A selection of M&V 'orchestral music' articles
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
Ensemble. The Quality of the Cooks - Verdi comic operas on stage, tasted by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. A Class Of Its Own - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Cleveland Orchestra
Ask Alice - Elegy and Celebration, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
DVD Spotlight. Tragic Power - Handel's 'Tamerlano', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The simplicity of the production is welcome ...'
Ask Alice - On the craziness of worldwide auditions, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. Transcendent Resignation - Mahler's Ninth Symphony, heard by David Wilkins. '... played with love and knowledge and commitment ...'
CD Spotlight. Such Clarity - Piano music by Prokofiev, heard by Robert Anderson. '... enviable simplicity and beauty of tone.'
CD Spotlight. Sterling Playing - Wendy Warner's interpretations of Popper and Piatigorsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... sovereign music-making deserving of the highest accolades.'
Ensemble. High Energy Performance - A 'Salute to Vienna' concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Great Poise - Petrenko conducts Shostakovich symphonies, recommended by Paul Sarcich. '... care and thoughtfulness ...'
Ask Alice - On ageism in the music business, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
DVD Spotlight. Malignant Fate - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... wonderfully alert ...'
CD Spotlight. Invigoratingly Natural - Van Beinum conducts Mahler, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a tad less frenetic ...'
Ensemble. Compelling Vocal Drama - Lawrence Budmen listens to Measha Brueggergosman and the New World Symphony
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. Verve and Flair - Derby Concert Orchestra plays film music, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Thoughtfully Conceived - James Judd conducts Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Insistent Patterns - Music by Yuanlin Chen, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... marvelous textures ...'
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. 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
Ensemble. Quirky Opera - Mike Wheeler experiences Janácek's 'The excursions of Mr Broucek'
Ensemble. Finely Controlled - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony, heard by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Fine-honed Skill - Alessandro Scarlatti's 'Davidis pugna et victoria', heard by Robert Anderson
CD Spotlight. Musical Novelties - Café music from Vienna, enjoyed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Much Praise - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' from Kentish Opera, reviewed by Pippa Hare
Ensemble. A Sizzling Rendition - 'Carmen' from Phoenix Opera impresses Maria Nockin
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 ...'
CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Intelligent - Schumann and Beethoven songs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... he is undoubtedly more comfortable in his baritone register.'
CD Spotlight. Lyric Warmth - Jennifer Larmore sings Barber, Berlioz, Ravel and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a compelling disc ...'
Ensemble. Lyrical Athleticism - The Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra celebrate Paul Taylor's eightieth birthday, reviewed by Rebecca Schmid
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 ...'
Ensemble. A Fine Rendition - 'Così fan tutte' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Nice Blend - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Intensity and Concentration - Kurt Masur conducts Richard Strauss, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz. '... beautifully and confidently performed ...'
Ensemble. Brilliantly Festive - Mike Wheeler listens to the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble. Incisive Performance - Lawrence Budmen reports from the New World Symphony's new season
Ensemble. Brisk Ebullience - Lawrence Budmen sends a second report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival
CD Spotlight. An Excellent Introduction - Chamber music by Steven R Gerber, heard by Patric Standford. '... impressive quality.'
CD Spotlight. Deft and Brilliant - Sibelius orchestral music, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... in the safest of hands.'
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
CD Spotlight. Forever Challenging - Symphonies by Leif Kayser, heard by Patric Standford. '... his ingenious inventiveness continues to impress.'
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. Authority and Charisma - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Maria Nockin
DVD Spotlight. Convincing Forcefulness - A documentary on Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly', seen by Gerald Fenech. '... riveting stuff ...'
Ensemble. Particularly Memorable - Elgar, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from the Hallé Orchestra, enjoyed by 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. A Gala Atmosphere - Maria Nockin reports from Los Angeles Opera's opening night 'L'Elisir d'amore'
Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh deals with the all-too-human feelings of annoyance, rejection and worry
CD Spotlight. Chameleon Virtues - Barenboim conducts Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel and Wagner, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the oddest assortment of music.'
Ensemble. Powerful Stuff - Howard Smith was at the last Vector Wellington Orchestra programme engineered by Christine Pearce
CD Spotlight. Perfection of Ensemble - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no excuse for the near-supersonic velocity ...'
