A selection of M&V 'choral music' articles
CD Spotlight. A Controversial Figure - Choral works by Samuel Sebastian Wesley, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Soloists and choral singing are of the utmost quality ...'
Ensemble. Interesting and Dramatic - Liszt's Dante Symphony and Antonio Estévez's Cantata Criolla, heard by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Warmly Resonant - J S Bach's B minor Mass, heard in Derby Cathedral by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - Sibelius and Elgar from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Involving and Engrossing - Derby Bach Choir's St John Passion impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Expert Young Performers - Haydn's 'Creation' at Harrow School, heard by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. A Thunderous Send Off - John Adams and Peter Sellars' 'The Gospel According to the Other Mary' begins a European tour, and impresses Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Novel Results - The first release on Robert King's new label, heard by Robert Anderson. '... may lack something in grandeur but nothing in subtlety.'
CD Spotlight. Quite Sublime - Sacred music by Antonio Maria Bononcini, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an issue that oozes beauty ...'
Ensemble. Highly Appreciated - Music by Vivaldi in the churches of Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Beautifully Reverent - Carols from Phoenix Chorale, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. On Sparkling Form - Derby Cathedral Choir's Handel 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'
Ensemble. Crunchy Bitonality - Music by Julian Dawes, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'
CD Spotlight. Highly Recommended - Music for Advent intrigues Gerald Fenech. '... one of the discs of the year as far as choral music is concerned ...'
CD Spotlight. Yuletide Writing - The Taylor Festival Choir, heard by Howard Smith. '... irresistible verve and clarity.'
DVD Spotlight. Innovative Colours - J S Bach's Christmas Oratorio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... musically reliable ...'
Ensemble. Full Rein - Derby Bach Choir sings Haydn, Vivaldi and Beethoven, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Special Enchantment - Richard Hickox's 'Light of Life' impresses Howard Smith. '... Chandos/Hickox win hands down.'
Ensemble. Poise and Charm - Poulenc, Debussy and Puccini from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Verbal Grovelling - Vocal music by Christopher Tye, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitively interpreted by the Westminster Abbey Choir and James O'Donnell.'
Ensemble. Mother Russia - Works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, enjoyed by Suzanne Torrey
Ensemble. Silvery Tones - Maria Nockin was at the opening concert of Phoenix Chorale's 2012-13 season
Ensemble. New Light - Mozart's Requiem from the Sitwell Singers impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Expressive Power - Malcolm Miller listens to The Sixteen's 'The Earth Resounds'
CD Spotlight. Tonal Clarity - Music by Jonathan Little, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully performed ...'
CD Spotlight. Ethereal and Beautiful - Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... some rather inspired music.'
CD Spotlight. Fascinating Music - Works from the Eton Choirbook, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant and alive.'
Ensemble. Intensely Expressive - Italian baroque choral music, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. On Confident Form - Derby Cathedral Choir marks the royal jubilee, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Serenely Reflective - Choral music by Bob Chilcott, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singing has a transcendent quality ...'
Ensemble. Great Conviction - Mendelssohn, Mozart and Vivaldi from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Beautifully Apt - Choral music by Herbert Howells, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Howells at his finest.'
Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers on tour
Ensemble. Intelligent Phrasing - J S Bach's 'St John Passion' at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Contemporary Allegory - Paul Ben-Haim's oratorio 'Joram', heard by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Awesome Passion - Lukaszewski's 'Via Crucis', enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... palpable nobility ...'
CD Spotlight. Perennial Concern - 'Lamentation' and other settings by Morales, heard by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Powerfully Expressive - Holst, Howells, Finzi and Liszt from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Compelling Settings - Lassus, Gesualdo, Purcell, Byrd, J S Bach, Bruckner, Brahms and Tucapský from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Splendour Enough - Italian multi-voiced music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Niquet's team ... has done Striggio and his companions proud.'
CD Spotlight. Joyous and Infective - Poulenc's unaccompanied choral music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'There is much here to savour.'
CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Choral music by Stephen Chatman, heard by Patric Standford. '... extremely well performed ...'
Ensemble. Apocalypse Now - Franz Schmidt's 'The Book with Seven Seals', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Slavic Spirit - Janácek's Sinfonietta and Glagolitic Mass, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... Wit and his Polish forces come out of it all extremely well indeed.'
Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Handel's 'Messiah' from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Highly Intriguing - The Vienna Boys Choir in the Far East, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. '... a refreshingly different portrait of this hugely versatile group ...'
CD Spotlight. Entirely Captivating - The Nativity story told through music, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a balanced and fulfilling listening experience.'
Ensemble. Breezy Treatment - Familiar and unfamiliar music from The Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Thoughtful Performance - Derby Bach Choir's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - Elgar and Duruflé with a surprise soloist, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Convincing Jazz - Will Todd's 'Mass in Blue', heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Tragic Programme - Tom Taffinder reports from Welsh National Opera
CD Spotlight. Imitative Textures - Choral music by Giaches de Wert, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The singing is of the standard King's College effortlessly produces.'
Ensemble. Faust versus Faust - Two concerts conducted by Antonio Pappano, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Energy and Grandeur - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates the anniversary of William Boyce, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Most Electrifying - Toscanini's Verdi Requiem from Carnegie Hall, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... I find the 1951 adrenalin rush positively exhilarating.'
CD Spotlight. A Cautionary Tale - Pulitzer Prize-winning choral and orchestral music, heard by Karen Haid. '... an important and largely successful undertaking.'
DVD Spotlight. Blocks of Snow - 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Pagliacci', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... not always marooned in frozen wastes.'
Ensemble. Sheer Brilliance - Rossini's 'William Tell', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Emotional Awakening - More from the Buxton Festival, with Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. The Passing of Time - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan' at the Buxton Festival impresses Mike Wheeler
Ask Alice - Irate choral singers, grade exams and tendonitis, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. A Choral Delight - The Antioch Chamber Ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... most valuable.'
Ensemble. Hokey Plot? - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's 'Fidelio'
CD Spotlight. A Hint of Bitters - Music by William Ferris, heard by Howard Smith. 'Well worth investigating.'
CD Spotlight. Ambiguous Alchemy - Choral music by Jonathan Harvey, explored by Jennifer Paull. '... truly spellbinding ...'
Ensemble. An Engrossing Performance - Bach's 'St John Passion' from the Richard Roddis Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Finely Balanced - Mike Wheeler listens to Derby Choral Union
Ensemble. A Great Occasion - The Derby Roundhouse debut as a concert hall, described by Mike Wheeler
Mahler versus Mahler - Two symphony orchestras are playing Mahler in Rome, by Giuseppe Pennisi
Variety of Mood - Brahms and Stanford from The Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Exuberantly Florid Writing - Mike Wheeler listens to António Teixeira's Te Deum
Ensemble. Simple and Effective - A new production of Verdi's 'Nabucco' celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's Unification, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. An Impressive Achievement - Berlioz's 'The Trojans' at Berlin's Deutsche Oper, assessed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Happy Melodies - Rossini's 'Il Turco in Italia' delights Maria Nockin
Ensemble. The Wizard from Oz - David Arditti attends a celebration for the fiftieth anniversary of the death of Percy Grainger
Ensemble. A Riotous Production - Mark Anthony Turnage's 'Anna Nicole', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Psychological Portraits - Opera North's 'Carmen', experienced by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Stylish and Powerful - Donizetti's 'Belisario', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Great Fluency - Music by Pierre Moulu, heard by George Balcombe. '... magically moving individual lines and harmonies.'
Ensemble. Unmistakably American - William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Memorable Programme - Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Elegaic Melancholy - A new recording from Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, exceeds Howard Smith's highest expectations. '... beyond criticism ...'
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Deft - Choral and orchestral music by Camille Saint-Saëns, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The London Philharmonic under Geoffrey Simon gives of its best ...'
