CONTENTS

Articles are shown in chronological order of publication, with the most recent first:

• Live Music for Ballet - Geoff Fallon discusses its importance


• Ensemble. Vividly Colourful - Nikolaj Znaider conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Musical Spirit - Berlioz overtures, heard by Howard Smith. '... commendable intuition and skillfulness ...'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Captured - Mike Wheeler listens to the Mavron Quartet


• Ask Alice - Leaded bows and rackets for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Restrained Intensity - Mike Wheeler drops in on the City of London Sinfonia's Fauré Requiem tour


• Ensemble. Political Tragedy - Giuseppe Pennisi attended a performance of Wagner's 'Rienzi' in Rome


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Insight - Georg Tintner's 'The Ellipse' and music by other Viennese émigrés, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The Anatomy of Music. Part V: Some Notes on Composition


• Ensemble. Somewhat Different - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare' live in HD fascinated Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Historically Significant - 'Didone Abbandonata' by Johann Hasse, heard by Howard Smith. 'Michael Hofstetter directs a consistently dramatic, high tensile performance.'


• Ask Alice - Reminiscences of János Starker, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Virtuoso Storm - Alexander Romanovsky joins Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Considerable Turmoil - 'La Battaglia di Legnano', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Verdi patriotic is not necessarily Verdi at his most subtle.'


• Ensemble. Troubles in Florence - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino


• CD Spotlight. Shining Through - The classical inheritance of Schubert's Symphonies impresses Andrew Schartmann. '... a fascinating perspective ...'


• 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. Prism of Time - Malcolm Miller looks back to a Simon Bainbridge performance last summer, and forward to Wigmore Hall's Bainbridge Study Day this month


• Ask Alice - On cello elbow and the ultra-trendy, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Warmly Resonant - J S Bach's B minor Mass, heard in Derby Cathedral by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Interesting and Dramatic - Liszt's Dante Symphony and Antonio Estévez's Cantata Criolla, heard by Maria Nockin


• The Life of Antonio Vivaldi - Susan Budig's short poem about Venice's 'Red Priest', composed in the form of a classical rondeau


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The Anatomy of Music. Part IV: Hybrid Themes


• CD Spotlight. War and Peace - Music by Karabits and Silvestrov, heard by Howard Smith. 'Another enterprising feather in Naxos' richly plumaged cap.'


• Ensemble. A Popular Success - Some harsh criticism from Gregory Moomjy on Offenbach's 'La Périchole' at New York City Opera


• Ensemble. Vibrant and Wild - Wagner's 'Flying Dutchman' enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Warmth and Clarity - Smetana, Beethoven and Dvořák from The Czech Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler


• A Thoughtful Account - Richard Uttley plays Beethoven, Grieg, Britten, Bartók, Debussy, Timothy Jackson, Liszt and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On dealing with the USA Embassy in London, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Music for newly designed oboes impresses Patric Standford. '... as fascinating and challenging as it is revelatory.'


• CD Spotlight. Somehow Different - Joshua Pierce's tribute to John Cage, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... either hypnotic or annoyingly eccentric.'


• Ensemble. Rhythm and Irony - Eighteenth century Neapolitan cello concertos fascinate Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Infinite Changes - Sally Pinkas plays Fauré, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... fine interpretations of this underplayed repertoire.'


• DVD Spotlight. An Operatic Cinderella - Verdi's 'Il Corsaro' impresses Robert Anderson. '... a very sensitive staging ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Quite Riveting - Pergolesi's 'L'Olimpiade' impresses Gerald Fenech. '... sound and visuals are top-drawer stuff.'


• CD Spotlight. Neo-classical Verve - Music by victims of the Nazi death camps, heard by Howard Smith. 'Worth its weight and then some, in Euros.'


• Ask Alice - From Crete to Locksbottom, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• So Much, For So Many - R Murray Schafer's 'My Life on Earth and Elsewhere', read by A P Virag


• Ensemble. A Complex Plot - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of Verdi's 'Don Carlo' in Turin


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The Anatomy of Music. Part III: Analysis in Practice


• CD Spotlight. New Light - Music from eighteenth century Mexico, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'A peach of a disc ...'


• CD Spotlight. Intimate Style - Schubert's String Quintet in C pleases Stephen Francis Vasta. '... unusually sensitive, freshly considered ...'


• Ensemble. Totally Authentic - 'The Marriage of Figaro' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On buying glass double basses (and other items) on eBay, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - Sibelius and Elgar from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Black and White - Saint-Saëns' 'Samson' as envisaged by La Fura dels Baus, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Rewarding Listening - The McCormick Percussion Group, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... much to delight the ear.'


• CD Spotlight. European Impressionism - Quartets by Ravel, Debussy and Saint-Saëns, heard by Howard Smith. '[Quatuor Modigliani] attack it with some vehemence.'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The Anatomy of Music. Part II: The Period


• Ensemble. Mature or Immature? - Roderic Dunnett asks some questions about 'Die Feen', a Wagner rarity performed recently by Chelsea Opera Group


• CD Spotlight. A Manipulating Baton - Rachmaninov orchestral music, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Vasily Petrenko gives us an extreme interpretation ...'


• Ensemble. Stylized and Abstract - Bartók and Cambodian music in Monte Carlo, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• An Invaluable Book - Gergely Hubai's 'Torn Music: Rejected film scores, a selected history', recommended by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Young Turks in Kensington - Jaqueline Tu, Ensemble 111 and Thibauld Back de Surany, heard by Michael Tremberth


• CD Spotlight. Vividly Atmospheric - Music by composers in Theresienstadt, heard by Howard Smith. 'The Nash players' programme is presented with their customary aplomb ...'


• Ensemble. Fierce Snarling - Sinfonia Viva's latest schools residency project, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Ten years to the day since the very first 'Ask Alice', our classical music agony aunt celebrates in the way she knows best


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The Anatomy of Music. Part I: The Sentence


• Ensemble. Tough Satire - Alexander Raskatov's 'A Dog's Heart', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Vindictive Depths - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's 'Otello'


• 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. Breaking Silence - Gergely Madaras conducts Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Startlingly Effective - Purcell and Poulenc from Opera North, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Truly Powerful - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences Ravenna's first performance of Britten's 'The Rape of Lucretia'


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is spotted in Yorkshire, playing solo cello


• CD Spotlight. Unreservedly recommended! - Songs inspired by Billy Collins, heard by Howard Smith. 'The florid accompaniment with piano trio seemed wholly apt to me.'


• Ensemble. Theatrical Genius - Rossini's 'La Cenerentola' delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Deeply Moving - Handel, Elgar and Mahler, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Gutsy Performances - Enescu cello sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... perfectly rounded and the intonation irreproachable.'


• Ensemble. A Real Thriller - Makropoulos in the Lagoon, with Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Divine Permission - A Gluck double bill, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The musical performance under Marc Minkowski is more convincing than the staging ...'


• Ensemble. Shimmer, Sizzle and Shock - Roderic Dunnett is enthralled by Alban Berg's 'Lulu', currently on tour with Welsh National Opera


• Rich Colours - Mike Wheeler listens to the Eblana String Trio and pianist Andrew Dunlop


• CD Spotlight. Profoundly Eloquent - Couperin's Lamentations, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Robert King and his superb forces give absorbingly committed performances ...'


• Ease of Technique - Malcolm Miller listens to the competitors at the 2013 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. Distinctive Skillfulness - Musical stories for narrator and orchestra, heard by Howard Smith. 'Prokofiev, Britten and Dukas slot together to vivid effect.'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - The 'Physics' of Music. On Musical Momentum and its Compositional Implications


• CD Spotlight. Tip Top Music - Tine Thing Helseth and Kathryn Stott, heard by Howard Smith. 'Ever full of daring ...'


• CD Spotlight. Enduring Legacy - Sibelius symphonies, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an important enterprise ...'


• Impressive Control - A piano recital by Richard Uttley, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Advice about repair work on string bows, from Classical Music agony advertaunt Alice McVeigh


• 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. Cogently Structured - Orchestral music by Joachim Raff, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... very well portrayed by Järvi ... and the Suisse Romande Orchestra ...'


• Ensemble. Fatal Obsession - Wagner's 'Flying Dutchman' at Los Angeles Opera, experienced by Maria Nockin


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - Two tales of the Rising Sun. On Depicting Nature in Music


• Ensemble. Cosmic Pessimism - Verdi's rarely performed 'I Due Foscari', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Tonal Resources - Inesa Sinkevych plays Schubert, heard by Howard Smith. '... pleasingly enterprising.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Real Achievement - Gioacchino Rossini's 'Adelaide di Borgogna', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the Bologna singers and players ... respond finely to every nuance ...'


• Ensemble. Seductive Intensity - Richard Wagner's 'Parsifal' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Exhilaratingly Refreshing - Yutaka Sado and the BBC Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Striking Effect - Stephen Sondhein's 'Sweeney Todd', heard by Howard Smith. 'A "killer diller" on all counts.'