CD Spotlight. Sacrificing the 'unmodern' - Music by Julius Röntgen and Per Nørgård, heard by George Balcombe. 'How could any audience resist ... ?'
Ensemble. Sterling Performances - Donizetti's 'Linda di Chamounix', heard by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Challenging - Music by Philip Wilby, heard by Patric Standford. 'Nothing stands still for long ...'
Ensemble. Tonal Luxuriance - Lawrence Budmen reports from Tanglewood 2009
DVD Spotlight. Extreme Individuality - A film about Delius, seen by Paul Sarcich. '... a commendable breadth.'
Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton
CD Spotlight. Formidable Pianism - Beethoven arranged by Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson
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
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
Ask Alice - On orchestral horn solos and funding cuts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Compelling Performance - Members of Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Marvelously Gifted - Bill Newman listens to pianist Alexander Romanovsky
CD Spotlight. A Purposeful Vigour - Symphonies by Albéric Magnard impress Patric Standford. '... a notable symphonic architect.'
CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'
Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Clarity of Texture - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Remenyi Ede Chamber Orchestra
Ensemble. Full Rein - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. True Artistry - Howard Smith attends New Zealand's Music Fair of Japan 2009
Record Box. Intimate Demands - Music by Igor Krivokapic, heard by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Evident Sympathy - Major piano works by Schubert, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Lipkin understands well how to respect the silences ...'
Ensemble. Thought-provoking - Music by Harle and Maxwell Davies, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ask Alice - On business and friends, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
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. Another Treat - Martinu's 'Mirandolina' at Garsington Opera, by Roderic Dunnett
Ensemble. A Compelling Portrait - Verdi's 'Don Carlos' impresses Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Beyond Beauty - A film about Sergiu Celibidache, seen by Ioana Osoianu. 'There are no compromises.'
Ensemble. A Poignant Question-mark - Opera North's 'Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Real Work-out - Jane Parker-Smith at the organ of St Gudula, Rhede, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Extrovert Optimism - Piano music by Benjamin Lees, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a pleasant surprise ...'
Ensemble. Dramatic and Responsive - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' from Chelsea Opera Group, reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Expressive Beauty - Chamber music by Marjan Mozetich, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... "Hymn of Ascension" stood out for its power and cogency.'
Ask Alice - Problems down at the ol' wind quintet, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. Sensuality and Freedom - Stokowski conducts Schubert and Dvorák, heard by Béla Hartmann. '... one is never left in any doubt as to the force of the conductor ...'
Ensemble. Refreshingly Different - Mike Wheeler listens to the Prague Symphony Orchestra
Ensemble. A Dream-Travelogue of Intoxification - David Wilkins attends a concert at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire
Ask Alice - On freelancers, swiping work and danger money, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
Life and Other Distractions - Béla Hartmann writes about the relevance of biography to an appreciation of the arts
Ensemble. Lightness and Transparency - New World Symphony, the American orchestral academy, ends its season with an all-Tchaikovsky programme, reported by Lawrence Budmen
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
Record Box. Craftsmanship and Spirit - Symphonies by James Cohn, heard by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Exciting Results - A new partnership between Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, experienced by Mike Wheeler
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
CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'
CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Voice - Music by Vincent d'Indy, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'The eloquent solo viola of Lawrence Power is crucial ...'
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. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra
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. Energy and Imagination - Beethoven from Louis Lortie, Kurt Masur and the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Fire in its Belly - Lothar Zagrosek conducts the Konzerthausorchester, Berlin, heard by Mike Wheeler
Easy Grace - Martyna Jatkauskaite plays Mozart and Schumann, enjoyed by Robert Hugill
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. Fire and Magic - Richard Stoltzman's 'Phoenix in Flight', recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... meltingly beautiful ...'
CD Spotlight. Sovereign Horn Territory - Music for horn and orchestra, recommended by Howard Smith. '... stunning breath control and consummate understanding ...'
Record Box. Haunted Loneliness - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Elegance and Authority - Leila Josefowicz and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Eminently Competitive - Mozart works for clarinet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Paul Dean demonstrates his exemplary fluency ...'
Ensemble. Rousing Performance - Mendelssohn, Ravel, Larsen and Tchaikovsky in South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Fresh Energy - Sinfonia Viva begins its Mendelssohn celebrations, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Potent Alchemy - The launch of a new series of Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. A Passionate Attraction - The Cleveland Orchestra in Miami, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. An Impressive Crispness - The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra plays Stravinsky, heard by Patric Standford
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
CD Spotlight. A Special Quality - Music by Sibelius for voice and orchestra, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'Throughout the set BIS has maintained the high standards ...'