CD Spotlight. Murder Accomplished - Rutland Boughton's 'The Queen of Cornwall' impresses Robert Anderson. '... a brave attempt ...'
Ensemble. Real Spirit - A Christmas offering from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Evident Satisfaction - Mike Wheeler listens to a reconstructed cantata by Neil Garland
Ensemble. Substantial and Astonishing - Robert Hugill listens to sixteenth century Christmas music sung by the Chapelle du Roi
Ensemble. Unfailingly Musical - Mike Wheeler listens to Handel's Messiah from Derby Cathedral
Ensemble. A Good Feel - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
An Eloquent Devotee - Ronald Stevenson's writings on Grainger, read by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Crisp and Lively - Haydn's Creation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. True Ear Candy - Wagner's 'Lohengrin' at L A Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Cherubini's 'Medée', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Generous Tonal Warmth - Derby Choral Union's Mozart Requiem, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Very Rewarding - The Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. What does this symphony mean? - Shostakovich's 'Leningrad', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Glowing Performance - The Sitwell Singers begin a new season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Total Commitment - Bart's Choir's Verdi Requiem, heard by Robert Anderson
CD Spotlight. Great Purity - Performances by Deborah Roberts and friends, heard by Patric Standford. '... a recording to be treasured ...'
Ask Alice - On rodents, requiems and bow restorers, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. An Icy Reception - Giuseppe Pennisi describes the 2010 Parma Verdi Festival's stormy beginning
Ensemble. Artistic Magic - Seraphic Fire's Rachmaninov Vespers, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. A Brave Show - Choral music by Sibelius, heard by Robert Anderson. '... much here to surprise and fascinate ...'
Ensemble. Pilgrimages of the Soul - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Italy's Sagra Musicale Umbra
CD Spotlight. A Delightful Spirit - Balkan music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... a near perfect blend of timbre and balance ...'
Majesty, Moment and Control - Ben Bloor's concluding recital for Derby Cathedral's 2010 summer organ series impresses Tony Westerman
Ensemble. Convincing and Engrossing - Robert Hugill visits the Gut Immling Festival for a performance of Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman'
Ensemble. Eminently Believable - Undercroft Opera's 'La Traviata', reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Highly Characterful - Tom Corfield plays Whitlock, Howells, Messiaen, Bach and Peeters, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Dramatic Strength - The 'Glory of God' through three Verdi operas at the Sferisterio Festival 2010, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Limpid Clarity - 'The Barber of Baghdad' by Peter Cornelius, experienced by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. 'Alceste' in the Madhouse - Giuseppe Pennisi files his last report from the 2010 Aix-en-Provence Festival
Ensemble. Rather Quirky - Massenet's 'Manon' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Sisters Under the Skin - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda' at Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Puzzling and Frustrating - Mozart's 'Idomeneo' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Flowers of Light - Puccini's 'I crisantemi' as a pedagogical tool for piano performance majors, by Heidi Lowy
Ensemble. Bewildering Variety - 'The Love of Three Oranges' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Darkness to Light - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Ravenna Festival
Ensemble. Colourful and Large Scale - Francesca Zamballo's production of 'Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Awakening of Nature - Mahler's Third Symphony, appreciated by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Neatly Balanced - A City Lit music gala, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Cosmic Distance - Choral music from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, recommended by George Balcombe. '... such clarity ...'
CD Spotlight. Airy Textures - Handel's 'Judas Maccabaeus', heard by Robert Anderson. '... the choral mood is everything.'