• Ensemble. Anything Goes - A shocking 'Die Walküre', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Beautifully Judged - Mike Wheeler listens to Finnish pianist Juho Pohjonen


• Ensemble. A Special Chemistry - Herbert Blomstedt conducts the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Suzanne Torrey


• Ask Alice - When Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh tried to cut down on coffee


• Ensemble. Much Awaited - Bayreuth's 'Das Rheingold' previewed in Rome, as experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Big Splash - Maria Nockin watches 'Rigoletto' from the Met, live in HD


• CD Spotlight. Light Colour - Orchestral music by José Elizondo and David Tanner, heard by Patric Standford. '... music for enjoyment ...'


• The Magic of Performance - Part II - On the Elusive Nature of the Nationalist Spirit in Music, by Andrew Schartmann


• Ensemble. Something more Exotic - Camels on the Silk Road, experienced by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Cruelly Written Out - Simon Broughton listens to works by Gideon Klein and Hans Krása


• CD Spotlight. A Winning Combination - Songs, ballads and rondos based on Haydn, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... unfailingly practiced in late eighteenth century performing style ...'


• Ensemble. Nimble Playing - Music for saxophone and piano played by Huw Wiggin and James Sherlock, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sweet and Sour - Adolphe Adam's 'Giselle', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Monumental Effect - Three companies combine forces, experienced by Maria Nockin


• The Magic of Performance - Part I - Some thoughts on the performing artist's role in the 21st century, by Andrew Schartmann


• Ensemble. Close Encounters - Maria Nockin listens to Yehuda Hanani, Erin Keefe and Jeffrey Swann


• Life around the Piano - Pianos and Wine - Jaqueline C Tu compares the selection of alcohol and musical instruments


• Ask Alice - On the hugely brave Frances Andrade, by her friend and Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• 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.'


• Especially Brilliant - An evening of piano music from Giuseppe Andaloro, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Orchestral Colours - Garry Walker conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Wholly Inspiring - A recital by Elaine Huckle, heard by Howard Smith. '... her tonal resources are robust and the delivery pleasingly straightforward.'


• Ensemble. Unsex Me Here - Verdi, Shakespeare and Macbeth's lust for power, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Why the Ulster Orchestra is the most important orchestra in the UK, by Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Marvelous Listen - Hymn tunes played by William Neil, experienced by Gerald Fenech. '... spectacular and life enhancing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Picturesque Allure - Maurice Ravel's orchestral music, heard by Howard Smith. '... gently hypnotic ...'


• CD Spotlight. Dazzling Tracks - Dinu Lipatti, heard by Joanne Chang. '... skillfully and brilliantly carried out.'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - A Change of Face. 'Character Development' in Mozart's Symphony in G minor, K 183


• Ensemble. Swift and Corrosive - Giuseppe Pennisi takes a sniff at Shostakovich's 'The Nose'


• Fromage Dangereux - French-Canadian pianist Louise Bessette, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Deeply Sensitive - Mike Wheeler listens to the European Union Chamber Orchestra


• Ensemble. Luscious Vocal Colors - 'Tosca' at AZ Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On identifying works of music, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Think of Something Beautiful - Malcolm Miller pays tribute to contralto Sybil Michelow


• CD Spotlight. Communicative Aplomb - Joseph Rackers' debut recording, heard by Howard Smith. '"Eureka" moments ... are conspicuous by their absence.'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - Listening with New Ears. A Listening Strategy for Webern's String Trio


• Ensemble. Technically Perfect - Suzanne Torrey listens to and watches Joshua Bell


• Ensemble. A Key Flaw - If 'Das Rheingold' becomes a comedy, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - An encounter with Birtwistle's Minotaur at Covent Garden, for Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Poignant Heroine - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Innovative Content - A piano journey on the Danube, with Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Quite Sublime - Sacred music by Antonio Maria Bononcini, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an issue that oozes beauty ...'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - An Exercise in Self-Constraint. Non-conventional Harmony in Poulenc's Sonata for Flute and Piano


• Life around the Piano - In the first of a new series, Jaqueline C Tu describes a tussle with a small pianist


• Ensemble. New Tricks? - Giuseppe Pennisi discusses a sexy 'Falstaff' at La Scala


• Ask Alice - To memorise or not to memorise, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Inescapably Attentive - British music for piano duo, heard by Howard Smith. '... Mercury emerges with captivating ethereal qualities.'


• CD Spotlight. Truth in Music - The Zodiac Trio, heard by Keith Bramich. '... young wine, already highly palatable ...'


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - From Pedantry to Masterwork. A Note on Chopin's Étude in C major, Op 10, No 1


• CD Spotlight. Elegant Precision - A recital by Charlotte de Rothschild, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently reliable ...'


• Ensemble. Sophisticated Musical Evenings - The legacy of Giacinto Scelsi twenty-five years on, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Much Playfulness - Beethoven cello sonatas and variations, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Fournier and Gulda give Handel a rousing send-off ...'


• Ensemble. Pure Gold - Berlioz's 'Les Troyens' live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Immediate Appeal - Music for cello, piano and Korean drums, heard by Howard Smith. 'Greenberg's sonata ... deserves a recognized place in the cello and piano repertory.'


• Ensemble. Still Radical - Stravinsky's 'The Rite of Spring', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Perennial Themes - A winter programme from Passamezzo, heard by Emma Tristram


• Ensemble. Agile and Impassioned - J S Bach's Suites for solo cello, heard by Michael Tremberth


• CD Spotlight. Rural Delight - Edvard Grieg's Lyric Pieces, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Rubinstein clearly relishes the range of opportunities provided ...'


• Ensemble. Highly Appreciated - Music by Vivaldi in the churches of Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Competition is Savage - Smetana, Dvorák and Freddie Mercury, heard by Howard Smith. '... performances to bask in.'


• Ask Alice - Swift advice to hit the bottle, from Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Virtually Unknown - Piano music by Federico Ruiz, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Clara Rodríguez ... has the right touch and interpretation for all of Ruiz's many styles.'


• Ensemble. Sturm und Drang - The Gould Piano Trio, heard by Michael Tremberth


• Andrew Schartmann's Musical Tidbits - Servant to no one. In the first of an occasional series, Andrew Schartmann examines Beethoven's Op 2 No 2 and the rise of the romantic artist


• CD Spotlight. Muscular and Energetic - Orchestral music by Witold Lutoslawski, heard by Howard Smith. '... played with conspicuous élan ...'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Reverent - Carols from Phoenix Chorale, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Food for Thought - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Un ballo in maschera', considered by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Decrees of Fate - Handel's 'Deidamia', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically the opera bowls along with both speed and distinction; visually it is vaudeville.'


• Ensemble. Very Elegant - Minkus' 'Don Quixote' in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Very Emotional - Concerts in Rome for Peace, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Big Voices - Verdi's 'Aida', live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Crunchy Bitonality - Music by Julian Dawes, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. A Seasonal Nod - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Hearing loss high among musicians, experienced by Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• An Uplifting Concert - Malcolm Miller was at the 20th Intercollegiate Beethoven Piano Competition


• Ensemble. Charisma, Punch and Pull - Roderic Dunnett listens to Valery Gergiev conduct Szymanowski and promote the opening of Mariinsky2


• DVD Spotlight. Tangled History - Verdi's 'I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... expertly conducted by Daniele Callegari and imaginatively staged by Lamberto Puggelli.'


• Ensemble. Informative and Exhilarating - Chamber and instrumental music from China and elsewhere, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Philologically Correct - A sexless 'Traviata' opens San Carlo's new season in Naples, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Very Impressive - Christmas music from the Brass Band of Battle Creek, recommended by Keith Bramich. '... bewitchingly subtle touches of colour ...'


• Ensemble. On Sparkling Form - Derby Cathedral Choir's Handel 'Messiah', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - This is the Truth sent from Above, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Forbidden Questions - A controversial 'Lohengrin' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sizzling Confidence - The Benaud Trio impresses Howard Smith. '... a CD of exceptional providence.'


• DVD Spotlight. Heartfelt Agitation - Rossini's 'Mosè in Egitto', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically all is well ...'


• Ensemble. Most Versatile - Mozart's 'La Clemenza di Tito' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'


• Ensemble. Bounce and Swagger - Musica Donum Dei's 'Handel and Other Visitors to London', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Questions from cellists, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Irridescent Colourings - The Debussy Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... beautifully balanced ...'


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Drama - Puccini's 'Suor Angelica', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Nelsons and the WDR Symphony Orchestra of Cologne have done their best for Puccini ...'


• CD Spotlight. Meltingly Beautiful - Christmas music from the Vasari Singers, unstintingly recommended by Howard Smith. '... exemplary radiant style and élan ...'