Ensemble. Meltingly Beautiful - Joshua Bell joins Vladimir Ashkenazy and the New World Symphony for music by Saint-Saëns and Mahler, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
DVD Spotlight. Love Problems - Donizetti's 'l'Elisir d'amore', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... beguiling candour.'
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
Record Box. Dazzling Works - Contemporary music from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, recommended by Patric Standford
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 Lyric Voice - Arias performed by Vania Vatralova-Stankov, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a richness and depth ...'
Record Box. An Evolving Technique - Music by Aaron Jay Kernis, recommended by Ron Bierman
Record Box. Unjustly Neglected - Violin concertos by Nikolay Roslavets impress Gerald Fenech
CD Spotlight. Engagingly Heartening - Choral and orchestral music by Arthur Honegger, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... strikingly performed by Welsh forces ...'
Record Box. An Unfolding Cycle - Gergiev conducts Mahler, heard by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music
Ensemble. Grandly Romantic - Vadim Gluzman on stage with the Boca Raton Symphonia, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. A Crowd Pleaser - Concertos and a symphony by Lee Actor, heard by Ron Bierman
Profile. Rich Musical Experiences - American conductor Joel Revzen talks to Maria Nockin
Ensemble. A Thrilling Performance - Wagner, Mozart and Schubert from Julian Bliss, Andreas Reiner and the Munich KlangVerwaltung, impresses Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. In Memory of Hickox - Vaughan Williams' 'Sancta Civitas', reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Expressive Warmth - Ruth Palmer plays the Barber Violin Concerto, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Rhapsodic Cello - Music by Bruce Cale, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall
Record Box. Richness of Colour - Stokowski conducts Wagner, Enescu, Debussy and Stravinsky, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Record Box. Powerful and Original - Music by Ives, orchestrated by Brant, and heard by Robert Anderson
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. Podium Celebrity - Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Rare Provenance - Kristallnacht remembered, by Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. A Resounding Hurrah - Corigliano sets Dylan, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Titanic, zealous stuff.'
Record Box. An Eloquent Interpretation - Choral music by Karol Szymanowski, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Record Box. Orchestral Skill - Music by Julius Röntgen, recommended by Gerald Fenech
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. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens
CD Spotlight. A Second Oscar? - Music by Rachel Portman, reviewed by K C Devereaux. 'Portman's score ably captures the poignancy ...'
CD Spotlight. Inspired Sibelius - Music for the theatre fascinates Robert Anderson. 'Again BIS has done the great master proud.'
CD Spotlight. A Special Joy - The Sibelius tone poems, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... so sparely wrought and of such integrity ...'
Ensemble. High Spirits - Freddy Kempf and the Moscow Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Intense Leadership - Sierra, Ginastera and Rachmaninov conducted by Alasdair Neale, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. Wit and Energy - Music for piano and orchestra by Benjamin Britten, enjoyed by Robert Anderson
Ensemble. Epic and Masterful - Beethoven performances at Tanglewood, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Inner Detail - Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Distinctive Spontaneity - Halida Dinova plays Brahms, unreservedly recommended by Howard Smith. 'A truly distinguished performance and recording ...'
Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell
Record Box. Striking Originality - Symphonies by Harri Vuori, heard by Patric Standford
Record Box. Fundamentals of Censorship - Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony, reviewed by Robert Anderson
Record Box. An Animated Performance - Music for orchestra by Steven R Gerber, heard by Patric Standford
Record Box. Sympathetic Readings - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A Bright Future - Malcolm Miller was at the final night of the 2008 BBC Proms in London
Record Box. Many Moods - Orchestral music by Glazunov, recommended by Robert Anderson
Punchy and Informative - John Bell Young's survey of the Beethoven symphonies, read by Gerald Fenech
Record Box. Orchestrated Boldly - Music by Hampson Sisler, reviewed by Patric Standford
Record Box. Great Entertainment - Stokowski conducts ballet music, heard by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. A Memorable Disc - Vadim Gluzman plays Tchaikovsky and Glazunov, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Vadim Gluzman is a violinist of remarkable gifts.'