Profile. Important Skills - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo Dolora Zajick
Serious Fun - Lynn Norris looks back at the life of composer, conductor and pianist Aubrey Bowman
Ensemble. Mahler versus Mahler - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Antonio Pappano and the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia
Ensemble. Under the Tuscan Sun - Giuseppe Pennisi attends the beginning of the Tiroler Festspiele 2010
Profile. Real Meaning - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham
Ensemble. Difficult to Forget - Richard Strauss' 'Die Frau ohne Schatten', enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Hilariously Funny - Arizona Opera's 'The Barber of Seville', appreciated by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Sensitive Account - Choral music by Rossini, Elgar and Handel, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Top-notch Formation - Operas by Zemlinsky and Puccini, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. In Complete Command - Britten's 'The Company of Heaven' and Renaissance Polyphony, heard by Mike Wheeler
Thoroughly Impressed - Maria Nockin talks to baritone Alan Opie, who is about to sing Germont for San Diego Opera
Ensemble. Distinctive Fervour - Music for Holy Week sung by the Chapelle du Roi, heard by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Beautifully Realised - Haydn, Poulenc, Szymanowski and Walton, sung by Derby Bach Choir and the girl choristers of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Boldly Programmed - Music by Antonín Tucapský, Petr Eben and Vaughan Williams, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Utmost Clarity - William Appling plays Joplin and Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently four square, honest, unpretentious ...'
Ensemble. Fine Tone - Derby Grammar School and High School Choral Society, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Splendid Richness - Music from Goldsmiths Chamber Choir and Brass Ensemble, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. An Erotic 'Tannhäuser' in Bollywood - Giuseppe Pennisi has mixed feelings about La Scala's new Wagnerian production
Ensemble. An Excellent Performance - Gounod's 'Romeo and Juliet' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. The Devil and the Bourgeoisie - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Arrigo Boito's 'Mefistofele'
Ensemble. An Enjoyable Evening - Opera North's 'Ruddigore', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Disillusioning in All its Grandeur - New York Metropolitan Opera's current production of Giuseppe Verdi's 'Attila' elicits a mixed reaction from Rebecca Schmid
Ensemble. Human Nature - A staged 'Così fan tutte' at Severance Hall in Cleveland, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Joyously Guiltfree - Haydn's 'Creation', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Haydn is on top form throughout ...'
Ensemble. Unusual and Different - Tan Dun's 'The Banquet', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Profile. Encouraging Others - Maria Nockin talks to Stephen Costello and Ailyn Perez, the young couple singing Gounod's 'Romeo and Juliet' this month at San Diego Opera
Ensemble. A Crisp Performance - 'Belshazzar' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Nearly Unknown - Bologna's Renaissance music, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... an efficient and effective local ensemble ...'
Ensemble. Sheer Tension - The first performance of the unabridged 'Elektra' enthralls the audience, related by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Shattering Conviction - Mike Wheeler listens to Markus Stenz and the Hallé in music by Colin Matthews and Mahler
Ensemble. In Full Voice - Britten's 'St Nicolas' at Canterbury Cathedral, enjoyed by Pippa Hare
DVD Spotlight. A New Light - La Scala gives 'Maria Stuarda' the royal treatment, by Gregory Moomjy. '... the cast was in fine voice ...'
CD Spotlight. Thoughtful Output - Music by Thomas Hewitt Jones, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive but questionably appropriate ...'
Mature and Considered - Stephen Savage plays Beethoven, heard by Julian Jacobson
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.'
Ensemble. A Thrilling New Option - 'Il Trovatore' from Barcelona, experienced in Arizona by Maria Nockin
DVD Spotlight. Malignant Fate - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... wonderfully alert ...'
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
CD Spotlight. Robust and Spirited - James Tibbles plays J S Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... worthy of widespread international recognition.'
CD Spotlight. An Exceptional Recording - Mozart's 'Idomeneo', treasured by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced and crafted ...'
Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Mike Wheeler listens to the Sitwell Singers
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 ...'
CD Spotlight. Blissfully Serene - Carols from Westminster Abbey, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... gravity-defying buoyancy.'
CD Spotlight. Hauntingly Beautiful - Christmas music from Chicago a cappella, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... I would have liked a little more grit ...'
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
Ensemble. Crystalline Lightness - A Symphony of the Americas concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
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. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Fine-honed Skill - Alessandro Scarlatti's 'Davidis pugna et victoria', heard by Robert Anderson
CD Spotlight. A Superb Work - Thomas Arne's 'Artaxerxes', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Roy Goodman and his team give their all ...'
