedral's summer organ recitals, given by Tom Corfield

Ensemble. Exquisite finesse - A song recital by Andrew Kennedy and Simon Lepper impresses Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Roulades of passion - Oleh Krysa and Tatiana Tchekina at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Enjoyably feisty - Derby Cathedral organ recitals by Ian Hare, Sophie-Véronique Cauchefer-Choplin, Peter Gould and Jonathan Gregory, David Briggs, Simon Bell and David Johnson, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Profile. Emotional contours - Ian Wilson, featured composer at the 2005 Presteigne Festival, talks to Robert Hugill

Record box. Wilby's reconstruction - Daniel Hope plays Mozart, reviewed by Howard Smith

Ensemble. Contrasting pianists - by Bill Newman

Ask Alice - On 'Così', Nigel Kennedy and recovering the Ashes, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. A versatile performer - Daphna Cohen-Licht's recital disc 'Emotional Turbulence', reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... Cohen-Licht gives full reign to the drama ...'

Ensemble. Infused with magic - Rex Harley is entranced by 'Hansel and Gretel' at Longborough Festival Opera

Ensemble. Heart-rending beauty - Concertos by Elgar and Kopytman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Record box. Push the boat out - Music for trumpets, and music for baroque lute, reviewed by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Magnificent playing - Mûza Rubackyté in recital, and on disc, appreciated by Bill Newman

Lasting friendships - Roderic Dunnett looks back to a glorious weekend celebrating Gerald Finzi and English Song in Ludlow with the Finzi Friends, and hopes for another next year

Editor's Inbox - More readers' letters, including condolences offered to those affected by Thursday's bombings in London

Ensemble. Tragic scenes - Handel's 'Flavio' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Record box. A recital to value - Lute solos and songs by Robert Johnson from Shakespeare's England, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ask Alice - On pupils failing exams, opera singers and gut strings, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh, proud, today, to be (half) British

CD Spotlight. Often ravishing - Music by Debussy, Prokofiev, Britten and Ravel, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... admirably encompassed ...'

Record box. Impressive performances - A 20th century recital by the Westminster Choir, recommended by Patric Standford

Ask Alice - On singing in Cardiff, Isserlis playing Saint-Saëns and square Samson, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Stylish and memorable - 'Maria Stuarda' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A memorable evening - Maurice Hasson's 70th birthday recital with Gabriela Montero was a notable 2005 Wigmore Hall event for Bill Newman

Ask Alice - On mini-disc players, Mozart in the jungle and ads for tenors, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh, in search of a tenor

CD Spotlight. Radiant, supernatural beauty - In a special multimedia presentation, Gordon Rumson talks about Alistair Hinton's String Quintet

Ensemble. Truly magnificent - Handel's 'Jephtha' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill.

Ask Alice - Encounters with Big Hand Span and The Cunning Man, for Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

DVD Spotlight. Inexplicable passion - Astor Piazzolla in portrait, appreciated by David Wilkins. '... defying category but never defying mastery.'

Ensemble. The extra layer? - Robert Hugill was at Covent Garden's 'Il Turco in Italia'

Ensemble. Oozing with talent - Birmingham Opera Company's 'Ulysses comes home', reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Ask Alice - On stars and superstars, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

A singular event - Sergei Podobedov plays Bach/Busoni, Liadov, Boris Goltz and Chopin, reviewed by David Braid

Ask Alice - On lovestruck violists and beasts in Sydenham, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Different approaches - Comparing two piano trios on the same day, with Bill Newman

Ensemble. The lady and her entourage - Bill Newman at a concert by the London Chamber Music Group

Ensemble. Much to applaud - Malcolm Miller reports on an impressive array of talent at the BPSE Beethoven Chamber Music Competition 2005

Ensemble. Triple Kirckmans - Bill Newman attends three events given by young musicians

Ensemble. Commanding performances - Valerie Tryon at the Chopin Society on VE Day Anniversary, appreciated by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Handel's first night thoughts - Robert Hugill was at the Cambridge Handel Opera Group's 'Tamerlano'

Ensemble. Imaginative and ambitious - Rex Harley discovers the Crickhowell Festival

Ensemble. Handel's Spanish soul - Malcolm Miller attends an inspiring concert at the London Handel Festival 2005

Ask Alice - A celebration of the madness of UK election hype, from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Their Majesties' Music - Pippa Hare listens to the Choir of the 21st Century

Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - The Wind of Change: 1788, by Jennifer Paull

CD Spotlight. Sonatas and sonatinas - Guitar music played by Nathan Kolosko, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. 'Kolosko's playing is clean, fluent and assured ...'

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 ...'

CD Spotlight. Infectious delight - Stokowski conducts Vivaldi and Handel, reviewed by Patric Standford. 'His approach was clearly monumental.'

Profile. South American Belle - A portrait of pianist Clara Rodriguez, by Bill Newman

Record box. Effective film music - Music by Mark Emney, reviewed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Richly romantic - Orchestral music by Frank Bridge, praised by Patric Standford. '... a fine recording of music that has an outstanding place in English musical heritage.'

Am I too loud? - Robert Hugill muses on Wagnerian sopranos and changing performance tradition

Editor's Inbox - More readers' letters

CD Spotlight. A welcome introduction - Music by John Adams, reviewed by Robert Hugill. 'Alsop has a clear feel for this music ...'

CD Spotlight. Varied and intriguing - Contemporary music première recordings for oboe, reviewed by Patric Standford

Reminiscent retrospectives - Fritzin' the Looking-Glass - On the second anniversary of Fritz Spiegl's death, Jennifer Paull looks into his witty reflection and recalls musical frustrations and fun with Fritz

Destined for the top - Roderic Dunnett talks to Sarah Saunders of Phoenix Rising

Ensemble. Vital performance - 'Die Walküre', appreciated by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Winds of change - Malcolm Miller applauds a new work by Richard Dubugnon premièred by the Haffner Wind Ensemble and Min-Jung Kym

Ensemble. Sex and art - Leonard Bernstein's 'On The Town' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by David Wilkins

Unforgettable Ifor - Jennifer Paull pays tribute to Ifor James (1931-2004)

DVD Spotlight. Gripping performance - 'The Turn of the Screw', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... splendidly captured musically and visually ...'

'Sky poets paint the sheltered curve to find' - the first part of a triptych of articles by Jennifer Paull

Ensemble. A perfect marriage of music and theology - Pippa Hare was at the Tudeley Festival's performance of Bach's B minor Mass

Ensemble. A thrilling performance - Rosie and Nick Evelegh were at Canterbury Choral Society's 'The Apostles'

Ensemble. A fitting celebration - The BBC National Orchestra of Wales plays Ravel, Hoddinott and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Refreshing clarity - Paul Goodwin and the Academy of Ancient Music play Beethoven, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Sheer modernity - Shostakovich's 2nd and 14th symphonies, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a superb disc ...'

CD Spotlight. Creditable performances - Vocal music by Wolfgang Rihm, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... purity, clarity and commendable accuracy.'

Ensemble. Piano sonority - Lydia Scadding wins the 2004 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reported by Malcolm Miller

Ask Alice - On concerts, witches and sightings, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

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 ...'

Ensemble. Remarkable diversity - The Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, reviewed by Manus Carey

What is the English National Opera for? - Robert Hugill asks the question and, whilst previewing the forthcoming season, suggests three possible answers

Ask Alice - When Agony Aunt meets White Witch, plus a review of the Jacqueline du Pré memorial event in London, by Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Absolutely contemporary - David Wilkins was one of two M&V writers at Tippett's 'A Child of Our Time', staged at the London Coliseum on Friday 21 January 2005

Ensemble. Particularly frustrating - Robert Hugill on Jonathan Kent's staging of 'A Child of Our Time'

CD Spotlight. Much to praise - Mozart wind concertos, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'The performances range from able to among the best.'

Profile. Total dedication and accord - A portrait of piano duettists Isabel Beyer and Harvey Dagul, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. The Kirckman concept - by Bill Newman

Ensemble. New sounds and ideas - Malcolm Miller attends the first concert in the Park Lane Group's New Year Series 2005

CD Spotlight. Swimming against the tide - Music by John Foulds, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... in performance terms, everything about this disc is excellent ...'

CD Spotlight. Ravishing colloquy - Orchestral music by Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... sumptuous and highly disciplined playing ...

CD Spotlight. Wondrously alive - Music by Elgar, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... yet more immediacy than the original LPs ...'

CD Spotlight. Higher authority - Jacob Heringman plays music from the Siena Lute Book, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... an infectious zest for the music ...'

Record box. The perceptive oboe - Nancy Ambrose King plays oboe concertos, reviewed by Basil Ramsey

Profile. An ideal lifestyle - Remembering Sir John and others. Bill Newman visits Lady Evelyn Barbirolli

Remarkable diversity - Robert Hugill writes about the British Composer Awards

CD Spotlight. Considerable pleasure - Emma Kirkby sings music by Cataldo Amodei, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a CD of rare beauty ...'

CD Spotlight. Valued archives - Stokowski and the classic Columbias, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a powerful performance ...'

CD Spotlight. Festive mood - Carols for brass, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz. '... simply superb.'

Ensemble. Confined to the house - 'Don Pasquale' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Brightness and fidelity - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a composer who deserves to be heard as widely as possible.'

Ensemble. Nobly moving - Glinka's 'A Life for the Tsar' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Musical sounds and colours - A portrait of the Greek-born pianist Eugenia Papadimas, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Honed and practised - Jan Garbarek in Cardiff, enjoyed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. A worthy winner - The Donatella Flick Conducting Competition 2004, reviewed by David Wilkins

CD Spotlight. A unique achievement - EMI's golden years of the gramophone, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... total fascination ...'

Novelist as composer - The life and times of Anthony Burgess, by Tess Crebbin

Ensemble. Engaging and colourful - Bernard Roberts plays music by Stephen Dodgson, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Do we understand 'normality'?