• Ensemble. Whizzy Visuals - Gounod's 'Faust', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Elements of Panto - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' entertains Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Nothing to Say - Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcracker', reviewed by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Top Notch - Magdalena Kozená's Carmen, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... sheer and utter brilliance in every department.'


• Ensemble. Passionate Urgency - Janácek's 'The Makropoulos Case', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Natural Stage Presence - Guild Music's concert to celebrate the launch of two new CDs, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Ask Alice - Call centre blues, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sonorities of Great Beauty - Malcolm Miller listens to the mandolin


• CD Spotlight. Yuletide Writing - The Taylor Festival Choir, heard by Howard Smith. '... irresistible verve and clarity.'


• Ensemble. A Sad Story - 'Madama Butterfly' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Psychological Evolution - 'Simon Boccanegra' in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• 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. Cloven Hoofs? - English trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Trio Setttecento has adapted skilfully towards whatever idiom was required throughout the disc.'


• DVD Spotlight. Innovative Colours - J S Bach's Christmas Oratorio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... musically reliable ...'


• Ensemble. Expanding the Tale - Charles Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Real Confidence - Orchestral music by Meira Warshauer, heard by Patric Standford. '... too many ideas and too little development ...'


• Ensemble. Taking Risks - English Touring Opera's Autumn productions, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Full Rein - Derby Bach Choir sings Haydn, Vivaldi and Beethoven, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Splendid Violinist - Peter Fisher's 'Music from the Movies', enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Special Enchantment - Richard Hickox's 'Light of Life' impresses Howard Smith. '... Chandos/Hickox win hands down.'


• Ensemble. An Inspired Choice - Benjamin Ellin, Elgar, Grieg, Dvorák and Janácek from Mark Elder, Jamie Phillips and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On the excesses of travel for orchestral players, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Skillful and Imaginative - Music by Arlene Sierra impresses Patric Standford. '... an impressive and valuable first volume introduction ...'


• Ensemble. Serene Flow - Mozart, Saint-Saëns and Dvorák from the Aquinas Piano Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Elegant as well as Functional - Thomas Adès' 'The Tempest' live in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Poise and Charm - Poulenc, Debussy and Puccini from Derby Choral Union, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Contrapuntal Flight - Piano duos by Hans Gál, heard by Robert Anderson. '... played with their customary skill by Anthony Goldstone and Caroline Clemmow.'


• Ensemble. Spirited Playing - Matthew Coorey conducts Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Finely Judged - Chinese pianist Di Xiao, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Most Impressive - Bill Newman listens to Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi


• CD Spotlight. Aching Beauty - Messiaen's 'Turangalîla-Symphonie', heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... vibrant, almost hesitant strings ...'


• Ask Alice - On careers in music and backup plans, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Economies of Scale - Excerpts from 'The Ring' down under, heard by Howard Smith. '... sonic excellence.'


• CD Spotlight. Verbal Grovelling - Vocal music by Christopher Tye, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitively interpreted by the Westminster Abbey Choir and James O'Donnell.'


• CD Spotlight. Mysterious Atmosphere - Music by Christopher Shultis, heard by Patric Standford. 'All very fascinating.'


• Ensemble. Two Worlds - Malcolm Miller looks forward to the Wagner bicentenary and back to a semi-staged performance of Jonathan Harvey's 'Wagner Dream'


• Ensemble. Transfiguration and Redemption - Vaughan Williams' 'Pilgrim's Progress', appreciated by Roderic Dunnett


• DVD Spotlight. Gallic to Teutonic - Opera Australia's 'La bohème', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Park is suitably distraught ...'


• Ask Alice - On the nightmare in the decorating scenario, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Wondrous Music - Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... impeccable ensemble, just intonation, a rich variety of tone colours, and a youthful freshness of approach.'


• Ensemble. Mother Russia - Works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev, enjoyed by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Unexpected Passion - Music by Hampson Sisler, heard by Patric Standford. '... the brooding is there, if not the power.'


• Ensemble. Fairy-tale Magic - Mike Wheeler listens to the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Radiance - Paul Dean plays Brahms and Schumann, recommended by Howard Smith. '... look no further.'


• Ensemble. Passionate Acting - Maria Nockin was in the stalls for New York Metropolitan Opera's 'Otello' in HD


• Ask Alice - On ghostwriting dialogue for Hitler and Goering, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Neat and Stylish - Piers Adams plays Vivaldi and Handel, and impresses Robert Anderson. '... I would back Mr Adams against any of the elements.'


• Ensemble. Silvery Tones - Maria Nockin was at the opening concert of Phoenix Chorale's 2012-13 season


• Ensemble. Achingly Beautiful - Agostino Steffani's 'Orlando Generoso', experienced by Roderic Dunnett


• Great Delicacy - Jenny Lin at Notttingham's Royal Concert Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Exquisitely Floated - Soprano Catrin Woodruff joins the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Lucidity of Touch - Leonora Armellini plays for the Keyboard Trust, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. No Faulting - Bach arrangements for string trio, heard by Howard Smith. '... their adroit three-part Baroque 'dovetailing' never lapsed ...'


• Ask Alice - On pianists and accompanying, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Both Lyrical and Heart-wrenching - Gregory Moomjy experiences a Divaria Productions concert


• CD Spotlight. A Dismal Success - Felicity Lott sings Poulenc, heard by Robert Anderson. '... various moods of increasing desperation ...'


• Ensemble. Opulent Tone - Anna Netrebko in Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore' live in HD from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Chamber Opera - Works by Sciarrino and Messiaen, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. '... quite eclectic ...'


• Mazurka for Laptop - Gloria DeVidas Kirchheimer's adventures with downloading music


• Ensemble. Total Rapport - Jonathan Dormand and Marisa Gupta's Fauré, Brahms and Prokofiev impress Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Car troubles in Elgar country for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Intertwining Counterpoint - The St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Gothic Ambience - A fine performance of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• DVD Spotlight. Diverse Moods - Carl Orff's 'Gisei', explored by Gerald Fenech. 'An exciting discovery ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Balm to the Soul - Anton Bruckner's Symphony No 7, savoured by Robert Anderson. 'Celibidache is in no hurry ...'


• Ensemble. Reaching Out - Mendelssohn, Mozart, Berlioz and Ravel from James Feddeck and the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Suzanne Torrey


• CD Spotlight. Cerebral Performances - Liszt-Wagner piano paraphrases, heard by Howard Smith. 'Fisch performs these transcriptions with striking clarity and communicative sensitivity.'


• Ensemble. A Notable Evening - Music by Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky and Taneyev, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh meets the mice in the piano


• CD Spotlight. Sensitive Understanding - Music by Kodály and Dohnányi, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the orchestra captures with apparent ease the seductive idiom of this music.'


• Ensemble. An Elegant Staging - Chinese National Opera's 'Turandot' on tour, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Superbly Realised - Llyr Williams plays for the Chopin Society UK, heard by Bill Newman


• DVD Spotlight. Charming and Fascinating - Rossini's 'Le Comte Ory', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Joyce DiDonato, as Ory's promiscuous young page Isolier, is absolutely irrepressible ...'


• Ensemble. New Light - Mozart's Requiem from the Sitwell Singers impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Mercurial Accounts - The Hallé Orchestra begins celebrating its ten year residency in Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Olympic Scale - Charles Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Musically the performance deserves all the applause it gets.'


• Ensemble. Virile and Robust - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' at Los Angeles Opera, recommended by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is distracted


• CD Spotlight. A Vital Force - Music by Handel from Ludus Baroque impresses Howard Smith. '... robust, spring-heeled performances ...'


• Ensemble. A Delicate Touch - Frank Rosenwein plays the Strauss Oboe Concerto, enjoyed by Suzanne Torrey


• Ensemble. An Erotic Flavour - Rome's new production of Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Glorious Music - Mahler's Third Symphony opens the Cleveland Orchestra's 94th season, reviewed by Suzanne Torrey


• Ensemble. Expressive Power - Malcolm Miller listens to The Sixteen's 'The Earth Resounds'


• Pianistic Colour - Jong-Gyung Park at Derby Chamber Music impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Gloriously Provocative - Bernstein's Mass, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the scandal and much of the fun is in the "tropes".'


• Ask Alice - On coincidence, and what happened on Sunday, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Beauty and Power - Australian soprano Nance Grant, heard by Howard Smith. '... an exceptional voice seldom heard beyond local shores.'


• Ensemble. A Relaxed Evening - Bill Newman attends a 'family sing-song' event in London


• CD Spotlight. Tonal Clarity - Music by Jonathan Little, heard by Patric Standford. '... beautifully performed ...'


• CD Spotlight. Extraordinary Aptitude - Music by Robert Ackerman, heard by Ron Bierman. 'This is as diverse a program as I've ever heard.'


• Ensemble. Angels and Demons - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Sagra Musicale Umbra 2012


• CD Spotlight. Sensuously Crafted - Songs by Maurice Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... skilled and dedicated artists ...'