Ensemble. Robust Voices - Susan Hampton visits Boston for Puccini's 'La bohème'
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. A Fine Rendition - 'Così fan tutte' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Dark and Serious - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Tolomeo'
Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Buoyancy and Lyricism - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates four composer anniversaries, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Classy Show - Pimlico Opera's 'Rigoletto', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Impeccable Technique - Beethoven's middle string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The outer movements induce some grinding of teeth.'
CD Spotlight. Exquisitely Nuanced - Steve Davislim sings Vierne and Chausson, recommended by Howard Smith. 'I cannot think of higher praise.'
Ensemble. A Gala Atmosphere - Maria Nockin reports from Los Angeles Opera's opening night 'L'Elisir d'amore'
Ensemble. Sterling Performances - Donizetti's 'Linda di Chamounix', heard by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Exceptional Assurance - J S Bach organ sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... an immensely satisfying conclusion.'
CD Spotlight. Formidable Pianism - Beethoven arranged by Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Sing ye to the Lord - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2009 Hereford Three Choirs Festival
Ensemble. A Magical Week - Maria Nockin reports from Santa Fe
Cumulative Weight - Mike Wheeler listens to Peter Williams at the organ of Derby Cathedral
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
Ensemble. Dramatic Essentials - 'Carmen' from Paris, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - 'The Fragile Shell' amazes Mike Wheeler
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. Truly Enjoyable - Maria Nockin was at Los Angeles Opera's 'La Traviata'
Ensemble. A Heady Delight - Shostakovich's operetta 'Moskva, Cheryomushki', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Refreshing Surprises - A concert in London by the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. A Striking Urgency - Schnittke and Ginastera from the Choir of St Ignatius Loyola, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Not quite what one might expect.'
Ensemble. A Notable Success - Grange Park Opera's 'Norma', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. An Undisturbed Evenness - Choral music 'from a Russian cathedral', heard by Paul Sarcich. '... engineered to tranquillity ...'
Ensemble. Unique Sonorities - Britten's Peter Grimes, heard by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Heavenly Blend - Joshua Habermann conducts the Master Chorale of South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Notable Liveliness - 'Jephtha' at the London Handel Festival, heard by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Highly Resourceful - Mike Wheeler listens to a new work by Richard Roddis
Ensemble. Expert Playing - Music for voices and brass, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Sheer Exuberance - Elizabeth Watts and Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Tremendous Conviction - Mahler's Symphony No 2 in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. An Involving Performance - Brahms' German Requiem, sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Luxurious Textures - Sacred music from the Phoenix Chorale, heard by Maria Nockin
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. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Ineffable - Medieval music by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... profoundly moving.'
Record Box. Great Beauty - Music by Guillaume Dufay impresses Gerald Fenech
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
Ensemble. Magical eloquence - The first night of Palm Beach Opera's revival of Bellini's 'Norma' provides a night to remember for Lawrence Budmen
DVD Spotlight. Love Problems - Donizetti's 'l'Elisir d'amore', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... beguiling candour.'
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. Magical and Sensitive - A recording by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain inspires Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Engagingly Heartening - Choral and orchestral music by Arthur Honegger, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... strikingly performed by Welsh forces ...'
Ensemble. Infectious Rhythms - Jim Lueers' 'Come to the Well', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
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. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music
Ensemble. Jubilant Energy - The Derby Bach Choir begins its 50th anniversary celebrations, reported by Mike Wheeler
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. In Memory of Hickox - Vaughan Williams' 'Sancta Civitas', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Inspired Vision - Mendelssohn's 'Elijah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Inner Calm - Holst and Vaughan Williams from Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Lyrical Structures - Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday, by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. A Fascinating Work - The first performance of Gabriel Jackson's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Rare Provenance - Kristallnacht remembered, by Howard Smith
Record Box. An Eloquent Interpretation - Choral music by Karol Szymanowski, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
DVD Spotlight. Understandably Controversial - Derek Jarman's 'War Requiem', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... cutting room virtuosity.'