Record box. A sure touch - Edward Higginbottom conducts New College Oxford Choir, appreciated by Basil Ramsey

Writing new opera - A composer's perspective, by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Beacon of hope - Daniel Barenboim conducts the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

The same or not the same? - That is the question. Alistair Hinton responds to Patric Standford's recent provocative essay

Ensemble. Thirty-two sonatas a day - Malcolm Miller attends Julian Jacobson's Beethoven marathon

Record box. Ease and warmth - Music by Billy Cowie, reviewed by Ron Bierman

Ensemble. Compelling performances - Elgar's Cello Concerto enlivens an ambitious Festival Miami concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Deeply affecting - Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Cardiff, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. A dazzling mix - Bohuslav Martinu's 'The Greek Passion' at London's Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Authentic folk drama - Béla Pintér and Company's 'Peasant Opera', reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Suspending disbelief? - 'Turandot' at Welsh National Opera, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ask Alice - On cellists, composers and veils, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Opium of the elite - Roderic Dunnett previews this autumn's touring operas in the UK

Record box. Legato blues - David Johnstone plays assorted music for solo cello, 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

Alarms included - Alice McVeigh's 'Ghost Music', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

CD Spotlight. Imaginative programme - The Choir of St Martin-in-the-Fields, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... an impressive standard ...'

CD Spotlight. Strange farrago - Elgar's 'Starlight Express', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... accomplished and imbued with the sort of affection the work desperately needs.'

European tour - A preview, of sorts, of the Cleveland Orchestra's four-city, three festival visit, by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Admirably involving - Tau Wey at the 2004 Regent Hall Summer Festival, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Richly sumptuous - The Czech Moravian Virtuosi Orchestra sparkles in novelties from Europe, by Lawrence Budmen

Profile. Quality and clarity - Robert Hugill meets British pianist Ashley Wass

Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh returns to tell the story of her rescue by Hel and Slime

While the music lasts - Kelly Ferjutz enjoys Alice McVeigh's musical novel

CD Spotlight. Passion for Bach - Dominic Miller's 'Shapes', reviewed by Tess Crebbin. '... he is a genius.'

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

Ensemble. Rich harvest - Summer opera in the UK, reviewed and previewed by Roderic Dunnett

Barcelona diary - The London Concord Singers visit Catalunya, and Robert Hugill keeps a written record of the trip

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - All-round musical greatness

Record box. Rich and resonant - Hilary Norris plays the organ of Ashridge Chapel, reviewed by Julia Ionides

CD Spotlight. Mr Bean and Elgar - A compilation of recordings from the 1970s, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a technical mastery that any world soloist might envy.'

CD Spotlight. Hope and fear - Berg and Britten violin concertos, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a violinist of superb accomplishment ...'

Ask Alice - Jaundiced, but nearly in Crete .... is classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A stunning masterpiece - Opera East on tour with Lennox Berkeley's 'A Dinner Engagement' and Holst's 'The Wandering Scholar' - Peter Dickinson reports

Ensemble. Particular virtues - Richard Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Keep taking the tablets ... the latest advice from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Hauntingly beautiful - Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at the London Coliseum, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Standing ovation? - Lyric Opera Cleveland's 'Mikado', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Grand guignol - Tchaikovsky's 'The Enchantress' at Grange Park, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Misunderstood? - 'Peter Grimes' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - More forays into politics and literature, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A classic - 'Wonderful Town' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Helpful hints about sharing instruments, plus some musical commentary on Wimbledon, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - Sad news about classical music for Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Wind without mercy - Robert Hugill's 'Passion', reviewed by Keith Bramich. '... a very distinctive soundworld ...'

CD Spotlight. A salad-days genius - The violin concerto by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a clean-cut precision throughout the work ...'

CD Spotlight. Gloriously inspired - Choral works by Walton and Elgar, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Sargent's vitality matches Walton's ...'

Ensemble. Musically stunning - Richard Strauss's 'Arabella' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Roaring success - Malcolm Miller enjoys a children's concert by Dominic Harlan

Ask Alice - On cellists, politicians, children's musicals and sewer rats, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Hold on to your bowlers! - Kelly Ferjutz previews Lyric Opera Cleveland's thirty-first season

Ask Alice - In the wake of recent European elections, our ever-timely and impartial agony aunt of classical music encourages us to vote McVeigh

Ensemble. Casting from strength - Chelsea Opera Group's 'Andrea Chénier', reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. An exciting career ahead - Manus Carey listens to Chinese pianist Wu Qian

Life and death - Tess Crebbin writes about 'Shadowtime', Brian Ferneyhough's first opera

CD Spotlight. Flexibility and beauty - Ramón Vargas sings Rossini and Donizetti arias, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... his singing is wonderfully musical.'

Ensemble. An individual voice - Music by Julian Dawes, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. A mixed bag - Bill Bruford's Earthworks and The Zawinul Syndicate at St David's Hall, Cardiff on Tuesday 4 May 2004, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Muscular performance - Rex Harley is left breathless listening to violinist Chloë Hanslip

Ask Alice - Problems this week with headmasters, oboists and emails, for classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Pianistic excellence - John Lill and Prokofiev's Eighth Sonata at sixty, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Moments of happiness - Alfred Brendel wins the International Ernst von Siemens Music Award 2004, reported by Tess Crebbin

Maria of hope or despair? - David Wilkins was at the first fully-staged UK production of Piazzolla's 'Maria de Buenos Aires'

Ensemble. High calibre - The Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Chamber Music Masterclass with the Gwyneth George Prize, reviewed by Manus Carey

Ask Alice - On Botox, youth and adventures in good music, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - On viola jokes and the eating of dogs, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Enchanting simplicity - John Lill plays Schumann, and Robert Anderson listens. '... manifold subtleties of touch ...'

Ensemble. Drawing you in - The Tord Gustavsen Trio's first ever UK performance, appreciated by Rex Harley

Venus and Adonis - Robert Hugill muses on the marriage of music and words in the seventeenth century

Scrutiny - To begin a weekend of articles celebrating Wilfrid Mellers' ninetieth birthday, Gordon Rumson investigates Mellers' early writings, 1936-1949

Sundry talents, or the importance of laughter - Celebrating his ninetieth birthday today, Wilfrid Mellers talks to Keith Bramich

Seeing music whole - Wilfrid Mellers at ninety - an appreciation by Peter Dickinson

The tide is turning - Gordon Rumson looks forward to first performances of two Denis ApIvor string quartets

Ensemble. Perfect blendings - Piano 40's eighth London concert, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A special night - Bill Newman wishes Colin Bradbury many happy returns on the occasion of the clarinettist's seventieth birthday

Ensemble. Spoilt for choice - Swiss ambassadors, a Bulgarian pianist and a marketing project, with Bill Newman

Ask Alice - 'Slice it how you like', claims Alice McVeigh, Bromley's premier researcher into cello sounds and classical music's world's first agony aunt. 'How kinky is that?'

CD Spotlight. Lurking romanticism? - Discovering British light music, with Ron Bierman. 'Sutherland and the Royal Ballet Sinfonia are ideal interpreters.'

Record box. Coming clean - John Potter's 'Care-charming sleep' finds Rex Harley unimpressed

Ask Alice - Alice McVeigh, the agony aunt of classical music, basks in the glory of her successful Dvorák performance ...

CD Spotlight. Beethoven unbuttoned? - Volume two of the Metier 'Beethoven Explored' series, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... nice rhythmic sense and technical assurance.'

Ensemble. Gripping theatre - Robert Hugill experiences Zurich Opera's 'Radamisto'

Ask Alice - Alice McVeigh, the agony aunt of classical music, is artistically ham-strung and irritated, this week ...

Ensemble. Feather in the cap - Rex Harley reviews a choral concert which took place on Saturday 13 March 2004 in Bristol UK

Ask Alice - A tale of cricket and children's books, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A triumphant close - Robert Hugill reviews the current Covent Garden London production of 'Samson and Delila'

CD Spotlight. To be savoured - Aubrey Brain plays Bach, Brahms, Glazunov and Mozart, appreciated by David Thompson. '... music making of the highest calibre ...'

Ask Alice - A tale of one passport application, by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Refreshing repertoire - Portuguese wind music played by the Galliard Ensemble, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... brilliantly played.'

CD Spotlight. Ascending slowly - Chamber music by Peter Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... played with accomplished precision ...'

Transcending virtuosity - Alistair Hinton comments on points made in Gordon Rumson's recent Chopin review

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, gives up explanation (or should that be exclamation?) points for Lent

CD Spotlight. A complex personality - The Romanesca trio's recording of Biber Violin Sonatas, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... the performances are outstanding.'

The specious origins of originality - Alistair Hinton comments on Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ensemble. The thinnest tightrope - David Wilkins at the Hungarian première of Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw'

Ask Alice - Community service for conductors? Romantic music for bassoonists? All this and more with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

White, gold and marble - Robert Hugill takes a look around the newly-restored London Coliseum, home of English National Opera

Ensemble. Involving and magical - Robert Hugill experiences Thomas Adès's opera 'The Tempest'

Ensemble. Lack of balance - Rex Harley experiences Il Vero Modo

Ask Alice - On the continued excellence of the cello and the continued bad behaviour of conductors, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - The balance of the sexes or ... conductors with their trousers down, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Brave heart - Angela Lear's search for the essential Chopin, by Gordon Rumson. '... heroic single-mindedness.'

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Obsession

Ask Alice - On string quartets, advertising, cellists and fame, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Personal connections - Robert Hugill discusses Vaughan Williams and the Bloomsbury Group

CD Spotlight. Scintillating performance - Tamami Honma plays music by John McCabe, appreciated by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Radiantly musical - Les Arts Florissants perform music by Charpentier, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ask Alice - Busking amongst the sheep and speed cameras, classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, live this week from Wales

Listening with baroque ears - Robert Hugill investigates the world of collaborative opera

A hermit at heart - Carolyn Nott pays an eightieth birthday tribute to her husband, the composer Gerard Schurmann

Ask Alice - On diction and eye jobs, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, live this week from Brighton pier

CD Spotlight. Infectious performances - Joglaresa and Belinda Sykes perform medieval songs for Mary Magdelene, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... enormous freshness and immediacy.'