Ensemble. Sovereign Purity - Bach, Mozart and Beethoven from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, reported by Howard Smith
CD Spotlight. Stylish and Pointed - Stokowski conducts Bizet and Debussy, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... a rhythmic élan and masterly sense of line ...'
CD Spotlight. Musical Quintessence - Orchestral music by Leroy Anderson, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... immediately appealing melodies ...'
Record Box. Unmissable - Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák, recommended by Gerald Fenech
Ensemble. Propulsive Energy - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Thematic Economy - Orchestral music by Albert Roussel, heard by Robert Anderson
CD Spotlight. Essential Lyricism - The violin concertos of Ernö von Dohnányi, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a very impressive performance.'
CD Spotlight. An Exhilarating Freshness - Recordings of the Beethoven symphonies attract Patric Standford. '... an outstanding overall impression.'
CD Spotlight. An Orchestral Conception - Bach church cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... robust and sensitive as required ...'
Ensemble. Peak Form - Mike Wheeler finds Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra a joy to hear
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
Record Box. Attractive Ideas - Music by Isotaro Sugata, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Mahler and Mozart in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Musical Enjoyment - Works by Respighi, recommended by Howard Smith. '... impressively alive to each facet of Respighi's aural colourations ...'
Record Box. Fascinating and Rewarding - Works by Kosçak Yamada, heard by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A Singing Style - Violinist Jack Liebeck makes a short-notice appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Richly-spiced Palette - Malcolm Miller reports on the world première of a new viola concerto in Tel Aviv
Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. A Sure Instinct - Music for string orchestra by Peteris Plakidis, heard by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A Real Large Work - Mike Wheeler listens to Alban Gerhardt, Rory Macdonald and the Hallé Orchestra
CD Spotlight. An Unexpected Pleasure - Wind Concertos by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Strongly recommended ...'
Record Box. A Welcome Insight - Orchestral music by Charles Camilleri, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A Geordie Knees-Up - John Wilson conducts the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Wonderfully Refreshing - Antoni Wit and the Warsaw Philharmonic on tour impress Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Highly Promising - Rossini, Schubert and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Emotion and Rhythm - Concertos for string instruments by Laurent Petitgirard, reviewed by Patric Standford
Record Box. Breathtaking Energy - Orchestral music by Komei Abe, reviewed by Patric Standford
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
Record Box. Bright Performances - Music for strings by Josef Myslivecek, reviewed by Patric Standford
Record Box. Fine Recordings - Orchestral music by Julius Burger, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Expressive Power - Mike Wheeler listens to Natalie Clein and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations
Record Box. An Independent Voice - Patric Standford listens to orchestral music by Ester Mägi
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'
Ensemble. Story Telling - Robert Hugill was at London's recent Judith Weir weekend
CD Spotlight. Second Fiddle? - Symphonies by Albert Roussel, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity, focus and sheer ambience.'
CD Spotlight. Flawlessly Performed - Shostakovich's Symphony No 10, chosen by Howard Smith. '... the results are very special.'
CD Spotlight. Substantially Admirable - Vocal music by Puccini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... more than sufficient ... to recommend unstintingly ...'
Record Box. Beautifully Played - Music by Igor Raykhelson, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Gallic Clarity - Arias by Massenet, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... immeasurable lyric flair ...'
CD Spotlight. An Intellectual Force - Piano music by Sergei Taneyev, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'Performances are expert and loving throughout ...'
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Completions
Magnificats and Fantasias - A Christmas programme from Derby Cathedral Choir, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Original and Brilliant - Trevor Barrett considers Dvorák's 'New World Symphony' as the most important symphonic work in American history
Record Box. For All Tastes - Christmas music from Germany, appreciated by Patric Standford
Plenty of Atmosphere - A festive concert from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
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
Ensemble. A Majestic Reading - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Sibelius, Bach and Smetana from Pietari Inkinen and the CBSO
Ensemble. A Memorable Concert - Chloë Hanslip, Slatkin and the RPO, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
CD Spotlight. Richly Creative - Orchestral music by Bechara El-Khoury, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a valuable addition ...'
CD Spotlight. Unforced Miniatures - Balakirev and Russian folksong, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... to be applauded.'
CD Spotlight. Enjoyable Colours - Russian music from Stokowski, reviewed by Patric Standford. 'The recordings do not show half a century of wear ...'