Ensemble. Deeply Thoughtful - Byrd, Vaughan Williams, Parry and Elgar from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell
CD Spotlight. Striking Beauty - Rachmaninov's Vespers, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... marvellous tonal exactitude, pellucid control, superb diction ...'
CD Spotlight. A Special Pleasure - Masaaki Suzuki directs J S Bach cantatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'If the Japanese tempo is faster than mine, so be it ...'
CD Spotlight. An Orchestral Conception - Bach church cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... robust and sensitive as required ...'
Record Box. Beautifully Performed - Music by Veljo Tormis, recommended by Patric Standford
Good-hearted Buoyancy - Dvorák and Brahms from Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Glorious Textures - Sacred vocal music by Robert Parsons, reviewed by Patric Standford
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. An Excellent Team - Bach's St Matthew Passion from Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
An Enviable Reputation - Mike Brewer and The National Youth Choirs celebrate their 25th anniversary, by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Striking Individuality - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity and conviction.'
Ensemble. Rebuilt City - Malcolm Miller enjoys the first performance of Judith Weir's choral-orchestral work, 'Concrete'
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. 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
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
Record Box. For All Tastes - Christmas music from Germany, appreciated by Patric Standford
Record Box. Excellent Singing - A Christmas selection from Chorus Angelicus and Gaudeamus, enjoyed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Points of Contact - Choral music by Britten and Finzi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Colour, Energy and Warmth - Mike Wheeler enjoys a performance of the Monteverdi Vespers
Ensemble. Requiem in Blue - Rex Harley was at Harvey Brough's 50th birthday concert
Ensemble. Genuine Appreciation - Robert Hugill at a concert by Londinium City Voices
CD Spotlight. Hope and Faith - J S Bach's Leipzig Chorales, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... the performances are exquisite.'
Ensemble. A Blockbuster Weekend - Beethoven's 'Fidelio' and Verdi's 'Requiem' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
CD Spotlight. Life-affirming Mozart - Recordings from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's 2006 Festival, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... bold, arresting, re-creative performances ...'
CD Spotlight. Monumental - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' from Birmingham, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a rich performance by both chorus and orchestra ...'
Ensemble. Vibrant Harmony - Shirley Ratcliffe was at Snape Proms to hear The London Adventist Chorale directed by Ken Burton
Record Box. Dissonance-Free - John Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', reviewed by Patric Standford
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
Ensemble. Sheer Verve - The Derby Bach Choir sings HMS Pinafore, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Classy Performance - Summer with The Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Names of Allah - Malcolm Miller reflects on a John Tavener first performance
Fascinating and Rewarding - Machaut, O'Regan and Brumel from The Orlando Consort and Viva Voce, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Emotive Power - Roderic Dunnett sings the praises of John Joubert, following the recent première of 'Wings of Faith' in Birmingham UK
Ensemble. Expressive Fervour - Elgar's 'The Music Makers' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Real Inspiration - Verse anthems from FifteenB, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. Various Challenges - Music by Trevor Hold, Elgar, Parry, Stanford, Delius and Vivaldi from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Tremendous Urgency - Derby Bach Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Dramatic Story-telling - A performance of J S Bach's 'St John Passion', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Energy and Drama - Handel's 'Messiah' from The Sitwell Singers, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. An Interesting Mix - Sacred treasures, enjoyed by Robert Hugill. '... certainly intoxicating.'
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
Record Box. Vibrant Presentation - A worthy memorial to William Ferris, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Splendidly Wide-ranging - The Sitwell Singers' Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Truly Moving - Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Renewal and Revitalisation - Malcolm Miller enjoys the London Jewish Male Choir's 80th anniversary concert
Ensemble. Energy and Exuberance - Music by Haydn, Karl Jenkins and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Resplendent Impact - Derby Bach Choir makes its contribution to the Mozart anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Something for Everyone - An evening with the Zemel Choir, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Record Box. Gentle Chromaticism - Music by Orlando Gibbons, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Sandals and Yoghurt? - Bach at the Berlin Philharmonie, reviewed by Ciarán McAuley
Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Derby Cathedral Choir sings Mozart, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Uncommon Singularity - Choral music by Lepo Sumera, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... performances with these forces are undoubtedly authoritative ...'