Ensemble. Rivalling Richter and Gilels - The piano scene, and a young musical stylist in the making, by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Perfect realisations - Mei Yi Foo at Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. A new group in the making - Bill Newman listens to the Rosamunde Trio

CD Spotlight. Tintinnabulation - Music by Arvo Pärt, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... all the air and spaciousness one needs ...'

What sound? - Robert Hugill asks some questions about the music of William Byrd

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Uprooting

Handel's singers - Robert Hugill investigates the fascinating world of opera in eighteenth century London

CD Spotlight. Emotional immediacy - Music by Andrea Gabrieli, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts play stunningly ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting pieces - Music by John Hawkins, explored by Patric Standford. 'The performers are of the best ...'

Record box. Rhythmic invention - The string quartets of David Arditti, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ask Alice - On anonymous Christmas cards, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Mystical chorus - David Arditti at a different performance of 'L'Enfance du Christ'

Ensemble. Warmth and spontaneity - David Thompson reviews a performance of 'L'Enfance du Christ' by Berlioz

CD Spotlight. Fresh air - The Naxos Book of Carols, appreciated by Keith Bramich. 'A delightful and magnificent stocking-filler!'

Ask Alice - Recent changes in UK legislation impinge on the world of classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Profile. Surging up again? - Gordon Rumson investigates the sacred choral music of Caleb Simper, (no longer) sung throughout the civilized world

Ensemble. Stylistically convincing - Malcolm Miller listens to Trio Lignum

A revelation - Some personal reflections on the Lennox Berkeley Centenary, from Peter Dickinson

Ensemble. New edition - Robert Hugill congratulates the Chelsea Opera Group on its performance of 'The Pearl Fishers'

Ensemble. Snowfall in winter - Keith Bramich at a performance by Tamami Honma and friends

Ensemble. Bold individuality - Malcolm Miller enjoys a performance by an outstanding young Hungarian duo at the Wallace Collection

Ensemble. Handelian metal - A concert performance of 'Serse', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. A collector's item - Stephen Isserlis and Stephen Hough play Rachmaninov and Franck, admired by John Bell Young. '... the rapport between Mr Isserlis and Mr Hough is on the order of the clairvoyant.'

Ask Alice - Choristers and Christmas gifts, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

'Messiah' as never before - Howard Smith describes Lygia O'Riordan's quest to bring Handel's masterpiece to Eastern Russia

Ask Alice - Conductors' handshakes and solo bows, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Magyar magic - Malcolm Miller was at the launch of the ninth series of Music at the Wallace Collection

Ensemble. Congress of passions - The Finchley Choral Society Centenary Concert, reviewed by Keith Bramich

Profile. Sounds amazing - Bill Newman talks to Jeremy Backhouse, Director of the Vasari Singers

Ask Alice - Problems of the back and the leg, dealt swift blows by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

In the presence of greatness - David Thompson is impressed by Angela Hewitt's playing of Bach, Couperin and Ravel at London's South Bank International Piano Series

Ensemble. Mutual enthusiasm - Rex Harley meets Phoenix Rising

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, deals with problems of food and light ...

How essential is the difference? - Composer and curator of the Sorabji Archive Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ask Alice - On machines and men, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. A delightful airing - The keyboard music of Matthew Locke, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... crisp and lively ...'

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, apologises to her Welsh readers

Ask Alice - A brush with the law for classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

A passionate campaign - Tamami Honma's Wigmore Hall solo recital début impresses Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight. Musical impression - Beethoven and the Habsburgs, explored by Robert Anderson. '... infectious zest ...'

Ask Alice - On changing teachers, with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Iberian discovery - Malcolm Miller enjoys a Nancy Lee Harper recital of unfamiliar music

Ensemble. Coming of age - Keith Bramich at the twenty-first Presteigne Festival of Music and the Arts

Record box. Tour-de-force - Patric Standford listens to recent music for solo flutes, played by Nancy Ruffer

Record box. Choral textures - An anniversary CD by an English cathedral choir, welcomed by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Confident artistry - Music by Gerard Schurmann, welcomed by Patric Standford. '... clear, direct, economical and excellently focussed ...'

Ensemble. On the lake - Toronto's summer musical fare, including music by Wagner, Weill and Alex Eddington, sampled by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. New directions - Keith Bramich at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival of Music 2003

Ask Alice - Freedom, A Serf's Charter, by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - More questions and answers with classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. A pioneering enterprise - David Thompson encounters the Two Barons of Rocca Azzurra

Ensemble. Arias in the Area - Malcolm Miller enjoys opera in concert, sung by Ruti Halvani and Anya Szreter

Editor's inbox - more readers' letters

Ensemble. Something special - Between the Bridge and the Bee-loud Glade, Rex Harley discovers the Aust Festival of Mediaeval Music

John Russell FRCM (1916-1990) - A personal memoir of a friend and teacher, with reference to his friendship with Gerald Finzi, by Adrian Williams

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - A foothold - those early years

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, on poetry

CD Spotlight. Single voice - Music for unaccompanied oboe, reviewed by Jennifer Paull. '... a masterful performance.'

Ensemble. Meeting the challenge - Keith Bramich listens to early Beethoven from the Miller Piano Quartet

Record box. Light and shadow - The organ music of Paul Fisher, investigated by Basil Ramsey

Ask Alice - The agony aunt and the butterfly, by Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - DGriffs is not amused by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt Alice McVeigh visits Legoland (?!)

Ask Alice - On spiders and singing ... from classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ask Alice - More answers from classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Sweet ecstasy - Music by John Tavener, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended for those who like Tavener or Anonymous 4.'

Ask Alice - Classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh, is back (!!!!!!!)

Classical objectivity? - Peter Dale reads 'The Music of Lennox Berkeley' by Peter Dickinson

Ensemble. Hot music from Latin America - Malcolm Miller at a highlight of the Regent Hall Summer Festival

Ensemble. Musical banquet - Malcolm Miller at Grange Park Opera's sixth season

Ensemble. An imposing start - David Thompson was at the First Night of the BBC Proms in London.

CD Spotlight. The firmament on high - Music by Thomas Tomkins, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... an unqualified delight ...'

CD Spotlight. Mephistopheles in attendence - The playing of Marina Milic-Apostolovic, enjoyed by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight. Tender longing - Daniil Shtoda sings Russian songs, reviewed by David Wilkins. '... wonderfully expressive ...'

CD Spotlight. Exuberant performances - Howells Canticles from the Collegiate Singers, reviewed by Rex Harley. 'The balance of the choir is near perfect ...'

CD Spotlight. Quiet frustrations - Topologies play music by Alwynne Pritchard, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... excellent playing ...'

Ensemble. Visions of the sublime - Roderic Dunnett on Covent Garden's 'Magic Flute'

Ensemble. ... and a dash of chutzpah - Rex Harley listens to the Welsh Baroque Orchestra's 'Concerto Mania'

CD Spotlight. Musical delights - A new recording of Handel's 'Rinaldo' reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a performance of vitality and appropriate style ...'

Ensemble. Musical evangelism - Piers Adams' group Red Priest amazes Keith Bramich

Ask DGriffs - A flood of correspondence for M&V's newly appointed 'agony uncle'

Ensemble - Meeting of minds - Stephen Kovacevich and friends play excellent Mozart and Brahms, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Operatic connections - Roderic Dunnett talks to Tom Hawkes, the director of Castleward Opera's 'La Rondine'

Ensemble. Oratorio to opera - Rex Harley raises some questions about the staged version of Handel's 'Jephtha'

Lithuanian Diary - In Spring 2003, British composer and pianist John McCabe made his first-ever trip to Lithuania, for concerts and a recording with the St Christopher Chamber Orchestra of Vilnius. Here is a diary of his visit to this delightful country.

CD Spotlight. Tewkesbury variations - A choir and an organ in Gloucestershire UK, appreciated by Roderic Dunnett. 'Two first-class new recordings ...'

Ask Alice - Men problems this week for classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Emotions and music - Some thoughts from composer Alistair Hinton

Ask Alice - Another eye-opening selection from classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Choral centenary - Malcolm Miller enjoys two seldom-performed works by Berthold Goldschmidt

CD Spotlight. Bitter tears - Kathleen Ferrier sings 'Das Lied von der Erde' on Naxos Historical, and David Wilkins is impressed. '... mastery of word-painting ...'

Special gifts - Rex Harley describes a magical concert experienced during a chance visit to the Leamington Festival

Mad about Glinka - Russian conductor Valery Gergiev arrives in London later this month to conduct a rare concert performance of 'A Life for the Tsar'. Musicologist Gerard McBurney talks to Roderic Dunnett about its importance

Ask Alice - Practical advice from classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Record box. Rich textures - Chamber music by John McCabe, appreciated by Keith Bramich

Ask Alice - Trouble with emails this week for classical music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

CD Spotlight. Fertile imagination - Arrangement with a vengeance from Red Priest, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... never a dull moment and entertainment value paramount.'

CD Spotlight. Return journey - A Richard Strauss melodrama, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a fine performance from an actor of wide experience ...'

Celestial music - Gordon Rumson explores sacred and secular in the writing of Wilfrid Mellers

Ask Alice - Our classical music 'agony aunt', Alice McVeigh, tackles more questions

Ask Alice - more questions to Alice McVeigh, the 'agony aunt' of classical music

Performing practices - Pianist Danny Driver talks to Bill Newman

Record box. Intensity - Debussy songs, appreciated by Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight. A delight - Linden and Egarr play Bach Gamba sonatas, and Ron Bierman is impressed. '... a wonderful original instruments recording ...'

East and West - Malcolm Miller applauds Natasa Sarcevic's performance of music by Paul Ben-Haim

Ask Alice - more of your questions answered by our classical music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh

Record box. Always active - Composer at work, by Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight. Musical hierarchy - The Sinfonietta by Ernesto Halffter, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... an impressive job ...