Ensemble. On Fine Form - Jeremy Hagan and the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Dispiritingly Unmusical - The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra of Moscow Radio on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Beethoven in Budapest - The MÁV Symphony Orchestra with Zoltán Kocsis, reviewed by Karen Haid
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 ...'
CD Spotlight. Unrivalled - János Starker plays Bartók, Boccherini, Kodály, Mozart and Leo Weiner, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... instrumental artistry at its finest.'
CD Spotlight. Life-affirming Mozart - Recordings from the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's 2006 Festival, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... bold, arresting, re-creative performances ...'
Ensemble. Rapt and Radiant - Sarah Connolly, The Hallé Orchestra and Mark Elder visit Derby, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience
CD Spotlight. Tapestry of Colours - Music by Karol Szymanowski, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... a rewarding partnership ...'
CD Spotlight. Monumental - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' from Birmingham, appreciated by Patric Standford. '... a rich performance by both chorus and orchestra ...'
Record Box. Extremely Prolific - Music by Carson Cooman, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Primal Energy - Barenboim and the Vienna Philharmonic play Bartók, Kodály, Enescu and Ligeti
Ensemble. Full Circle - The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra opens Musikfest Berlin, reviewed by Ciaran McAuley
A Milestone in Dance - Lawrence Budmen's second report from The Berkshires
Ensemble. An Intellectual Oasis - Lawrence Budmen returns to Tanglewood to hear the Boston Symphony Orchestra
CD Spotlight. Talented and Promising - Music by Carson P Cooman, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... striking felicities of orchestral expression ...'
CD Spotlight. Breathtaking Poetry - Svetlanov conducts Rachmaninov, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Svetlanov's affinity with Rachmaninov's daring idioms is always apparent.'
CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Music by Saint-Saëns, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The LPO is in peak condition ...'
Record Box. Dissonance-Free - John Rutter's 'Mass of the Children', reviewed by Patric Standford
Record Box. Singing Qualities - Jennifer Koh plays Szymanowski, Martinu and Bartók, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Conservative or Progressive? - Malcolm Miller attends the historic modern revival of Striggio's sixty-part Mass
CD Spotlight. A Sheer Delight - Orchestral music by Dvorák, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... vigorous and vital ...'
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
CD Spotlight. Lifting the Spirits - A benefit concert for the Kitezh Children's Community, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Berkofsky tailors the accompaniments with demonstrable taste and empathy.'
CD Spotlight. Quite Magical - Staatskapelle Berlin plays Mahler's Ninth [listen], recommended by Patric Standford. 'Barenboim and Mahler are fine partners.'
Ensemble. Sparkling Performances - The Hallé Orchestra plays Colin Matthews, Debussy, Poulenc and Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Fine Playing - The Czech National Symphony on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. A Heady Mix - Havergal Brian's Symphonies 4 and 12, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... Adrian Leaper marshals his enormous forces well ...'
Ensemble. Lithe and Springy - The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Eloquent Performance - A concert by Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed 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. Much to Enjoy - A concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
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
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Colourful - Symphonies by Adolphus Hailstork, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... right on the ball, clean and clear ...'
Ensemble. Which Concerto? - A concert by the European Union Chamber Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Grim and Visceral - Masao Ohki's 'Hiroshima Symphony', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'A blistering 2005 performance ...'
CD Spotlight. Across the Meadow - British light music, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... a wasteland of clone music.'
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. 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
CD Spotlight. Pros and Cons - Music by Max Bruch, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... unruffled, reasonably considered, technically secure ...'
Ensemble. New Light - A performance by Christian Knapp and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Record Box. Highly Accomplished - Paul Neebe plays American trumpet concertos, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Perceptive Musicianship - Oboe concertos played by Andrea Gullickson [listen], enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... highly recommended ...'
CD Spotlight. Vocal Artistry - Vivica Genaux sings Handel and Hasse [listen], enjoyed by Maria Nockin. '... a wonderful trip back in time ...'
Record Box. A Welcome Novelty - Seasonal music from Naxos [listen], reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Truly Moving - Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Robert Hugill
DVD Spotlight. Sensuous Lyricism - Stravinsky's 'Le Rossignol', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... both wondrous and distracting.'