Ensemble. Touching Contributions - A concert by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Fizzing with Energy - The Sitwell Singers celebrate a 40th anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Stylistic Variety - Passiontide music sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Radiantly fresh - Emma Kirkby and the Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Simply Stunning - A performance of Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius' impresses Mike Wheeler
Record box. Colourfully set - Choral music by William McClelland, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Plea for peace - Vaughan Williams's 'Dona Nobis Pacem' in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. The devil is in the details - Schumann's 'Scenes from Faust' in Cleveland, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz
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
CD Spotlight. Spirited ease - Songs of Jewish life, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... calm and delight to perfection ...'
Ensemble. Telling contributions - Carols from Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Much to enjoy - Colin Davies conducts Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius', and Robert Hugill was in the audience
CD Spotlight. A theatrical experience - Spirituals and gospel music sung by Chanticleer, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... enjoyable ...'
Ensemble. Grandeur and intimacy - A performance of Handel's 'Solomon', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Striking sonorities - Twentieth-century British music, sung by Derby Choral Union, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Changing moods - The Derwent Singers and Sinfonia Chorale, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Heavenly exultation - An unforgettable première of Monteverdi's Vespers, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Characteristically eclectic - Music by Leonardo Balada, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a choral composer of flair and creativity.'
Ensemble. The freedom of jazz - 'All Rise', by Wynton Marsalis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Old and new - The first public appearance of a new chamber choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Infectiously joyful - Choral music from the South American folk tradition, appreciated by Malcolm Tattersall. '... one of those rare discs which nearly everyone will like.'
Drama in the music - Robert Hugill muses on the staging of Handel's oratorios
Ensemble. Lasting impression - Kelly Ferjutz listens to the second of two special concerts in which Pierre Boulez conducts the Cleveland Orchestra
Ensemble. Imaginative and ambitious - Rex Harley discovers the Crickhowell Festival
Ensemble. Their Majesties' Music - Pippa Hare listens to the Choir of the 21st Century
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Nancy Galbraith about the forthcoming première of her new Requiem
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. Twinkling and sparkling - An organ and brass holiday celebration in Cleveland, USA, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ask Alice - Balls for baubles, plus a Romeo and Juliet prelude. Into the sin bin with brass players and conductors, thrown by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Record box. A sure touch - Edward Higginbottom conducts New College Oxford Choir, appreciated by Basil Ramsey
Ensemble. 'You are the Light of the World!' - The first performance of Nancy Galbraith's cantata 'God of Justice', reviewed by Carson Cooman
Record box. Life's loves - Robert Hugill listens to music by William Copper
Profile. Surging up again? - Gordon Rumson investigates the sacred choral music of Caleb Simper, (no longer) sung throughout the civilized world
Ensemble. Choral centenary - Malcolm Miller enjoys two seldom-performed works by Berthold Goldschmidt
Ensemble. Medieval Hebrew - Malcolm Miller attends the première of 'The Death of Moses' by Julian Dawes
Ensemble. Dramatic writing - Rex Harley attends a memorable performance of the Victoria Requiem
Record box. Occasionally beautiful - The sacred choral music of Robert Evett, explored by Ron Bierman
CD Spotlight. Onward tread - Charles Wood's anthems, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant in tone and firm as a rock ...'
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Once in a while
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
Record box - Church music by gaslight. Sullivan's church offerings, by Basil Ramsey
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)
CD Spotlight - Journeying into space. 'Highly recommended.' Contemporary music for chorus, welcomed by Shirley Ratcliffe
Site Seeing Special - Choirs and Choral Music
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