CD Spotlight. Thrilling virtuosity - Organ music by Vierne and Alain, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... James Lancelot shows throughout how effectively he can command the grand Romantic gesture.'

Ensemble. Medieval Hebrew - Malcolm Miller attends the première of 'The Death of Moses' by Julian Dawes

Ask Alice - in the first of a new series, Alice McVeigh, cellist, author and 'agony aunt' of classical music, answers your questions

Editor's inbox - stand up and be counted

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

Ensemble. Strengths and weaknesses - Rex Harley listens to 'Jenufa' at Welsh National Opera

Record box. Distant love - Songs of Jaufre Rudel and Martin Codax, reviewed by Rex Harley

CD Spotlight. A kinder approach - Music by Biber, played by The Parley of Instruments, and recommended by Ron Bierman

Japanese Fantasy - Malcolm Miller admires the virtuosity of Hiromi Okada and the Sonata by Akio Yashiro

Record box. Slick and fun - The London trumpet sound impresses Keith Bramich

Ensemble. An ambitious concert - Rex Harley listens to Tchaikovsky, Lutoslawski and Szymanowski in Wales

CD Spotlight. Carefree brilliance - The keyboard music of Orlando Gibbons, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... technique and panache ...'

CD Spotlight. Delian subtlety - The inspired Sir Thomas Beecham, admired by Robert Anderson. '... no better than expected ...'

CD Spotlight. This is music - Listening to Japanese composer Akio Yashiro, by Keith Bramich. '... good performances and a clear recording.'

Simple gifts? - David Thompson is impressed by 'Copland Connotations - Studies and Interviews'

Ensemble. Dramatic writing - Rex Harley attends a memorable performance of the Victoria Requiem

Four is hardly a crowd - Bill Newman enjoys an evening's entertainment by Piano 40 at London's Purcell Room, Wednesday 5 February 2003

Profile. A great schooling - Bill Newman talks to Igor Oistrakh as the 50th anniversary of the violinist's UK début approaches

Ensemble. Comic touches - Roderic Dunnett visits the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for 'La Cenerentola'

A unique voice - Aspects of the music of Keith Barnard, by Gordon Rumson

No apologies - Peter Dale is impressed by Trevor Hold's new survey of 'The Second Golden Age of English Song'

Will I let this in? - Some thoughts on the music of Havergal Brian, from Aaron Rabushka

Nuggets of advice - Alice McVeigh's 'All Risks Musical', read by Keith Bramich

Record box. A different fellow - Clementi in musical flight, by Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight. A brave pianist - Music by Charles Ives played by Philip Mead, reviewed by Peter Dickinson. '... Mead's technique is consistently impressive.'

Ensemble. Compelling musicianship - A recital by Ildikó Iván and Tamás Vásáry, reported by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Ideas in abundance - Johann Ludwig Krebs on Priory, appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... a performance at once robust and sensitive.'

CD Spotlight. A palpable reality - Gillian Weir plays Messiaen, and Robert Anderson is thrilled. '... exciting fidelity ...'

Ensemble. A frustrating experience - David Wilkins listens to the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in Eastbourne

Editor's inbox - a selection of our readers' letters

Scholarship and originality - David Bury explains the merits of Robert Anderson's new book 'Elgar and Chivalry'

Reality or invention? - Peter Dale reads from a Liverpool University symposium on the musical work

Ensemble. A memorable occasion - Martino Tirimo at London's Wigmore Hall, prefaced by other thoughts from Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Subtlety of touch - Luiza Borac plays Schumann and Robert Anderson listens

CD Spotlight. Onward tread - Charles Wood's anthems, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant in tone and firm as a rock ...'

Ensemble. Latin American blend - Malcolm Miller applauds Alberto Portugheis in recital

Record box. The Rags of Time - Basil Ramsey lingers over the delights of seventeenth century lute songs and dances

Behind the lines - On the 65th anniversary of Ivor Gurney's death, Roderic Dunnett takes a look at some First World War composers, and at an Imperial War Museum exhibition in London which pays tribute to Gurney and his fellow wartime poets

Ensemble. Affirmation of life - Malcolm Miller investigates the Yiddish tango

Ensemble. A night to remember - Roderic Dunnett is impressed by Strauss's 'Ariadne auf Naxos' at Covent Garden

Profile. A singing instrument - Martino Tirimo discusses the piano and its music with Bill Newman

Ensemble. Apotheosis of the madrigal - Roderic Dunnett enjoys 'L'incoronazione di Poppea' at London's Royal Academy of Music

Ensemble. Shostakovich and Beethoven Trios - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Stockholm Arts Trio's UK début

Record box. Clarinet colours - Wilfred Josephs and the clarinet, by Basil Ramsey

Book review. The narrator's function - McGuire's new book about Elgar's oratorios is investigated by Robert Anderson

A star is reborn - BBC Legends, passing its one hundredth release, is appreciated by John Bell Young

Ensemble. Purpose and insight - Malcolm Miller enjoys two outstanding débuts by German and Italian artists

Ensemble. Verging on London standards - Roderic Dunnett visits Dorset and Stowe Opera for productions of 'Norma' and 'Don Carlo'

Music matters - Gordon Rumson reads Wilfrid Mellers' book 'Singing in the Wilderness: Music and Ecology in the Twentieth Century'

Record box. Skewering demons - Concert works by film composers, played by the New Art Trio and reviewed by Keith Bramich

Ensemble. Russian resonance - The first of a new series of Music at the Wallace Collection

Ensemble. Hour of Magic - Malcolm Miller is enthralled by seldom-heard East European music

Site seeing. Boulez destroyed ... but is it art? - Keith Bramich takes a fresh look at the world of classical music online

Ensemble. Accendo - Music from the time of Claudio Monteverdi at a concert in Cardiff Castle, Wales, reviewed by Rex Harley

CD Spotlight. Sonic embroidery - The music of Richard Emsley, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a more or less complete portrait of the composer's identity.'

Second sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers - The rough and the smooth

CD Spotlight. Deadly Sins - Walton's orchestral music, enjoyed by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Warmth and communicability - Bernard Roberts' Romantic pianism launches the Glenilla concert season. Malcolm Miller listens

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - conducting ourselves

Ensemble. Rule Britannia? - Gordon Rumson reports on New Works Calgary, Friday 13 September 2002

A tough task - Keith Bramich ponders on the art of the conductor, and attends the 2002 Donatella Flick Conducting Competition

Profile. Life in the old tiger - In the second of two articles about the Chisinau National Opera, Moldovan tenor Mihai Muntean talks to Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Miracle for Bohemia! - 'La clemenza di Tito' at Covent Garden, with Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Female insurgence - Roderic Dunnett visits Garsington Opera for a feast of Mozart, Rossini and rare Janácek

CD Spotlight. A pleasant surprise - The Maggini Quartet plays Bax and Ron Bierman listens. '... enthusiastic, first-class performances.'

CD Spotlight. Un-buttoned Beecham - 'The Tales of Hoffmann' in a vintage performance enjoyed by Peter Dale. 'The recording is remarkably warm, surface noise minimal, characterisation lively, and orchestral playing spot on.'

CD Spotlight. Breach of conventions? - Handel's opera 'Tamerlano' in a new recording investigated by Peter Dale. '... absolutely convincing ...'

A new 'Enoch' - John Bell Young tells his story of collaboration with British actor Michael York

Record box. The mix - Basil Ramsey listens to Charlotte Brontë set over music

Ensemble. Waiting for Figaro - Bampton Classical Opera at London's St John's Smith Square, enjoyed by David Thompson

Ensemble. A haunting future - Roderic Dunnett praises two recent productions at newly restored Grange Park Opera

Record box. Golden tone - Keith Bramich listens to the bassoon virtuoso Gwydion Brooke

International forum - Patric Standford reports from the 2nd International Composers' Competition 'In memoriam Zoltán Kodály'

Record box. Cathedral setting - Howells in ecclesiastical mode, by Basil Ramsey

Ensemble. Of head and heart - David Thompson samples three symphonies from two international orchestras at the BBC Proms

Profile. Mouths to feed - Roderic Dunnett looks at the touring tradition of Chisinau National Opera and talks to Mihai Cocieru, the company's newly-promoted General Director

CD Spotlight. Two violas - Mozart's String Quintets, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The playing demonstrates the lovely range of tone colours the team can so readily deploy.'

Record box. Games - The fun side of music, with Basil Ramsey

Ensemble. Sitting pretty? - Walton, Sainsbury and Stanford at the Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Keith Bramich

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey. Summer music - The yearly miracle for millions

CD Spotlight. A well-chosen anthology - Listening to 'A Century of English Song', with Trevor Hold. 'Veira is particularly good ...'

Record box. The masque of pastiche - Trevor Hold listens to baritone songs by John Jeffreys

CD Spotlight. Style-modulation - A new British CD of American string quartets, reviewed by Peter Dickinson. '... this performance is superb advocacy.'

Site seeing. Old wine in new bottles - Keith Bramich introduces a new feature at Music & Vision

CD Spotlight. Much originality - John Field's Piano Concertos, explored by Robert Anderson. '... accomplished performances ...'

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey. Daily ritual - Switching nightmares for daymares

CD Spotlight. Playing hypocritically - Eric Satie's piano music, surveyed by Brian Howes. '... all played straight and cleanly, as I expect Satie would have wished.'