• CD Spotlight. Varied Repertoire - Christine Brewer and Roger Vignoles, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a gamut of emotions which are superbly handled ...'


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Show - Verdi's 'I Due Foscari' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. The Flame of Music - Malcolm Troup reports on new arrivals from China and Lithuania at the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Festival in London


• Ensemble. A Fabulous Evening - Hokusai Chamber Orchestra's memorial concert for the 2011 Japan Earthquake and Tsunami impresses Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Commanding Appeal - Music by David Del Tredici, heard by Patric Standford. '... hugely enjoyable ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Brilliant - Music from Tyneside and beyond, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a rich cavalcade of internationally known and local singers ...'


• CD Spotlight. Tempting Fate - Songs by Sibelius, Brahms, Schubert and Mahler, heard by Robert Anderson. '... ripe understanding ...'


• Ask Alice - On elderly cello students, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Buxom and Comely? - Music by Gustav Holst, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... music of charm and individuality.'


• Ensemble. A Taste for Melody - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Spontini's recently discovered comedy 'La Fuga in Maschera'


• CD Spotlight. Supreme Skill - Leonardo Vinci's 'La Partenope', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Vinci at his best.'


• CD Spotlight. Lush Romanticism - Chamber music by Vittorio Giannini, heard by Bill Newman. 'A welcome ... for this invaluable release.'


• CD Spotlight. A Lyrical Outpouring - Vocal music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Anne Schwanewilms manages a thoughtful and gentle radiance throughout.'


• CD Spotlight. Bewitching Stuff - Symphonic poems for piano duet, recommended by Howard Smith. '... evocatively and thrillingly conveyed by Goldstone and Clemmow.'


• Ask Alice - On the perils of air travel with a cello, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Glorious Singing - A recital by Alice Coote and Graham Johnson, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... interpreted with great zest and passion ...'


• CD Spotlight. Intuitive Understanding - Dvorák string quartets, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'I enjoyed these flavorful performances when listening more casually ...'


• Ensemble. A Fervent Spirit - Malcolm Miller muses on the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra's recent Beethoven and Boulez cycle in London


• Ensemble. From Baroque to Romantic - More from this summer's Salzburg Festival, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Seldom Bridged - Tom Collier plays vibraphone and marimba, highly recommended by Howard Smith. '... hear classics from a new, fascinating standpoint ...'


• Ensemble. Brazilian Flags - The Sao Paulo Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating Music - Works from the Eton Choirbook, heard by Robert Anderson. '... vibrant and alive.'


• Ask Alice - On string instruments in nutty-like-a-fruitcake climates, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Ethereal and Beautiful - Karl Jenkins' 'The Peacemakers', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... some rather inspired music.'


• Ensemble. World without God - At the Salzburg Summer Festival, Giuseppe Pennisi was enthralled by Bernd Alois Zimmermann's 'Die Soldaten'


• CD Spotlight. Fine Judgment - Wolf-Ferrari wind concertinos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... soloist and orchestra tease each other in mutual delight.'


• CD Spotlight. Uniquely English - A tribute to violinist Ralph Holmes, heard by Howard Smith. '... an invigorating spontaneity ...'


• Ensemble. Great Appeal - Taormina Teatro Antico's 'Norma' in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Searing Lyricism - Schubert from Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... I have enjoyed most the slower movements.'


• Superb Control - Tom Corfield gives ths last of this summer's Derby Cathedral summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Sparring with Manolos the Cretan mouse, by Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Daring and Mastery - Pianist Young-Ah Tak, heard by Bill Newman. '... this CD is worth its weight in gold.'


• Ensemble. An Annual Delight - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe for the summer opera season


• Ensemble. Sex and Bigotry - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on his week at the Rossini Opera Festival


• CD Spotlight. Quirkily Playful - Vilde Frang plays Tchaikovsky and Nielsen, heard by Robert Anderson. '... exhilarating to the highest degree.'


• Beautifully Played - Terence Bennett listens to organist David Liddle


• CD Spotlight. Late Romanticism - Trio Brancusi plays Enescu, welcomed by Bill Newman. 'The performances are all first rate ...'


• CD Spotlight. Freedom and Improvisation - A recital by Wissam Boustany, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'He commands an exceptional range of styles and techniques.'


• Ensemble. Purity of Sound - Richard Strauss, Fauré, Debussy, Poulenc, Wolf and Berg from Christiane Karg and Malcolm Martineau, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Potent Emphasis - Malcolm Miller was at the recent Bloch and Israeli Music competitions


• Calmness and Frenzy - H J Lim plays at Wigmore Hall, and Bill Newman passes judgement


• Ensemble. Very Juicy - Summer Opera in Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Apt Comment - Music following the career of Joan of Arc, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a finely presented musical book.'


• A Challenging Listen - Peter Gould at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Terence Bennett


• CD Spotlight. Doubly Welcome - Chamber music by Hamilton Harty delights Bill Newman. '... an unforgettable wit and charm ...'


• Ensemble. Financial Stringency - Giuseppe Pennisi describes how the Puccini Opera Festival is at a turning point


• CD Spotlight. Real Worth - Orchestral music by Patric Standford stimulates Robert Anderson. 'All the music on this CD is logical, intelligible, and gripping.'


• CD Spotlight. Movingly Expressive - Music by Patricia Morehead, heard by Howard Smith. '... shifting depiction of battleground lunacy.'


• Ensemble. Innovative Dramaturgy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the annual Munich Opera Festival


• CD Spotlight. Intricate Calm - Music by Christopher Gibbons, heard by Robert Anderson. '... fine music-making ...'


• Ensemble. The Finest of Them All - The 2012 Hereford Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Spell-Binding - A recital by organist Steven Grahl, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Satie, Glass, Feldman and Schubert, heard by Howard Smith. '... amiable verve ...'


• CD Spotlight. Divine Service - George Dyson's 'The Canterbury Pilgrims', admired by Robert Anderson. '... suitably exciting.'


• CD Spotlight. Serving the Memory - Vaughan Williams conducted by Hickox, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... this series will undoubtedly please British music aficionados.'


• Ensemble. Shakespeare and Spielberg - Giuseppe Pennisi describes how Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette' attracts a new audience in Verona


• Ensemble. Truly Memorable - Opera New Jersey's midsummer concert, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Breezy Charm - Piano concertos by Castelnuovo-Tedesco, heard by Bill Newman. '... performances are excellent ...'


• CD Spotlight. Arms Crossed - J S Bach transcriptions for piano four hands, heard by Howard Smith. '... modern yet familiar.'


• Boldly Shaped - D'Arcy Trinkwon at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Passion and Religion - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2012 Tyrol Festival for new productions of 'Lohengrin' and 'Tosca'


• CD Spotlight. Striking and Virtuosic - Etsuko Hirose plays Balakirev, and impresses Robert Anderson. '... electrifying performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lightness and Sparkle - Bruckner's Symphony No 4, heard by Bill Newman. 'Totally recommended.'


• Ensemble. Uniquely Memorable - The Kronos Quartet at the BBC Proms, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. You Won't Find Better Anywhere! - 'A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court', recommended by Kelly Ferjutz


• Nicely Paced - Martyn Rawles at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Eloquence - Brahms piano trios, heard by Robert Anderson. '... an unusual and most welcome expressive range from the strings ...'


• Convincing Opera? - Gregory Moomjy discusses what works on stage


• CD Spotlight. Excellent Performances - Keyboard works by John McCabe, recommended by Bill Newman. '... ideal interpreters ...'


• CD Spotlight. An Outstanding Disc - Three Mozart piano concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a magnificent outpouring of melody.'


• Ensemble. An Interesting Production - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On affordable cellos and almost becoming queen, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Chalk and Cheese - J S Bach sonatas for violin and harp, heard by Howard Smith. '... unconventional duo performances ...'


• Ensemble. A Production to be Proud Of - Mozart's 'Il Re Pastore' at New College Oxford, reviewed by Alice McVeigh


• Playing Devil's Advocate - Bill Newman tells the story of his visit to London's St John's Smith Square to hear Idil Biret play Beethoven


• Ensemble. The Stuff of Dreams - 'The Tales of Hoffmann' from The Met in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Seamless Precision - Mike Wheeler listens to Daniel Moult at the organ of Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. Eros and the Almighty - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2012 Ravenna Festival


• Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - A Sibelius and Rimsky-Korsakov double bill, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On metronomes and performance nerves, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Less is More - Handel's 'Jephtha' at Buxton, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. First-class Second-rate Strauss - Mike Wheeler visits the Buxton Festival


• CD Spotlight. Chromatic Daring - Trio and keyboard sonatas by Charles Avison, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a eupeptic sense of well-being ...'