Ensemble. Zip and Sparkle? - The Munich Symphony Orchestra on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Lovingly Shaped - André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. A Glowing Performance - The Czech Philharmonic on tour, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
CD Spotlight. Achingly Beautiful - Leila Josefowicz plays Shostakovich, recommended by Howard Smith. '... her tightrope assurance is breathtaking.'
Ensemble. A Special Performance - Beethoven and Brahms from Pittsburgh, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
Record Box. Delightful Clarity - Mahler's Symphony No 7 played by Staatskapelle Berlin, recommended by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Mature Technique - Alina Pogostkina with Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, appreciated by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Sandals and Yoghurt? - Bach at the Berlin Philharmonie, reviewed by Ciarán McAuley
Ensemble. Captivating Delicacy - Igor Tchetuev plays Tchaikovsky, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
DVD Spotlight. Virtuosity and Style - La petite musique de Marie-Antoinette, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... supreme vocal skill ...'
Ensemble. A masterclass in performing Mozart - A concert by Stephen Hough, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra delighted Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Tanglewood and Beyond - The sounds of summer in the Berkshires, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record Box. Enterprising Recordings - Music for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Patric Standford
CD Spotlight. Fine Indeed - Stokowski symphonic transcriptions, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an unqualified testament to Stokowski's magic.'
Ensemble. In Memory - Kelly Ferjutz remembers Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's visit to Cleveland
Ensemble. Elegance and Agility - Bach, Arnold and Haydn from Sinfonia Viva in Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler
Record box. Grandeur and Impulsiveness - Joshua Pierce's recording of Brahms' second piano concerto, reviewed by Alice McVeigh
Ensemble. Sparkle and Communicability - Joseph Horovitz's 80th birthday celebration, appreciated by Malcolm Miller
Ensemble. Energy and Commitment - A concert by Liza Grossman and Cleveland's Contemporary Youth Orchestra, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - The Budapest Symphony Orchestra on tour in the UK, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Magnificent Wagner - Lorin Maazel's orchestral transcription of 'The Ring', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz
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
CD Spotlight. Eclectic Influences - Music by Peter Blauvelt, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'There is some real passion in the sonata ...'
Ensemble. Energy and Style - A concert by the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Delicacy and Tenderness - The Russian State Philharmonic in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Fire and Energy - Matthew Coorey and the RLPO in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Physical and Spiritual - Music on the theme of journeys, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Plea for peace - Vaughan Williams's 'Dona Nobis Pacem' in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. Cuts and Dissolves - Music by Turnage, Rihm and Benjamin, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a well-planned listening experience ...'
Record box. Crisp performance - Michel Dalberto plays Mozart Piano Concertos, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. The devil is in the details - Schumann's 'Scenes from Faust' in Cleveland, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz
CD Spotlight. Thrilling impetus - José Serebrier conducts Glazunov, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... the Scottish players bring appropriate breadth and commitment ...'
Ensemble. Highly promising - Mei-Ting Sun and the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Assured and confident - James Gaffigan conducts the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Dynamic playing - Roberto Abbado strikes fire with the New World Symphony, and Lawrence Budmen was there
CD Spotlight. A class act - Finnish music for strings, reviewed by Greg Barns. 'Finland's prodigious musical talent is once again on display ...'
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
Record box. Ignited memories - British light music, reviewed by Patric Standford
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Tobias Picker about his new opera 'An American Tragedy'
Ensemble. Maturity and insight - Julian Bliss and Sinfonia Viva in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
The good kind of music - American composer Sean Hickey in conversation with Ted Kendall
CD Spotlight. Characteristically eclectic - Music by Leonardo Balada, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a choral composer of flair and creativity.'
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Peter Lieberson about the forthcoming performances of 'Neruda Songs'
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 ...'
Record box. Power and pathos - Temirkanov conducts Mahler, reviewed by Alice McVeigh
Incandescent conviction - Mozart, Schubert and Beethoven in Littleover, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Instrumental dexterity - Transfigured Night for the New World Symphony, by Lawrence Budmen
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. Symphonic structure - The Hallé Orchestra plays Vaughan Williams in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Michael Gandolfi about the forthcoming première of his new chamber work 'Plain Song, Fantastic Dances'
CD Spotlight. Dramatically aggressive - Orchestral music by Robert Kurka, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Strongly recommended.'