Ensemble. An American in Portugal - Malcolm Miller attends Nancy Lee Harper's recital of Portuguese piano music in London

Record box. Breadth and scope - Keith Bramich is impressed by Lionel Sainsbury's Twelve Preludes

Profile. An expression of emotion - English composer Lionel Sainsbury talks to Keith Bramich

Site seeing. Fasolt without Fafner - Keith Bramich visits new classical music websites: Fasolt, L'education musicale, the New Classical Portal, Musica Paraguaya, Classical Notes, Kipling settings, Sharma Musicals, Brandon Sturiale, Zeynep Ucbasaran and Beauty in Music

A Moment of Madness - Following the controversial acceptance (or infliction) by the English National Opera board of Nicholas Payne's resignation, Pamela Rosenberg, General Director of the San Francisco Opera, talks to Roderic Dunnett about the impact of the decision, and about the esteem in which Payne's leadership is held in Europe and the USA alike

Ensemble. A much loved conductor - Bernard Haitink's Farewell Concert at London's Royal Opera, as experienced by Robert Anderson

Ensemble. Unalloyed genius - Glyndebourne's recent 'Euryanthe' is fêted by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Full circle - Roderic Dunnett enjoys Verdi's 'Macbeth' at Covent Garden

CD Spotlight. The one authority - Beecham conducts Delius, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a very worthy CD, remastered with due care ...'

CD Spotlight. A traditional approach - The choral music of Bryan Kelly, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... an excellently produced CD, with a fine balance of sound ...'

Ensemble. They're off! - David Thompson was at the First Night of the Proms in London, 19 July 2002

Payne resigns - a slyly overcautious management board generates turmoil at English National Opera, by Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Celebration and Desolation - Andrew Campling, Musical Director of the London Docklands Singers, attended a Trio Melisma concert in London

Record box. Musical insight - Patric Standford appreciates Beecham's 1937 recording of Beethoven's 'Missa Solemnis'

Ensemble. Verismo al fresco - Malcolm Miller enjoys Opera Holland Park's double bill of 'Suor Angelica' and 'I Pagliacci'

Ensemble. Madrigal comedy - Keith Bramich enjoys I Fagiolini's performances of English and Italian music, old and new

Record box. Intriguing selection - Keith Bramich listens to contemporary music on the Vienna Modern Masters label

Record box. Wildlife in the Nursery - Keith Bramich comes face to face with the singing animals

Site seeing at the Mandolin Café - with Keith Bramich

Beautifully together - Roderic Dunnett enjoys the Ukrainian State Opera Company of Odessa's 'La Traviata'

Ensemble - Pivotal occasion - A triumphant homecoming in Kazakhstan, by Howard Smith

Ensemble - Jubilant 'Choral' Symphony for the Jubilee. Malcolm Miller at the penultimate London Soloists Chamber Orchestra 'Totally Beethoven' concert

From the heart - A tribute by Peter Dale to Wilfrid Mellers, for a unique life of music and letters

CD Spotlight - Speaking for itself. An Arnold Bax symphony, welcomed by David Thompson. 'The present disc maintains these exalted standards.'

Record box - Music of quality. David Thompson listens to Gerard Schurmann's score for 'The Lost Continent'

Ensemble - Power of understatement. Roderic Dunnett at a new production of Euripides' tragedy 'Bacchae', with music by Sir Harrison Birtwistle

CD Spotlight - Constant enchantment. The 'Cantiones Sacrae' of Sweelinck, with Robert Anderson. 'The Clare College Choir under Timothy Brown has both the intensity and agility to encompass the varied moods of the music.'

Ensemble - Naughty but nice. David Thompson enjoys English National Opera's 'Lulu' at the London Coliseum

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - 15. Magic and Innocence. A double bill at Opera North. 'This production, given its musical values, must on no account be missed.'

CD Spotlight - Memorable and treasurable. Volume seven of Priory's Complete English Hymnal, enjoyed by Adrian Williams. '... I love this recording and congratulate Harry Bramma and his perfect and sympathetic organist Andrew Arthur ...'

Ensemble - Power and conviction. Malcolm Miller reviews the MIT Symphony Orchestra's concert at St John's Smith Square in London, including the first UK performance of 'Jubal' by Peter Child

Ensemble - Profoundly life-enhancing. Rex Harley experiences Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' in the current Welsh National Opera revival, on 24 May 2002 at Cardiff New Theatre, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras

Site seeing - In another visit to the world of classical music websites, Keith Bramich muses on competition and diversity, and visits the websites of Salvador Clofent, Jan Hart, Duane Peck, A Gioele Simonetto, Bristol Music Services and Japanese composer Tsutomu Tagashira

CD Spotlight - Resplendent performance. Stokowski conducts Mendelssohn and Brahms, with David Thompson. 'They were clearly devoted to the old wizard, and they play their hearts out for him.'

Record box - Boldly on. Recent music from Italy, with Basil Ramsey

Brilliant Beethoven - Malcolm Miller attends the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe Celebrity Concert, given by Bernard Roberts

Ensemble - Judge on the menu. Patric Standford attends the first night of Opera North's revival production of Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd'

Ensemble - Totally Beethoven. Malcolm Miller attends a recent concert by the London Soloists Chamber Orchestra at the Purcell Room

Leonard Salzedo, 1921-2000 - Jennifer Paull marks the second anniversary on 6 May 2002 of the composer's death

A perceptive pianist - Bill Newman listens to Yoo Na Noh

Ensemble - a glorious dip in the grotesque. Roderic Dunnett at Welsh National Opera's revival of 'Salome'

Ensemble - imperial grandeur. Roderic Dunnett is impressed with a new production of 'The Queen of Spades'

Profile - music all the time. Bill Newman becomes reacquainted with young French cellist Gautier Capuçon

CD Spotlight - Sea-change. 'Penelope Lynex is a cellist of formidable gifts.' The complete music for cello and piano of Frank Bridge, whetting the appetite of Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight - Surpassing 'Thornbury'? '... Partington and organ are thrillingly at one and in devoted service of the composer ...' The organ music of Basil Harwood, investigated by Robert Anderson

Ensemble - In virtuoso manner. Alice Neary and Gretel Dowdeswell at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman

A thoughtful response - Editor Basil Ramsey considers the part played by music during occasions of national mourning

Record box - Unexpectedly vivid. Basil Ramsey experiences the music of Portuguese composer Joly Braga Santos

CD Spotlight - Passion and gloom. '... Gwyneth George ... riding the technical difficulties with enviable ease ...' Rachmaninov and Shostakovich cello sonatas, an appraisal by Robert Anderson

Episodes from a memory bank - Gwydion Brooke. Bill Newman looks back at undeservedly neglected musicians.

Episodes from a memory bank - Basil Cameron. Bill Newman looks back at undeservedly neglected musicians.

Site seeing - Ludwig's torso ... another visit to the world of music websites, with Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight - Intensely idiomatic. '... beautifully played ... sensitively directed ...' Antonín Tucapský's Violin and Viola Concertos, as heard by Peter Dale

CD Spotlight - A landmark. 'Beecham produces a performance redolent even now of passion and conviction ...' Delius's 'A Village Romeo and Juliet', explored by Peter Dale

CD Spotlight - Night thoughts. 'Nicolas Hodges ... masters every nuance the musical landscape requires.' The music of Justin Connolly, considered by Peter Dale

Profile - A man of vision. Victor Herbert, the first composer to write for film, investigated by Jennifer Paull

Ensemble - Whistle stop tour. Malcolm Miller appreciates The Camden Choir's Renaissance Music

CD Spotlight - Refreshingly free. '... Skærved is dazzlingly good ...' Violin music by Alan Rawsthorne and John McCabe, appreciated by Peter Dale

Mind my harpsichord! - In affectionate memory of Igor Kipnis, close friend and musical collaborator, by Bill Newman

Ensemble - Star performance. Malcolm Miller at Ware Operatic Society's 'La Traviata'

CD Spotlight - Bridging the day. 'Robert Irvine gives a consummate performance, technically amazing, and emotionally involving ...' Works for cello and piano by Sally Beamish, explored by David Thompson

Ensemble - A friend in need. The Opera Omnibus production of Mascagni's 'L'Amico Fritz', enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett

CD Spotlight - Day of judgement. '... Saint-Saëns is at his best, and the LPO under Geoffrey Simon enjoys chasing his every nuance.' Saint-Saëns Requiem, faced by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight - Unquestioning faith. 'If Tavener can sometimes seem a victim of his own mannerisms, the performers under Paul Goodwin have done him proud.' A CD of John Tavener's choral music, considered by Robert Anderson

Record box - The test of time. David Thompson listens to volume six of Priory's New English Hymnal

CD Spotlight - Tootling in Accrington. '... a stimulating introduction to Sir Harrison's tonal explorations.' A sound picture of Birtwistle on CD, considered by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight - Spiritual mysteries. 'This is a great recording of what, I dare to suggest, will come to be recognised as great music.' James MacMillan's music for Westminster Cathedral, considered by David Thompson

Record box - Giving generously. A Recording of church music by Peter Aston, introduced by Basil Ramsey

Reminiscent retrospectives - Geographical Gilbert and Surreal Sullivan, with Jennifer Paull

Ensemble - Quintessential quintet. Malcolm Miller admires the Etesian Ensemble's period performance concert with a Beethoven arrangement première

CD Spotlight - Intelligent discourse. 'This disc ... deserves more than merely passing attention.' Chamber music by George Nicholson, explored by Peter Dale

Reminiscent retrospectives - Wonderful walls, with Jennifer Paull

The northern Schubert - Roderic Dunnett explores the music of Carl Loewe

Reminiscent retrospectives - Meteorological obligati, with Jennifer Paull

Ensemble - Unlikely bedfellows? Malcolm Miller attends the UK première of a new work for string quartet and percussion

Ensemble - Maschinist Hopkins. Roderic Dunnett on a Max Brand UK première

Record box - That is it. Steve Martland is passing through, with Basil Ramsey

Reminiscent retrospectives - Musical language, with Jennifer Paull

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey. Nourishment - the new year as a challenge

Record box - Raw and powerful. Keith Bramich's first impressions of the music of Sofia Gubaidulina

Reminiscent retrospectives - Magic moments, with Jennifer Paull

Ensemble - Cosseted by Robespierre. Roderic Dunnett visits London's Royal Opera House for a special performance of 'Tosca'