• Delicacy and Clarity - Bill Newman listens to young Chinese pianist Jianing Kong


• CD Spotlight. A Sovereign Recording - Maxwell Davies' Symphony No 2, recommended by Howard Smith. '... dynamic in all respects.'


• Great Energy - Jane Watts launches Derby Cathedral's series of summer organ recitals, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Recording - John Joubert's string quartets, heard by Alice McVeigh. 'The Brodskys throw themselves into the lament for Shostakovich ...'


• Ask Alice - On conductors and cello cases, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ask Bill! - Everything you've wanted to know about music (and more) from your self-appointed agony uncle, Bill Newman, who also visits London's Wigmore Hall to hear French pianist Bertrand Chamayou


• CD Spotlight. Hit and Miss - Songs by American composers, heard by Howard Smith. '... likeable off-Broadway expertise.'


• CD Spotlight. Tender Warmth - Beethoven cello sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Starker's interpretation suggests he has not quite grasped the magnitude of his responsibility.'


• Ensemble. Mystery and Drama - Benjamin Britten's chamber opera 'The Turn of the Screw' opens the 55th Spoleto Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Strikingly Consistent - Elena Kuschnerova plays Schumann, heard by Howard Smith. '... sparkling vivacity and palpable ardour.'


• Ensemble. Two Celebrations - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a three-day musical party near Lucca in Tuscany


• Ask Alice - On builders and funerals, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Intensely Expressive - Italian baroque choral music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Striking Motifs - Eugene Alcalay plays Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Alcalay characterises this music admirably.'


• DVD Spotlight. Curiously Uninvolved - Thibault Cauvin's travels in China, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a catalogue of missed opportunities.'


• Ensemble. Quite Different - Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating and Rewarding - Music by Alcides Lanza fascinates Patric Standford. '... superbly produced retrospective ...'


• CD Spotlight. Spirit and Refinement - Schumann from the Nash Ensemble, heard by Howard Smith. '... the ensemble seems incapable of turning a single dull phrase.'


• Ask Alice - On the myth of the lazy British workman, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Enchanting Music - The Castalian Quartet and friends, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Mills and Chimneys - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Natural Habitats? - Orchestral music by Alan Hovhaness, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the whole team under Stewart Robertson gives of their best ...'


• He Played Every Single Note! - Alexei Volodin at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Excellent Throughout - Shostakovich and Prokofiev string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. '... flawless technical address and heartfelt aim ...'


• Ensemble. Mixed Fellings - An Almodóvar-style 'Elisir d'Amore' from Valencia and Palermo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Wonderful Performances - Latvian magic from pianist Reinis Zarins, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Playful - Mozart piano concertos and a sonata, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'That these recordings are more than fifty years old only adds to their lustre.'


• Ask Alice - It's a miniature long-haired dachshund's life, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Drama and Poetry - Schubert late string quartets, recommended by Howard Smith. '... as good as it gets.'


• Ensemble. Marxist Opera - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Berlin for the opening night of a revival of 'The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny'


• CD Spotlight. A Triumphant Achievement - Diabelli variations by Beethoven and others, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... deft conjuring tricks ...'


• CD Spotlight. Wildly Original - Music by Lisa Miles, heard by Howard Smith. '... intriguingly addictive.'


• Ensemble. First Class - San Francisco Opera's film of Puccini's 'La bohème', seen by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Much Élan - Music by Gershwin, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Eugene List is a brilliant and idiomatic keyboard soloist ...'


• Ensemble. Judge not lest you be Judged! - Malcolm Troup reports on the 2012 Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's chamber music masterclass, concert and competition


• Ask Alice - On the thrill of the 'flick', with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Melodic Best - Recent concerti for strings, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Warmly recommended.'


• Ensemble. Incandescent Performance - Nigel Kennedy with the Royal Philharmonic and Andrew Litton, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Diverse Miniatures - Bartók duos for two violins, heard by Howard Smith. '... impressive credentials ...'


• Ensemble. Tender Lyricism - Andrew Gourlay and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Major Revival - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on bel canto in Europe


• CD Spotlight. Joyous Appreciation - Schumann's Piano Quartet and Piano Quintet, heard by Robert Anderson. '... all the requisite drive and poise.'


• Ensemble. On Confident Form - Derby Cathedral Choir marks the royal jubilee, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Major Inspiration - Recent Canadian music for string quartet, heard by Patric Standford. '... exciting drive to a stimulating ending.'


• Ensemble. Musical Credibility - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of Teatro dell'Opera di Roma's production of Verdi's 'Attila'


• Ask Alice - On avoiding Christian Aid collectors, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Merry Noise - Handel's 'Atalanta', heard by Robert Anderson. '... acclamation from the jubilant Philharmonia Chorale ...'


• CD Spotlight. Avowedly Definitive - John McCabe plays his own 'Tenebrae', heard by Howard Smith. '... imbued with anger and monumental in both structure and outlook ...'


• CD Spotlight. Gripping Intensity - Simon Rattle's new Bruckner 9, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... polished and vigorous performances ...'


• Ensemble. Dramatic Singing - 'Peter Grimes' live from Milan in HD, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Engrossing and Moving - Giuseppe Pennisi was at La Scala for a new production of 'Peter Grimes'


• DVD Spotlight. Love's Ravages - Cavalli's 'Il Giasone', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the sense of fun detracts somewhat from the high drama ...'


• Ensemble. Thrilling Renditions - Martino Tirimo plays Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - On the poor coverage of Fischer-Dieskau's death, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Superbly Played - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Do Not Be Deterred - American double concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... both shapely and thought-provoking.'


• CD Spotlight. Precision and Nuance - Music by American composers, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended for the mildly adventurous.'


• CD Spotlight. Uncompromising Integrity - Music by Béla Bartók, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a joy to hear.'


• Ensemble. Luminescently Virtuoso - Erdem Misirlioglu's BPSE competition winner's recital, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Doubly Welcome - Music for violin and piano by Gerard Schurmann, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Excellent from start finish.'


• Ask Alice - New rules for the BBC's Young Musician of the Year competition, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Blended Voices - La bohème at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Life and Death - Zemlinksy's 'Der König Kandaules', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. High Praises - F W Murnau's 'Faust' impresses Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Total Commitment - Alexander Liebreich conducts the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. An Umbrella Occasion - Debussy songs, heard by Robert Anderson. '... very accomplished ...'


• Ensemble. Beauty of Tone - Danill Trifonov's prizewinner's concert from the Arthur Rubinstein Piano Master Competition, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - The tale of Trinity Guildhall music examiner Alex Newson, who failed to correctly identify a French horn, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Spectacular Virtuosity - Michala Petri plays English recorder concertos, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... nimble fingering and miraculous breath control ...'


• Ensemble. Important Debuts - 'Der Rosenkavalier' at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a festival with a rich programme but a dire financial situation, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Relatively Coarse - Verdi's 'La traviata' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Born to Excel - Recent concerts in London, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Sheer Beauty - Bruckner 8 from Barenboin and the Staatskapelle Berlin, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. A Major Treat - Maria Nockin listens to soprano Amber Wagner


• DVD Spotlight. Seen and Heard - Modern music from the Kreutzer Quartet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... whimsical, fickle and modernistic ...'


• Ask Alice - On flattering your fleeing cellists, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Powerfully Involving - Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wonderful Singing - Piotr Beczala's recital debut impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Original Soloists - Shostakovich concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... high-powered music-making ...'


• Ensemble. A Special Place - Giuseppe Pennisi was in Ravenna for the revival of a successful production of Handel's 'Rinaldo'


• CD Spotlight. Serenely Reflective - Choral music by Bob Chilcott, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the singing has a transcendent quality ...'


• Ensemble. Compellingly Memorable - Haydn, Shostakovich and Schubert from the Allegri Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Great Conviction - Mendelssohn, Mozart and Vivaldi from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Most Remarkable - Jamaican pianist Orrett Rhoden, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Strength of Purpose - Nicholas Collon conducts Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On rejection and freelance orchestras, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Simply Exquisite - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Apt - Choral music by Herbert Howells, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Howells at his finest.'


• CD Spotlight. Abundant Variety - A song recital by Monica Harte, heard by Howard Smith. '... thoughtful finesse and subtlety ...'


• CD Spotlight. Different Idioms - Clarinet music by Brahms, Mendelssohn and Schumann, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Emma Johnson and John Lenehan make a fine partnership ...'


• Ensemble. Historical Tragedy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Palermo for the critical edition of Musorgsky's 'Boris Godunov'


• Ensemble. All the Ingredients - Giuseppe Pennisi describes a rather half-baked 'Barber of Seville'


• Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers on tour


• Ensemble. Gleaming Sonorities - Handel, Haydn, Delius and Mozart from the European Union Chamber Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On instrument stands, ambition and being overloooked, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Superb Playing - Bill Newman listens to a selection of instrumental chamber music in London


• Ensemble. A Charming Performance - Gluck's 'Orfeo ed Euridice' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Strange Mixture - Bach, Messiaen and David Sherr, heard by Patric Standford. '... Sherr is very clever, and there is an appealing transparency ...'