Ask Alice - A little bit of teenage hero worship, from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh
Record box. Emotional shape - Music by Bartók, reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Great music making - Cheers for a riveting Canadian dance company at Jacob's Pillow and more music from Tanglewood, reported by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Superb performances - Alsop triumphs at Tanglewood, by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Sensationally STILL - Alexa Still and the NGC Wellington Sinfonia, reviewed by Howard Smith
Ensemble. A veritable dynamo - A conversation with Paavo Järvi, and a review of his Miami concert in April, by Lawrence Budmen
Record box. Lusty sound - An orchestral spectacular from the Bruckner Orchestra Linz, reviewed by Patric Standford
Ensemble. A musical homecoming - New World Symphony alumni return to Miami Beach for a special concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Record box. Profoundly effective - Leif Segerstam conducts Sibelius, recommended by Patric Standford
Ensemble. Lasting impression - Kelly Ferjutz listens to the second of two special concerts in which Pierre Boulez conducts the Cleveland Orchestra
Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - The Wind of Change: 1788, by Jennifer Paull
Ensemble. Ravishing Firebird! - Kelly Ferjutz reports on Boulez in Cleveland
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Augusta Read Thomas about the forthcoming première of her new orchestral work 'Credences of Summer'
Three Questions before the First Night - Carson Cooman talks to Julia Scott Carey about the forthcoming première of her new Piano Concerto
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.'
Timings - thoughts about the quirkiness of some of music's hidden secrets - Adding to Adages about Adagios, by Jennifer Paull
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 ...'
Ensemble. 3, 2, 1 ... Piano! - Kelly Ferjutz sees Red in Cleveland
Ensemble. Rebel to rebel - Beethoven, Berg and others in Cleveland and New York, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Dazzling technique - Julia Fischer plays Sibelius, appreciated by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. American accents - Orchestral music by David Stock, reviewed by Carson Cooman. 'Strongly recommended.'
CD Spotlight. Always stimulating - Symphonic music by Villa-Lobos, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... skill and commitment ...'
European tour - A preview, of sorts, of the Cleveland Orchestra's four-city, three festival visit, by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Richly sumptuous - The Czech Moravian Virtuosi Orchestra sparkles in novelties from Europe, by Lawrence Budmen
CD Spotlight. The tonal idiom - Interesting music by composers of varying nationalities, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... fine, confident performances ...'
CD Spotlight. Marshalling the ophicleides - Charles Munch conducts Symphonie Fantastique, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The Boston players revel among the cavorting witches with gleeful efficiency.'
CD Spotlight. A superb craftsman - Music by Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, investigated by John Bell Young. '... spirited, inventive and charming ...'
CD Spotlight. Subjective nationalism - Music by Alberto Ginastera, explored by Rex Harley. '... stunningly played and gloriously recorded.'
Ensemble. Impressions of Italy - Lawrence Budmen is impressed by Alasdair Neale and the New World Symphony
CD Spotlight. Autumnal glow - Semyon Bychkov conducts Richard Strauss, reviewed by David Thompson. 'This is a fine achievement by all concerned.'
CD Spotlight. Orchestral panoply - Respighi's Pines and Fountains, appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'Fritz Reiner has the right qualities for this music.'
CD Spotlight. Opportunity to shine - Concertos for Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's centennial, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... filled with romantic gestures and crowd-pleasing virtuosity.'
Ensemble. New directions - Keith Bramich at the Vale of Glamorgan Festival of Music 2003
CD Spotlight. Robust charm - Boccherini symphonies reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... maximum virtuosity and élan.'
Ensemble. ... and a dash of chutzpah - Rex Harley listens to the Welsh Baroque Orchestra's 'Concerto Mania'
CD Spotlight. Bitter tears - Kathleen Ferrier sings 'Das Lied von der Erde' on Naxos Historical, and David Wilkins is impressed. '... mastery of word-painting ...'
Monk and Mahler - Lawrence Budmen reviews Tilson Thomas performances in Miami
CD Spotlight. Open doors - Orchestral favourites of Japan, reviewed by Keith Bramich. '... the traditional songs of fishermen, miners and pack-horse drivers ...'