Ensemble - Swashbuckling parody. Roderic Dunnett attends the Hungarian première of Maxwell Davies's Expressionist opera 'Resurrection'

Record box - American spiritual. Marilyn Nonken plays new piano works written for her, investigated by Keith Bramich

Reminiscent retrospectives - Trails and Euros, with Jennifer Paull

Record box - Duetting. A new CD of French music considered by Basil Ramsey

Reminiscent retrospectives - Women in music, with Jennifer Paull

Site seeing - all change! with Keith Bramich

Impulse and space - Richard Hickox talks to Bill Newman at the 2001 Spoleto Festival

Profile - Being truthful to the music. Chenyin Li, the young Chinese winner of the 2001 Scottish International Piano Competition, talks to Keith Bramich about experiences, East and West

Reminiscent retrospectives - In a new series, international musician and writer Jennifer Paull shares some of her musical memories. September 11th 2001

CD Spotlight - Voice of an angel. 'A wonderful collection ...' Gillian Weir's Organ Master Series on Priory, with David Thompson

A countertenor virtuoso -

A countertenor virtuoso - Glyndebourne's latest new star talks to Roderic Dunnett

CD Spotlight - A sense of occasion. '... pomp without pomposity, excitement without loss of dignity, and ... a sense of hushed awe.' The Coronation of King George II, 1727, reviewed by Peter Dale

Ensemble - St Petersburg Revelations. Malcolm Miller attends UK premières of recent Russian music in London

Ensemble - Masterly. Roderic Dunnett catches up with Glyndebourne Touring Opera's 'Rodelinda'

Teenage talent - Malcolm Miller hears Asuka Nakamura at Leighton House, London

Celebratory Parade -

Record box - Galactic timelessness. Keith Bramich listens to planets, old and new

Ensemble - Eastern melisma. Malcolm Miller hears the Tel-Aviv Trio at London's Wallace Collection

Ensemble - Jauchzet, frohlocket! Malcolm Miller at Cholmeley Choral Society's Christmas Oratorio in London

Ensemble - Sublimely sensual. Roderic Dunnett looks back on a stunning young clarinettist's début and the music of one of Britain's most rapturous modern composers, both featured at the 2001 Deal Festival

Celebratory Parade -

Celebratory Parade -

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - Habermann, Buckle, Green and snagloopdog

Spiritual horizons - Jennifer Paull pays tribute to George Harrison, who died in November 2001

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - A wizard at the keyboard. 'Hamelin ... may perhaps come closest to the necromatic dazzle that the composer's own playing was said to display.' Marc-André Hamelin plays Alkan

Record box - Piano sonorities. Basil Ramsey hears American piano music.

Celebratory Parade -

Ensemble - Truly chilling. David Thompson listens to Britten's 'War Requiem' in London

CD Spotlight - A marked contrast. 'Exemplary performances, excellent recording and presentation ...' Two piano quintets, with David Thompson

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Amateurs

Record box - Minus the Adagio. Barber and some orchestral music, with Basil Ramsey

Celebratory Parade -

Mussorgskian giant - Roderic Dunnett on the massive talents of the English composer and conductor Oliver Knussen

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Spinning on - looking at art in an uneasy world ...

Record box - Natural affinity. Geoffrey Poole's music is tracked and enjoyed by Basil Ramsey

Celebratory Parade -

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - Film Musings

Striving heavenwards - Malcolm Miller attends the Kendall Taylor Memorial Concert

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - On being caught - back on the trail ...

Celebratory Parade - Bill Newman has been to the 2001 Spoleto Festival and reports on his impressions of the surroundings, local artists and international music-making. 1. Praeludium.

CD Spotlight - Celtic twilight. '... there is a welcome simplicity and integrity about the playing.' Listening to Arnold Bax, with Robert Anderson

Record box - Alongside AD1620. Basil Ramsey listens to the music of Edward MacDowell

Teenage virtuoso - Malcolm Miller attends the impressive Wigmore Hall début of Singaporean violinist Min Lee

Whispers of heavenly death - Roderic Dunnett talks to Martin Lee-Browne about a newly-discovered Vaughan Williams setting of Walt Whitman (concluded from last week)

Whispers of heavenly death - Roderic Dunnett talks to Martin Lee-Browne about a newly-discovered Vaughan Williams setting of Walt Whitman

Site seeing - cultural enlightenment, with Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight - World Orchestral Music. 'Perhaps some future anti-ravers will take up this work ...' Hugh Flynn's Wexford Symphony, investigated by Gordon Rumson

Record box - Benefits. A CD of Anthony Powers' music, reviewed by Basil Ramsey

Ensemble - String Quartet Textures. Malcolm Miller attends the second performance of Graham Whettam's Fourth String Quartet

After tragedy - more letters received about music and the current international situation

Ensemble - Mixed results. A critical view of Chisinau National Opera's 'Carmen' from Roderic Dunnett

Record box - Church music by gaslight. Sullivan's church offerings, by Basil Ramsey

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'

Ensemble - Fresh and engaging. Roderic Dunnett reports on Chisinau National Opera's 'Turandot'

CD Spotlight - Symphonic matters. 'There is delicious writing along the way for woodwind and horns.' Attending to the symphony in 18th-century England, with Robert Anderson

Second Sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Mimi's Fate. Opera North's 'La Bohème'. '... alarming topicality and truth.'

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Mere ramblings

CD Spotlight - An indispensable collection. '... indefatigably intelligent, sensitive and musical.' The final volume of Hyperion's Schubert Edition, explored by Peter Dale

Second Sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Civilisation and the Savage State. Janácek's 'Vixen' at Opera North. '... Annabelle Arden's magically imaginative production ...'

Record box - Confident skill. Basil Ramsey listens to a choral composer at work

Ensemble - A home-coming. Philip Lancaster was at Gloucester for the UK's 274th Three Choirs Festival (concluded from Sunday)

Ensemble - A home-coming. Philip Lancaster was at Gloucester for the UK's 274th Three Choirs Festival (continued from Thursday)

Ensemble - A home-coming. Philip Lancaster was at Gloucester for the UK's 274th Three Choirs Festival

Record box - Full flower. Schubert lieder - Ian Bostridge with Julius Drake, by Basil Ramsey

Golden age - Peter Dickinson reviews two books on American music

DVD Spotlight - Interpretative talents. '... how detailed and engaged are his interpretations of all he sings ...' An evening with Placido Domingo, live at Wembley, by Mark Valencia

After tragedy - letters received, including a comment from the Editor

Ensemble - In memory. Keith Bramich reports on a McCabe première, given as part of Japan 2001

Record box - Drawing out. Herbert Howells on CD, considered by Basil Ramsey

The Name of the Game - Oboe d'Amore soloist Jennifer Paull meanders through the maze of musical instrument names

Ensemble - Naïve and Sentimental Music. Malcolm Miller attends the London première of John Adams' most recent and largest orchestral work

Record box - Two by two. Animals and music, with Basil Ramsey

Record box - Guitar scenario. Basil Ramsey hears a record from Christopher Parkening

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Prom fever

Site seeing - It's all online ...

CD Spotlight - Journeying into space. 'Highly recommended.' Contemporary music for chorus, welcomed by Shirley Ratcliffe

CD Spotlight - Reflective modality. '... a notable collection of songs in beautifully controlled and devoted performances ...' Listening to a recital of music by Rubbra and Vaughan Williams, with Patric Standford

National ambition - Keith Bramich visits Wales for the opening concert of the 2001 Presteigne Festival

Iberian spice - Malcolm Miller attends a recital by Mats Lidström and Alberto Portugheis

Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Bach and Handel. Some thoughts

Editor's inbox - a selection of letters from our readers

Stage presence - Keith Bramich listens to soprano Anya Szreter in London's Regent Hall

Virtuoso demands - Robert Anderson listens to music by Poul Ruders, Lutoslawski and Sibelius in London's Royal Albert Hall

Cosmic Failure - Malcolm Miller on the world première of Tavener's 'Song of the Cosmos'

CD Spotlight - Impeccable ensemble. 'Christopher Robinson demonstrates that his team is at the forefront of our church choirs ...' Rubbra's church music, with Robert Anderson

Record box - Worth a challenge. William Schuman's music, with Basil Ramsey

Many pleasures - Roderic Dunnett at Stowe Opera's Rusalka

In the news - Roderic Dunnett samples a Garsington speciality (concluded from last week)

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Time and Truth. A new recording of a Handel oratorio (concluded from yesterday)

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Time and Truth. 'The conductor, Rinaldo Alessandrini, handles the band with fierily precise discipline ...' A new recording of a Handel oratorio

Record box - A neglected vista. Basil Ramsey views Handel afresh

Ivor Gurney in Buckinghamshire - Roderic Dunnett writes about landscape and music (concluded from last week)

Ivor Gurney in Buckinghamshire - Roderic Dunnett writes about landscape and music

Site seeing - Opus pocus - have you seen these sites?

Rare Strauss - Roderic Dunnett samples a Garsington speciality

Record box - Basil Ramsey with Malcolm Arnold's symphonies

Proms before the Proms - Malcolm Miller attended two concerts by Israeli artists in a recent music festival in North London

Mozart to savour - Alfred Brendel, Sir Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra at the Aldeburgh Festival, by Malcolm Miller

Sharing the response - Bill Newman in conversation with Petr Altrichter (concluded from last week)

Sharing the response - Bill Newman in conversation with Petr Altrichter (continued from last week)

Record box - The Kirkby sound. Handel from a special voice, with Basil Ramsey

The Turn of the Tide - Roderic Dunnett reports on a Maxwell Davies European continental première in Vatroslav Lisinski Hall, Zagreb, Croatia

Site seeing - More musical websites from classical cyberspace

CD Spotlight - The Maid of the Mountains. '...sheer delight from beginning to end.' Harold Fraser-Simpson's operetta, with Roderic Dunnett

Record box - Invention. Flute and piano, with Basil Ramsey

Record box - Musical manners. Basil Ramsey listens to Robert King's performances of Johann Schelle

New twists - Malcolm Miller listens to American pianist John Robilette

Excited by music - Flautist Kathryn Thomas in conversation with Keith Bramich

Record box - Trawling for treasure. Bill Newman seeks out Golden Age performers now reinstated on CD. Sviatoslav Richter on BBC Legends

Record box - Trawling for treasure - Menuhin and Rostropovich -

Record box - Trawling for treasure. Bill Newman seeks out Golden Age performers now reinstated on CD. Annie Fischer, Menuhin and Rostropovich on BBC Legends

Sharing the response - Bill Newman in conversation with Petr Altrichter

MV3 - fragments of forgotten sounds - page 4 -

MV3 - fragments of forgotten sounds - page 3 -

MV3 - fragments of forgotten sounds - page 2 -

MV3 - fragments of forgotten sounds - take Gordon Rumson's world tour!