• Ensemble. Quality of Mercy - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of the new Parma-Montecarlo production of Verdi's 'Stiffelio'


• CD Spotlight. Beauteous Tone - Flautist Lisa Friend's debut disc, heard by Howard Smith. '... pleasing and ideally accomplished.'


• Ensemble. Vocal Glory - Massenet's 'Manon' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Partnership - Daniel Norman and Christopher Gould sing Britten, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the surest of touches ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Extraordinary Ingenuity - Benjamin Yusupov's 'Viola Tango Rock Concerto', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The work has a substance and impact that took me quite by storm.'


• Ensemble. Fairytale Atmosphere - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the opening night of 'Die Zauberflöte' in Rome


• Ensemble. Intelligent Phrasing - J S Bach's 'St John Passion' at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Total Unanimity - Schubert piano works for four hands, heard by Robert Anderson. '... played with a sensitivity worthy of the music ...'


• Emotional Impressions - Bill Newman listens to Neapolitan pianist Clelia Cafiero


• Ensemble. A Tremendous Production - Strauss's 'woman' on the analyst's couch, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Esoteric Seasons - Forma Antiqva meets Vivaldi, heard by Howard Smith. '... an 'off-the-wall' take on Le quattro stagioni ...'


• CD Spotlight. Perennial Concern - 'Lamentation' and other settings by Morales, heard by Robert Anderson


• 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 ...'


• Ask Alice - Overdosing on Schubert, and cello pupils moving on, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Powerfully Expressive - Holst, Howells, Finzi and Liszt from the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Constant Discoveries - Catherine Gordeladze's Kapustin études and preludes delight Howard Smith. '... truly original works ...'


• CD Spotlight. Modest Performances - A guitar recital by Stephen Reck, heard by Patric Standford. '... a competent and varied presentation ...'


• Ensemble. An Exciting Five Years - Mike Wheeler was at André de Ridder's last concert as Principal Conductor of Sinfonia Viva


• CD Spotlight. Highly Attractive - Music by Vittorio Giannini, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... dispatched with a technical brilliance ...'


• Ensemble. Mysterious Thresholds - Elgar's 'Dream of Gerontius' at Harrow School moves Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On Alan Gilbert and the beasts of the jungle, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Brilliantly Incisive - Bach's St Mark Passion in a new English translation, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Unconventionally Scored - Quartets by Roger Reynolds and Peter Lieberson, heard by Howard Smith. 'These performances can hardly be faulted ...'


• South Bank Pianists - Bill Newman listens to Peter Donohoe, Richard Goode and Peter Jablonski


• CD Spotlight. Ferocious Virtuosity - Britten concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... worth rescuing ...'


• Ensemble. Uneven but Gorgeous - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Naples on 'I Masnadieri' and 'Die Räuber'


• CD Spotlight. Suitable Diligence - A recital by Simone Leitão, heard by Howard Smith. '... diverse rhythms and trenchant physicality are commandingly observed ...'


• Ensemble. Haunting Performance - Rob Buckland joins Jonathan Trout and Derby Concert Orchestra for Borodin, Glazunov, Piazzolla and Rachmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Some obvious music science, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Splendidly Evocative - Beethoven, Cecilia McDowall and Schumann from the English Piano Trio, heard 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


• Ensemble. Extremely Close - The Grand Finals Concert of New York Metropolitan Opera's National Council Auditions, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Entertaining Tricks - Couperin's 'Apothéoses', heard by Robert Anderson. '... a stylish account of the music ...'


• Ensemble. Farewell to Comedy - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Vividly Orchestrated - Orchestral music by Michael S Horwood, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive and enjoyable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Infectious Rhythms - Granados' 'Goyescas', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Garrick Ohlsson emerges with flying colours ...'


• Ensemble. Utterly Spellbinding - Jenny McLeod's new opera 'Hohepa', reviewed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Sensuous Depths - A selection of orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - On bowed dulcimers in South Africa, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Mandatory Repertoire - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. 'Unquestionably seminal performances ...'


• Ensemble. Beautiful Discourse - Chamber music from Lydia Artymiw, Arnaud Sussman, Toby Appel and Yehuda Hanani, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Splendour Enough - Italian multi-voiced music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Niquet's team ... has done Striggio and his companions proud.'


• DVD Spotlight. Truly Hypnotic - Verdi's 'Macbeth' from Covent Garden, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... almost unbearable intensity and shimmering sonority.'


• CD Spotlight. Sensitively Aware - Piano concertos and a violin sonata, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The performances do full justice to Shostakovich's demands ...'


• CD Spotlight. Notable Intensity - Schubert chamber music, heard by Howard Smith. '... expressive breadth and glorious refinement.'


• CD Spotlight. Joyous and Infective - Poulenc's unaccompanied choral music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'There is much here to savour.'


• Ask Alice - On the wisdom of mothers, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - Sinfonia Viva contributes to the UK's 'Music Nation', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Particularly Sumptuous - Verdi's 'Aida' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. After the Earthquake - Operas for reconstruction at L'Aquila, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Classical Jazz - Tim Kliphuis at Iford Manor, reviewed by Bill Newman. '... very much music for relaxation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Spoils of Victory - Handel's 'Germanico', heard by Robert Anderson. '... always exhilarating though less often idiomatic.'


• Ensemble. Comedic Flair - Britten's 'Albert Herring', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Natural Affinity - Klaggerud, Petrenko and the Philharmonia, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Interpretatively Distinctive - Recent music for viola and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... keen, committed musicianship.'


• Ask Alice - On cello grade exams, and shaking off the rust, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Soulful Intensity - Bellini's 'Norma', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Instant Enjoyment - Mendelssohn string symphonies and concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... scintillating brilliance ...'


• Expressive Insights - A recital by Lara Melda, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Deftly Trimmed - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Supple Artistry - Isabelle Faust plays Berg and Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... alive with dancing quicksilver and spring-heeled agility.'


• Ensemble. Heroic Treatment - Jake Heggie's new opera 'Moby-Dick' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Superb Control - Wagner, Bruch and Elgar in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Japanese Tragedy - A new 'Butterfly' production in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Reflective - Symphonies by Howard Hanson, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The recordings are excellent on all counts ...'


• CD Spotlight. Uncommonly Patronizing - A Stravinsky tale for children confuses Howard Smith. '... convoluted to say the least.'


• Ask Alice - What Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh thought of Cynthia Phelps, plus a dialogue with a puppy


• Ensemble. Tentative Performances - Gregory Moomjy has some reservations about New York City Opera's 'La Traviata'


• Complete Engagement - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Helen Reid


• Ensemble. Beautifully Precise - Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich and Ysaÿe from the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Much to Enjoy - Choral music by Stephen Chatman, heard by Patric Standford. '... extremely well performed ...'


• Ensemble. Emotional Shifts - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Apocalypse Now - Franz Schmidt's 'The Book with Seven Seals', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Exemplary Fashion - Francis Gouton's solo cello, heard by Howard Smith. '... a richly nuanced Gallic flair and beautiful tonal capabilities ...'


• Ensemble. Sublime Music-making - Kurt Masur conducts the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Airy Pleasantries - Telemann cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... delicious music-making from the whole team ...'


• Ask Alice - On intonation distortion and stabbing pains, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Complementary - Music for flute and organ, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... mastery, panache and a sense of balance that is almost uncanny.'


• Ensemble. New Respect - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• Ensemble. Nuanced Tone - Wagner's Götterdämmerung in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, seen and heard in Arizona by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Mesmerising Stillness - Stephen Hough joins Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Pure Magic - Michala Petri and the Danish National Vocal Ensemble, heard by Howard Smith. 'Don't miss it.'


• Ensemble. Humour and Fizz - Eddie Daniels and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kristjan Järvi, heard by Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Pretty Good - A Neapolitan 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Magical Chemistry - The RAM / Kohn Foundation Bach Cantata Series 2012, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Romantic Melodies - Gaubert and Debussy for flute, heard by Ron Bierman. '... a fine, well-played collection ...'


• Ensemble. A Great Evening - Beethoven and Dallapiccola from Esa-Pekka Salonen and the Philharmonia Orchestra, heard by Bill Newman


• DVD Spotlight. An Inspiring Tribute - New dance to Tchaikovsky, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Sound and visuals are first-rate.'


• Ask Alice - On liquid spillage and string instrument varnish, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Opera's Bright Future - Tom Taffinder reports from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama


• CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Modern music for wind instruments, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... decent production values.'


• Ensemble. Energy and Fire - 'Close Encounters with Music' from Scottsdale, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Unusual - Vivica Genaux and Europa Galante, heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. An Incendiary Outcry - Shostakovich and contemporaries, heard by Howard Smith. '... little to quibble at ...'