Ensemble. An ambitious concert - Rex Harley listens to Tchaikovsky, Lutoslawski and Szymanowski in Wales
Will I let this in? - Some thoughts on the music of Havergal Brian, from Aaron Rabushka
Ensemble. A frustrating experience - David Wilkins listens to the London Philharmonic Youth Orchestra in Eastbourne
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - An eager response. Some editorial thoughts requiring readers' follow-ups
CD Spotlight. A monumental work - Hans Rott's Symphony in E, with Patric Standford. '... outstanding recording.'
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - conducting ourselves
A tough task - Keith Bramich ponders on the art of the conductor, and attends the 2002 Donatella Flick Conducting Competition
Editorial musings with Basil Ramsey - Walking wounded
CD Spotlight. Orchestral colour - The symphonies of Kurt Atterberg encountered by Robert Anderson. '... a towering Pelion with which to storm the heavens ...'
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.'
Unbreakable spirit - Galina Aleykina reports on a concert at the Ukraine National Opera House in memory of the events of September 11th
CD Spotlight. A significant release - Orchestral music by Dan Locklair, investigated by Carson Cooman. '... the performances are solid and zestful.'
Record box. Golden tone - Keith Bramich listens to the bassoon virtuoso Gwydion Brooke
Ensemble. Of head and heart - David Thompson samples three symphonies from two international orchestras at the BBC Proms
CD Spotlight. Uneasy agitation - The music of César Franck, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Thiollier is capable of the loveliest sonorities from the outset ...'
CD Spotlight. The Maestro - Stokowski conducts Schumann and Haydn, and David Thompson listens. '... he delivers in spades.'
Ensemble. They're off! - David Thompson was at the First Night of the Proms in London, 19 July 2002
Record box. Normal accessibilities - Symphonies from New Zealand, considered by Basil Ramsey
CD Spotlight - Rewarding discovery. Listening to symphonies by Alexander Moyzes, with Patric Standford. 'Technically this is a bright and clean recording with excellent wind playing ...'
Record box - Danish pastry. Basil Ramsey listens to symphonies with hang-ups
CD Spotlight - Profiles of the mountains. 'The Stuttgart team plays with the necessary conviction and power ...' Symphonies by Villa-Lobos, considered by Robert Anderson
Record box - Minus the Adagio. Barber and some orchestral music, with Basil Ramsey
Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - The orchestra
CD Spotlight - Monumental achievements. Some thoughts on Bernstein's recordings of the Mahler symphonies, by David Wilkins (concluded from yesterday)
CD Spotlight - Monumental achievements. Some thoughts on Bernstein's recordings of the Mahler symphonies, by David Wilkins (continued from yesterday)
CD Spotlight - Monumental achievements. Some thoughts on Bernstein's recordings of the Mahler symphonies, by David Wilkins (continued from yesterday)
CD Spotlight - Monumental achievements. '... stunningly committed performances ...' Some thoughts on Bernstein's recordings of the Mahler symphonies, by David Wilkins
Record box - Period reflections. Grechaninov's symphonies, with Basil Ramsey
Record box - Basil Ramsey with Malcolm Arnold's symphonies
CD Spotlight - Humanitarian anxiety. 'It is hard to imagine more idiomatically persuasive performances.' Penderecki orchestral works, with Peter Dale
CD Spotlight - Beautifully poised. '... the music is vibrant, insistent, and as urgently thrusting as the celebrated "Sturm und Drang" start to the early G minor Symphony ... by Mozart ...' The symphonies of Joseph Martin Kraus, with Roderic Dunnett
Record box - Wagnerian colours. Draeseke's Symphonia tragica, with Roderic Dunnett
CD Spotlight - Poignant beauty. 'The performances are warm and sympathetic, making a good case for this composer's wider recognition.' The orchestral songs of Zemlinsky, with Patric Standford
Planning your collection - Zoltan Kodaly -
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
Summa Summarum - Malcolm Miller attended the UK première of Henze's Ninth
CD Spotlight - American voices. '... compellingly energetic rhythmic forces, clear, translucent orchestration, bold themes and simple structures.' Symphonies by George Antheil and Paul Creston, examined by Peter Dale
CD Spotlight - Defiance and struggle. '... an excellent and polished tribute to an important Italian composer ...' The orchestral music of Ildebrando Pizzetti, with Simon Spencer
Record Box - Skilful manoeuvres - The art of John Gardner, with Basil Ramsey
Book Review - Gerald Fenech reviews Richard Osborne's HERBERT VON KARAJAN: A Life in Music
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