Distinction and imagination - Malcolm Miller attended a recent concert by violinist Grigory Zhislin

Record box - The ravishing factor. Basil Ramsey spends 131 minutes with Mozart

Record box - Touching Wood. Charles Wood's church music, with Basil Ramsey

A deeper plane - Roderic Dunnett is impressed by John McCabe's score for 'Le Morte d'Arthur'

Engagingly accessible - Malcolm Miller reports on the UK première of Peter Breiner's jazzy Piano Trio

Robert and Clara - Major piano works of the Schumanns. Martino Tirimo in recital, with Malcolm Miller

Second Sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Celestial Voices. An early songbook on CD

Second sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers. - A Double Man's Last Harvest. Vaughan Williams' Symphonies 8 and 9

Dame Moura Lympany - A personal tribute by Bill Newman (concluded from last week)

Dame Moura Lympany - A personal tribute by Bill Newman (continued from last week)

Record box - Trawling for treasure. Bill Newman seeks out Golden Age performers now reinstated on CD. Michelangeli, Toscanini and Barbirolli on BBC Legends

Record box - Trawling for treasure - Toscanini -

Record box - Trawling for treasure - Barbirolli -

Dame Moura Lympany - A personal tribute by Bill Newman

Record box - Checking the pulse. Vaughan Williams and chamber music, with Basil Ramsey

Record box - Knowing Knüpfer. A pre-Bach notable, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Beautiful moments. '... "The World" and the six short Russian songs show Tavener at his best ...' The Vanbrugh Quartet plays John Tavener, with Patric Standford

Remarkable young ensembles - Patric Standford attended the UK's National Young Musicians' Festival

Paradise Moscow - Opera North's new production of the Shostakovitch musical at the Grand Theatre, Leeds, UK. Patric Standford was at the first night ...

Record box - Trawling for treasure. Bill Newman seeks out Golden Age performers now reinstated on CD. BBC Legends and Beecham

Record box - Trawling for treasure. Dennis Brain on BBC Legends

Second sight. Music with Wilfrid Mellers. - Private passion and public hauteur. Reporting on Opera North's current production of 'Eugene Onegin'

Creating 'The Emperor's Orchestra' - Patric Standford's diary for this recent commission (concluded from last week), including a chance to ask questions of Patric

Creating 'The Emperor's Orchestra' - Patric Standford's diary for this recent commission (continued from last week)

Creating 'The Emperor's Orchestra' - Patric Standford's diary for this recent commission

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - M&V's monthly visit to the world of online music

Japanese tone painting - Takemitsu, Schumann and Musorgsky. Malcolm Miller at a recent recital by Noriko Ogawa

The Ring in Chemnitz - Robert Anderson pays a visit

Site seeing - Islamey and friends - discoveries and re-discoveries, with Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight - Merry or sad. '... New College ... can produce English chapel singing at its best, both sensitive and robust.' The 'worthy' William Boyce, with Robert Anderson

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

Record box - Flute tones. Basil Ramsey reports on the unusual in ensemble

Record box - Saint-Saëns and Seki. An Admirable partnership, with Basil Ramsey

The Haunted Manor - Roderic Dunnett congratulates Opera Omnibus for its recent 'Straszny Dwór'

Lithuanian fascination - Malcolm Miller attends a special piano recital

Joining threads - Monica McCabe tells the story of the collaboration between David Bintley and John McCabe

Second sight: Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Resuscitation. 'This tragic music, superbly sung by Dorothea Röschmann, pierces to the heart's core ...' Enthusing over an event in recorded opera (concluded from last week)

CD Spotlight - Rich and rare sonorities. '... a pleasure beyond expectation.' Robert Anderson listens to quartets from Catalonia

Second sight: Music with Wilfrid Mellers - Resuscitation. 'This tragic music, superbly sung by Dorothea Röschmann, pierces to the heart's core ...' Enthusing over an event in recorded opera

Beguiling interpretations - Liszt transcriptions in performance - a London début recital, with Malcolm Miller

Paying tribute - The Editor's Quarterly Surprise

Cultural flowering - Malcolm Miller in conversation with Hanna Munitz, General Director of New Israeli Opera (concluded from last week)

Cultural flowering - Malcolm Miller in conversation with Hanna Munitz, General Director of New Israeli Opera

Record box - Give and Take. Basil Ramsey enjoys companion organ CDs

Variations - Malcolm Miller attended the Sixth Annual Jacqueline du Pré Concert in London

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - M&V's monthly visit to the world of online music

Second sight - The Tyrant as Hero. Wilfrid Mellers, reflecting on a Handel opera (concluded from last week)

Second sight - The Tyrant as Hero. Wilfrid Mellers, reflecting on a Handel opera

Site seeing - Linking with Plymouth, plus a sneak preview of M&V's new links page, with Keith Bramich

Epistle of Love - Malcolm Miller was at the world première of Sir John Tavener's recent song cycle

CD Spotlight - Absolutely idiomatic. '... his expressiveness is faultless.' Schumann's Dichterliebe and other Heine settings, with Peter Dale

CD Spotlight - Smyth's Mass. 'The musical ideas are often bold ...' A disc in the EMI British Composers' series, with Peter Dale

Record box - Curious polish. Village band music, with Roderic Dunnett

CD Spotlight - Magical stuff. '... Gamba is remarkably successful ...' The film music of Alan Rawsthorne, with Roderic Dunnett

Site seeing - Silver discs - record labels online, with Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight - An ingenious person. '... the Apollo Consort is wonderfully alert and sensitive.' John Jenkins admired by Robert Anderson

Record box - Absolute partnership. Finding choral sensitivity, with Basil Ramsey

Record box - A Mediterranean Soundworld. Camilleri on record, with Basil Ramsey

Site seeing - Snow White and the 7th Virus - websites recommended by our readers, with Keith Bramich

Site seeing - Special collections - the top 10 websites of February 2000, with Keith Bramich

Engaging and original - Malcolm Miller enthuses about English National Opera's 2001 Carmen revival

Indispensable - Peter Dickinson reads Steven Moore Whiting's 'Satie, the Bohemian: from Cabaret to Concert Hall'

Site seeing - Slice searching? A bizarre way to make sense of the net, with Keith Bramich

Unusual chemistry - Roderic Dunnett was at the Chisinau National Opera's 'La Bohème'

Site seeing - more 2000 top websites, with Keith Bramich

Moldovan magic - Roderic Dunnett raves about Chisinau National Opera's 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci'

Songs of Ashes - The music of Julian Dawes on Holocaust Day, with Malcolm Miller

Site seeing - Iannis Xenakis (1922-2001), and more top websites

Resplendent panoply - Roderic Dunnett experiences the Chisinau National Opera

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - Music & Vision's monthly visit to the world of online music

CD Spotlight - Perfectly paced. 'Valerie Tryon is an excellent pianist and musician who grasps the style of these pieces beautifully ... her sound and phrasing are gorgeous.' Valerie Tryon performs the music of Ignaz Friedman, with Gordon Rumson

Atavistic thrill - In a more extended 'captivating moment', Peter Dale discovers one of the truly great living musicians

Record box - Flattery. Doubtful Bach well dressed, with Basil Ramsey

Site seeing - 50 of the best. Top websites revisited, with Keith Bramich

CD Spotlight - From rags to riches. '... clear purpose and technical prowess.' Peter Dickinson's music, with Basil Ramsey

Seeking the Soul - 'Faust Cantata' at the BBC Schnittke Festival in London's Barbican Centre, by Malcolm Miller

What did you say you play? - Jennifer Paull writes about her love affair with the Oboe d'Amore (concluded from last week)

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - The tragic dimension. Debussy's 'Pelléas et Mélisande' as in Opera North's current production

Venetian Splendour - Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert, with Malcolm Miller

Record box - A maverick streak. Nielsen at his best, with Basil Ramsey

Sympathetic strings - An introduction to the Viola d'Amore, with Thomas Georgi

CD Spotlight - Continuously fascinating. The music of Gordon Crosse, with Peter Dickinson

Record Box - Uphill struggles. Paul Archbold and Fabrice Fitch - Composers today, with Basil Ramsey

MV3, with Gordon Rumson and Keith Bramich - the first of Music and Vision's monthly visits to the world of online music

Speaking universally - A Yank's appreciation of British music, with Richard Krause

CD Spotlight - Circuit of excellence. '... the Lindsays provide performances matching the quality that strides through some of the best of Dvorák.' Dvorák well served, with Basil Ramsey

Subtle colours - Malcolm Miller reports on a choice programme of English choral music in London

Christmas box - Passion of Scrooge. A stereoscopic, circle surround Christmas Carol, with Keith Bramich

Record Box - The Russian Psyche - Sadness in song, with Basil Ramsey

Summer Opera Reviews - Roderic Dunnett looks back at a thumping good summer for opera festivals in Britain and Ireland. Part 5 - The Turn of the Screw

Summer Opera Reviews - Roderic Dunnett looks back at a thumping good summer for opera festivals in Britain and Ireland. Part 4 - Mr Emmet Takes a Walk