• Ensemble. Imaginative Harmonies - Richard Strauss's 'Salome' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Joy and Sadness - A shock to the normally conservative audience at Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Great Character - German Baroque from the Hanoverian Ensemble, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... another treasure trove of wonderful music ...'


• Ask Alice - A student feels unappreciated, but Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is there to help!!!!!!


• Ensemble. An Interesting Ambience - Puccini's 'Madama Butterfly' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Delectable Music - Neglected scores by Saint-Saëns, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Not to be missed.'


• Ensemble. Thrilled Beyond Measure - Jurowski conducts the LPO, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Paying Homage - Nikolai Demidenko plays Schubert at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Some like it Old-fashioned - Verdi's 'Aida' began the 2012 season at Parma's Teatro Regio, and Giuseppe Pennisi was there


• Ensemble. A Memorable Occasion - Redwood, Shostakovich, Janácek and Mozart from André de Ridder and Sinfonia Viva, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Impressive Music - Songs by Havergal Brian, heard by Patric Standford. '... equal to the intimacy of the skilfully fashioned miniature.'


• CD Spotlight. Dramatic Breadth - Cyprien Katsaris plays Liszt, heard by Howard Smith. '... seismic and mercurial by turns ...'


• Ensemble. Remarkable Performance - Eisler, Gershwin, Mozart, Poulenc, Schumann and Weill from Katie Bray and William Vann, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Great Success - Willian Christie's 'The Enchanted Island', reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Revealing Bach - The Goldberg Variations and The Art of Fugue, heard by George Balcombe. '... musical richness and instrumental knowledge ...'


• Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'The Enchanted Island' live in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Superbly Interpreted - Jonathan Biss plays Beethoven and Janácek, heard by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Imprint - J S Bach keyboard concertos, heard by Howard Smith. '... stunning aeration ...'


• Ensemble. Useful Spice - Giuseppe Pennisi discovers, via Bernstein's 'Candide', why we don't live in 'the best of all possible worlds'


• Fun-and-games Time - Mike Wheeler listens to Venetian pianist Alessandro Taverna


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh wrestles with 1984 and the mind police


• DVD Spotlight. Dignity and Impudence - A recital on Exeter Cathedral's organ, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... Millington on fine form ...'


• Ensemble. The Turning Point - Giuseppe Pennisi was in eastern Sicily for the opening night of Teatro Massimo Bellini's 2012 season - a low cost but high quality 'Carmen'


• CD Spotlight. Fabulously Exuberant - Michel D'Alberto plays Schubert, heard by Howard Smith. '... contagious buoyancy and affection.'


• CD Spotlight. Comparing Lockets - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Boccanegra is sung by Tito Gobbi, notable in any context ...'


• CD Spotlight. Volatile Inventiveness - Music by Steven Mackey, heard by Howard Smith. '... eighth blackbird manage its musical complexities without a trace of demurring.'


• CD Spotlight. Highly Atmospheric - Roger Argente's Superbrass, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... one almost gets the smell of Renaissance Spain.'


• Ask Alice - Of telephones and concerts, plus a recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons - Music and Sonnets, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Lilting Charm - Bill Newman listens to the Danish String Quartet


• Ensemble. Brilliant in the Extreme - Mozart and Brahms from the Razumovsky Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Dubious Tampering - Chamber arrangements of Mahler and Debussy, heard by Howard Smith. '... a highly skilled, finely rehearsed unit.'


• CD Spotlight. Idiomatic Performances - Music for viols, heard by Robert Anderson. '... sensitively blended and tonally warm.'


• Dramatic Excitement - Christian Blackshaw has begun his Mozart piano sonata Marathon in London, and Bill Newman was in the audience


• 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.'


• Ask Alice - Of mice and men, Chislehurst and Orpington, America and China, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Limitless Passion - Hélène Grimaud plays Rachmaninov, recommended by Howard Smith. '... glowing drive and triumphant resolve.'


• CD Spotlight. An Admirable Introduction - English violin sonatas by Dunhill, Bantock and Stanford, heard by Robert Anderson. '... affectionate performances by Susanne Stanzeleit and Gusztáv Fenyò ...'


• CD Spotlight. Stylish Playing - Some recommended commercial recordings, heard by Bill Newman. 'How dare they!'


• CD Spotlight. Intuitive Skill - Orchestral music by Howard Hanson, recommended by Howard Smith. '... Schwarz ... is second to none.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Striking Performance - Verdi's 'La forza del destino', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the gypsy and her confederates do Verdi proud ...'


• Ensemble. A Variety of Events - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on music for the Christmas and New Year period in Italy, for children and for those who love children


• Ensemble. 2011 Specials - A roundup of London concerts enjoyed by Bill Newman, featuring recitals by Alice Sara Ott, the Emerson Quartet, Martin Fröst and Roland Pontinen, the Orchestra of the Polish EU Presidency, Kreeta-Julia Heikkilä and Roope Grondahl, and Martino Tirimo's Rosamunde Trio


• Ask Alice - A visit to Covent Garden for 'Die Meistersinger', with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• 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 ...'


• Profile. Inner Meaning - Bill Newman talks to Kazan pianist Rustem Kudoyarov


• CD Spotlight. Handsome Praise - Rachmaninov piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The uncelebrated John Lill is totally in command throughout ...'


• Successful and Fulfilling - On the rediscovery of the Italian symphonic tradition, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Superb Music - Susanna Phillips sings Debussy, Messiaen and Fauré, heard by George Balcombe. '... Fauré knew how to make music live ...'


• CD Spotlight. Glorious - Henri Barda plays Brahms, Beethoven and Chopin, recommended by Bill Newman. 'The performances are in a class of their own.'


• DVD Spotlight. Brilliant Sounds - Pergolesi's 'Adriano in Siria', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The music is as bewitching as the story is dotty.'


• CD Spotlight. Gorgeous Colours - Schubert from the Tokyo Quartet, heard by Howard Smith. '... a great deal in their favour ...'


• CD Spotlight. Really Delightful - Christmas music from Mainstreet Brass, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz. 'This lovely collection really does provide something for everyone ...'


• Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Handel's 'Messiah' from Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. 'Back to Bloch' - Sybil Michelow on the Importance of being Ernest Bloch


• Ask Alice - On hitting music students with string bows, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Tension and Mystery - Rimsky-Korsakov orchestral suites, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... the music is dear to the heart of these players ...'


• CD Spotlight. Communicative Benediction - Hermine Haselböck sings Mahler lieder, recommended by Howard Smith. '... on a par with legendary German mezzo Christa Ludwig ...'


• CD Spotlight. Searing Intensity - Havergal Brian's 'Gothic' Symphony impresses Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Breezy Treatment - Familiar and unfamiliar music from The Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Triumphant Macbeth - Under Riccardo Muti's baton, Verdi's first Shakespearean opera inaugurates Rome's opera season, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Deeply Affecting - A Remembrance Concert in Clapham, attended by Michael Graubart


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Presented - Christmas vocal pieces, heard by Patric Standford. '... lively readings ...'


• CD Spotlight. Entirely Captivating - The Nativity story told through music, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a balanced and fulfilling listening experience.'


• Ensemble. Beautifully Tragic - Tom Taffinder reports on Stephen Sondheim's 'Merrily We Roll Along' at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama


• Ensemble. Plenty to Bite Into - Derby Concert Orchestra celebrates Christmas, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On trusting in the force of the cello, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Magnificent Form - Peter Katin plays Brahms, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Katin is in his element, moulding the arching phrases with complete mastery.'


• Ensemble. Excellent Stagecraft - Gounod's 'Faust' transmitted live in high definition from New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Balanced Exploration - Mike Wheeler listens to Ensemble Viva play Schumann, Mendelssohn and Beethoven


• Of Bagatelles and Weightier Matters - Julian Jacobson reports on the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Beethoven Senior Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Artists - Zemlinsky and Messiaen from Ensemble Liaison, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Melba's spot-on quartet recording ... fares brilliantly ...'


• Ensemble. An Immoralist Black Comedy - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a controversial new production of Mozart's 'Don Giovanni' which opened La Scala's 2011-12 season in Milan


• Quite Superb - Julian Jacobson plays Beethoven, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Thoughtful Performance - Derby Bach Choir's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wonderful Music - Works by Julian Anderson, Mozart and Tchaikovsky performed by Janine Jansen, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Airy Textures - The Piatti String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Previously Unknown - Music by Silvius Leopold Weiss, heard by Ron Bierman. '... difficult to improve upon ...'


• Ensemble. Believable Characters - Handel's 'Rodelinda' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed from the HD transmission by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Triumphant Return - Gounod's 'Faust' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. Extremely Beautiful - Arrangements of Dvorák songs recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The intense rapport between both artists can immediately be felt ...'