Summer Opera Reviews - Roderic Dunnett looks back at a thumping good summer for opera festivals in Britain and Ireland. Part 3 - Bampton, White Horse and Dorset

Summer Opera Reviews - Roderic Dunnett looks back at a thumping good summer for opera festivals in Britain and Ireland. Part 2 - Longborough, Buxton and Garsington

Bizarrely stirring - David Wilkins listens to the Polish State Opera of Wroclaw

Planning your collection - Kyte and Lipton -

Planning your collection - William Primrose -

Planning your collection - Grainger -

Planning your collection - Bartok and Janacek -

Planning your collection - Zoltan Kodaly -

Planning your collection - Voormolen and Kodály

Sing English Song - A Practical Approach to the Language and the Repertoire. Stephen Varcoe's book is reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Summer Opera Reviews - Roderic Dunnett looks back at a thumping good summer for opera festivals in Britain and Ireland. Read from part 1 - Castleward, Wexford and Stowe

CD Spotlight - Fresh and stylish. 'Richard Edgar-Wilson gives musicianly interpretations of all works, admirably partnered by the Coull Quartet ...' Songs for tenor, with Trevor Hold

Dramatic tableaux - Roderic Dunnett was at Glyndebourne for Birtwistle's 'The Last Supper'

CD Spotlight - Creative beauty. '... clearly thought through and, as everything under Graham Johnson's direction, entirely convincing.' A visit to the Hyperion Schubert Edition on the anniversary of Schubert's death, with David Wilkins

Berlin Festival Diary - Five weeks condensed into three, with Bill Newman (concluded from last week)

Berlin Festival Diary - Five weeks condensed into three, with Bill Newman (continued from last week)

Berlin Festival Diary - Five weeks condensed into three, with Bill Newman, including 'Light shining through' - an interview with Yaara Tal

CD Spotlight - Popular esteem. 'Chorus and orchestra under Christoph Spering respond splendidly, as do the soloists, to all Haydn's demands.' 'Seven Last Words', with Robert Anderson

Planning your collection - Barber -

CD Spotlight - A paean of rejoicing. '... a sunburst carrying the listener forward and upwards to new quests of achievement.' Bax's Fifth Symphony with Bill Newman

CD Spotlight - A thing of beauty. '... David Lloyd-Jones and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra spontaneously reach new poetic-dramatic heights ...' Bax's Third Symphony with Bill Newman

Record box - Irresistible beauty - Anonymous 4, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Rarity in performance. '... the playing is lively and full of spirit, and this disc is to be recommended.' Works for 2 harpsichords with David Ponsford

CD Spotlight - Tremendous Engagement. '... the listener who attends carefully to this disc will be handsomely rewarded.' Adrian Williams on record, with Peter Dale

The lost chord - Newly furbished as a recital instrument, London's Royal Festival Hall organ was re-launched on 19 October. Shirley Ratcliffe was there and was in for a surprise.

Record Box - Over the hills - Delius before the first cuckoo, with Basil Ramsey

Luminous setting - Shirley Ratcliffe attends a John Tavener première

CD Spotlight - Beauteous imagery. 'Mobius has been going from success to success since 1995.' Mobius play Bax, with Bill Newman

CD Spotlight - A sense of balance. '... authoritative and splendid performances ...' Hummel back in the light, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Bruch rarities. '... the orchestral accompaniment transcends the accepted harmonic idiom, interspersed with Elizabeth Whitehouse's serene arias ...' Should we allow biased opinions to sway musical judgement? with Bill Newman

Record Box - Manners of clothing - At ease with the sacred, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Classical allusions. '... all the solo voices are marvellously alert and sensitive. The choral singing and orchestral playing under Robert King is robust and stylish ...' Handel and Milton, with Robert Anderson

Planning your collection - Steven Wray and Sam Haywood, with Bill Newman

Planning your collection - John Bingham -

Editorial musings - Noise ... on facing the unavoidable, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Unknown gems. 'Throughout, Varcoe and Benson give musicianly, affectionate performances ...' Two Hyperion albums of Stanford's songs, with Trevor Hold

Second sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - The Sun King - Lully's musical homage

Record box - Blowing to good purpose - Brass in consort, with Basil Ramsey

Record box - Fruits of Glory - young composers in church, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Piano exotica - '... marvellously controlled rhythms, touch and stylistic finess.' Martin Jones plays Spanish piano music. With Bill Newman

Dance of death - Roderic Dunnett marvels at Welsh National Opera's 'Queen of Spades'

John Bishop (1931-2000) - Trevor Hold pays tribute to the music publisher

CD Spotlight - 'Beautifully coloured, most intelligently but undemonstratively phrased and nuanced ...' Schumann songs, with Peter Dale

Record box - Spirit and polish - Hymns in demonstration, with Basil Ramsey

Admiring colleagues - Martin Jones and Mark Anderson in conversation with Bill Newman

The Interpretation of Chopin - by Angela Lear

Brave New World - Bill Newman reads 'Eric Leinsdorf on Music'

Planning your collection - Hummel -

Planning your collection - Leighton -

Summa Summarum - Malcolm Miller attended the UK première of Henze's Ninth

Neapolitan uprising - Roderic Dunnett was at Dorset Opera's recent production of 'Salvator Rosa'

Record Box - Vivaldi in season - Fruitful music, with Basil Ramsey

Maestro - The Menotti Interview, with Bill Newman

Getting the bird - Roderic Dunnett looks back with delight at Longborough Festival Opera's new production of Wagner's Siegfried

CD Spotlight - Defiance and struggle. '... an excellent and polished tribute to an important Italian composer ...' The orchestral music of Ildebrando Pizzetti, with Simon Spencer

Pianos and Pianists - Julius Isserlis Scholarship 2001 -

A bombshell - Roderic Dunnett talks to Austrian conductor Franz Welser-Möst about Franz Schmidt's Book with Seven Seals

CD Spotlight - Out of neglect. '... I find them tremendously exciting.' Roberto Gerhard's quartets, with Peter Lundin

Adventurous spirit - Malcolm Miller reviews an open-air revival of Stephen Storace's Comedy of Errors

Driving force - Visits to Cambridge, with Basil Ramsey

Record Box - The born and stillborn - Harping on, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Here lies the essence of rediscovery. '... fresh and stimulating ... musical pointers come alive as they occur ...' Symphonies Nos 3 and 4 by Joachim Raff, with Bill Newman

CD Spotlight - Inventiveness. '...a resourceful CD to extend our knowledge of Bach's seemingly infinite ideas with chorale-based music.' Bach's captivating qualities, with Basil Ramsey

Planning your collection - Global Fascinations and Sophistications - Emma Johnson; Martinu string quartets, with Bill Newman

CD Spotlight - Rare Vaughan Williams. 'All involved in this performance plunge merrily into the fray like persons possessed.' Hilary Davan Wetton's performances of the 'Tudor Portraits' and 'Mystical Songs' with Bill Newman

Editorial musings - Fruits of the best - with Basil Ramsey

Record Box - Basil Ramsey listens to 17th century organ music

Fortuitous and rewarding - Bill Newman talks to Hilary Davan Wetton

CD Spotlight - Gershwin arrangements - Peter Dickinson listens to Michael Finnissy as arranger

CD Spotlight - Ikon of St Hilda - Roderic Dunnett listens to the girls of Wakefield Cathedral

More MacMillan - James MacMillan's new Evening Canticles for choir and organ have just been premièred at Winchester. Roderic Dunnett talked to the cathedral organist, David Hill.

Record Box - Skilful manoeuvres - The art of John Gardner, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - The essential Emma Johnson. '... beautifully expressed in the highest musical terms ...' with Bill Newman

Pianos and Pianists - Who to listen for -

Planning your collection - Global Fascinations and Sophistications - Bill Newman continues his series

Sharing concerns - Bill Newman talks to British clarinettist Emma Johnson

CD Spotlight - Renaissance. 'Jennifer Paull gives sparkling performances.' The oboe d'amore revitalised - with Basil Ramsey.

Subtle Celebration - James MacMillan talks to Roderic Dunnett about composing sacred and liturgical music.

CD Spotlight - Musical spurs. 'His musical palette constantly overflows with colour, never garish yet sometimes opulent and sometimes sombre.' Irish convictions - Basil Ramsey investigates the music of Ian Wilson.

CD Spotlight - Resplendent Imagery. '...this whole CD does the greatest honour to a sadly neglected genius.' Bill Newman discusses the orchestral music of Víteslav Novák.

Record Box - Planning your collection - Dvorak, British light music, Swedish orchestral favourites, Gilbert and Sullivan -

CD Spotlight - A state funeral. 'It is not every day that one of England's smaller cathedrals has the opportunity to participate in bringing to our ears such an historic occasion as this.' Basil Ramsey listens to music for Lord Nelson.

By the way - 'A first-world-war eccentric' with Richard Graves

By the way - 'British melodies' with Richard Graves

Music for the masses - John Lubbock talks to Bill Newman

Pianos and Pianists - CD Spotlight - Sorabji -

Record Box - Exposure - Bach known and unknown, with Basil Ramsey.

Wondrous machines! - Colm Carey reflects on the fortunes of the organ

Dark and light by turns -

Pianos and Pianists - 10th London International Jewish Music Festival -

Vivid and sparkling music theatre -

Record Box - French bonbons - things of the past? Bill Newman listens to Yan Pascal Tortelier conducting the BBC Philharmonic.

Editorial Musings with Basil Ramsey - The outlook - shocking talk. What shape are we musicians in for the next 100 years?

Pianos and Pianists - Who to listen for -

Record Box - By Special Arrangement - Basil Ramsey listens to the Rodolfus Choir

Separating fact from fiction - Mike Harth reads Peter Dickinson's book 'Marigold: The Music of Billy Mayerl'

Grave and Bubbly - Basil Ramsey listens to early music at a festival

Book Review - Peter Dale explores James Day's Englishness in Music

Amalgam - Stravinsky and John Woolrich