• Ensemble. Flying Colours - Yelian He and Yasmin Rowe play Chopin, Beethoven and Piazzolla, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Most Interesting - 'Satyagraha' by Philip Glass, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Beautiful Tone - Music for flute and piano, admired by Ron Bierman. 'The romantic-flute repertoire has never sounded better.'


• Ensemble. Poetic Insight - A recital by Erdem Misirlioglu, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Joyous Music-making - Cyprien Katsaris plays Mozart, heard by Robert Anderson. '... imbued with the very spirit of Mozart's Salzburg ...'


• CD Spotlight. Chalk and Cheese - The nylon-string guitar of Tony R Clef, heard by Howard Smith. '... extraordinary recorded clarity.'


• Ask Alice - On visiting the O2, and choosing between dentistry and music, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Exciting Sonorities - Oliver Rudland's 'The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark', enjoyed by Robert Anderson and a six-year-old friend


• Power and Delicacy - Alexander Romanovsky plays Haydn and Rachmaninov, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Luminous Scoring - Jongen, Dukas, Fauré, Respighi and Messiaen from Jonathan Scott, Cristian Mandeal and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Collection - Operatic bass arias sung by William Powers, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... a formidable mixture of operatic styles ...'


• Merely Addictive? - Music and 'Godhead: The Brain's Big Bang', explored by Gordon Rumson


• CD Spotlight. A Fascinating Coupling - Mendelssohn and Franck quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... strenuous and compelling ...'


• CD Spotlight. Truly American - Spirituals, hymns and folk music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... I have nothing but praise for the whole enterprise.'


• Ensemble. Thrilling Singing - Elgar and Duruflé with a surprise soloist, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On unruly behaviour on orchestral weekends and in concerts, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Tormented Souls - Sex and power in the aftermath of a Middle Eastern war, when 'Semiramide' opens the opera season in Naples, reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Stunning Portrayals - Debussy and Bartók, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Buoyant Works - A recital by Amber Yiu-Hsuan Liao, heard by Howard Smith. '... often engaging and perfectly serviceable.'


• 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.'


• CD Spotlight. Soundscapes and Ornithology - Music by Jonathan Harvey, heard by Jennifer Paull. '... spiritual mind and fertile imagination ...'


• CD Spotlight. Restful Indeed - English music by Hurd, Milford and Blackford, heard by Howard Smith. '... an ideal approach in music of pastoral character.'


• Ensemble. Convincing Jazz - Will Todd's 'Mass in Blue', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Date with the Devil - Gounod's 'Faust' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Fascinatingly Varied - The Eblana String Trio and David Curington at Derby Chamber Music, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Alert - Handel Works for Italy, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Lucy Crowe has the range, agility, and subtlety ...'


• Ask Alice - Troubles and traumas at specialist music schools, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Fiery Impetuosity - Tchaikovsky orchestral music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a powerful and committed performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sheer Conviction - Handel's 'Agrippina', heard by Robert Anderson. '... Handel's music survives gloriously, with singers and orchestra at top voltage.'


• Courage and Finesse - A recital by pianist Arisu Nakao, heard by Bill Newman


• Tonal Refinement - Cédric Tiberghien plays Debussy Preludes, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Wagnerian Glory - 'Siegfried' from New York in HD, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Tragic Programme - Tom Taffinder reports from Welsh National Opera


• Ensemble. Sharply Etched - Mozart and Shostakovich from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Romeo makes love to LA! - Barbier and Carré's version of Shakespeare, as set by Charles Gounod, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Truly Dexterous - Music for solo violin and viola, heard by Howard Smith. '... an urbane, ear-catching sound.'


• Ask Alice - A tale of six mottos, any number of mice, three cats, two vets, a conductor, a composer and a press release, from Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Unabashedly Melodic - Orchestral music by A Paul Johnson, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... performances that range from good to strong.'


• Ensemble. Brilliant Throughout - Kirill Karabits conducts the RPO, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Very Moving - A recital by Janine Jansen and Itamar Golan, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Pyrotechnic Skills - Lionel Cottet and Louis Schwizgebel-Wang play Beethoven, Schubert, Zanon and Brahms, and impress Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Faust versus Faust - Two concerts conducted by Antonio Pappano, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Imperious Disdain - Tchaikovsky's 'The Queen of Spades', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Enviable Technique - Rachmaninov piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no compromise for the faint-hearted.'


• CD Spotlight. Immediately Appealing - Music by James Cohn, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Conti is outstanding and in complete control throughout ...'


• Deliciously Bubbly - James Baillieu plays Beethoven, Schumann, Gottschalk and Paganini via Liszt, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Lyric Expressiveness - Russian music for cello and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... much here to praise ...'


• Ensemble. Saturday Delight - 'Don Giovanni' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On modern cello recital repertoire, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. The Future? - A performance by Operama, reviewed by Karen Haid


• Ensemble. The Lady without the Lake - Rossini at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Innermost Passions - Ralph Kirshbaum and Shai Wosner play Beethoven, Janácek, Brahms and Schumann, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Innumerable Delights - Rubinstein plays Chopin, heard by Robert Anderson. '... recordings of remarkable consistency ...'


• CD Spotlight. Appealing Performances - Guitar music by Ponce and Tansman, heard by Patric Standford. '... a real pleasure ...'


• Ensemble. Special Musical Connections - Bill Newman attends a fundraising concert for the Raphael Sommer Foundation


• CD Spotlight. Impetuous and Ruminative - Music for cello and piano by Schumann, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... imaginative gestures of great power and significance.'


• Ensemble. Nearly Late Romantic - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the opening night of the new production in Florence of Janácek's 'The Makropoulos Case'


• CD Spotlight. Delights Galore - Lyapunov's piano music impresses Bill Newman. '... endearing charm.'


• Ask Alice - On drowning out Katherine Jenkins, and a 77,000 person Mexican wave, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. A Pianistic Tribute - Jean-Yves Thibaudet plays Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson. '... remarkable performance ...'


• Ensemble. Rapturous Praises - Yasmin Rowe, Sarah Sew and Tadashi Imai at London's Wigmore Hall, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Focussed Sound - The Hallé Orchestra plays Schubert, Dvorák and Beethoven, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Neatly Sung - Handel's 'Flavio' from English Touring Opera, by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Eyes of History - Piano music by Mussorgsky and Prokofiev, heard by Robert Anderson. '... good value ...'


• CD Spotlight. Moderate Interest - Chamber music by Craig Madden Morris, heard by Howard Smith. '... Kwak is a more than capable soloist ...'


• Vividly Captured - A piano recital by Richard Uttley, 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.'


• Ensemble. Bustling Energy - A mainly classical programme from Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Loads of Variety - Latin music from Rachel Barton Pine, recommended by Howard Smith. '... immaculate, relaxed, resonant performances ...'


• Ask Alice - On cellists playing violin, and a story about Cortot and Enescu, from Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. An Outright Winner - Dave Lee and friends' horn-centred pot pourri, strongly recommended by Howard Smith. '... positively mesmerizing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Farrago of Fun - The Hoffnung Music Festival Concert, recommended by Howard Smith. '... though these show their age, the sound remains adequate.'


• CD Spotlight. A Wealth of Gifts - Hugo Wolf's Mörike-Lieder, heard by Robert Anderson. '... much expressive dexterity ...'


• Ensemble. A Fine Representation - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Sheer Triumph - Chicago's Music of the Baroque season opens with Beethoven and Mozart, reviewed by Barbara Sealock


• Ensemble. A Tale of Two Conductors - Robert Anderson attends two orchestral concerts in London


• Ensemble. Complex Orchestration - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Verdi Festival, which is short of money but not of ideas


• Ensemble. Energy and Grandeur - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates the anniversary of William Boyce, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Dance Rhythms - A visit from the Moscow Philharmonic, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Beyond Criticism - Paul Galbraith plays Mozart, Bach and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... palpable, near-orchestral grandeur.'


• Ask Alice - On solos and orchestra politics, with Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Seated on a Cloud - Vadim Gluzman and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vassily Sinaisky, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Clarity of Expression - Yasmin Rowe plays for the Keyboard Charitable Trust, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Intense and Believable - Handel's 'Xerxes', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Beautifully Controlled - Mike Wheeler listens to Suk, Dvorák, Ravel and Debussy from the Hallé Orchestra in Nottingham


• Ensemble. A Little Bit of Magic - Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Full-blooded Performance - Music for violin and piano by Ravel and Lekeu, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the whole recital has rare commitment and power.'


• Ensemble. Time is a Strange Thing - Teatro Real, Paris Opéra and La Scala join forces for the centenary of 'Der Rosenkavalier', reported by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Romance, Intrigue and Tragedy - Gaetano Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Greg Moomjy


• Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Tricky orchestra questions for the world's most vibrant Classical Music agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wonderful Playing - Christoph Eschenbach and the Vienna Philharmonic visit Brisbane, reviewed by Gillian Wills


• An Outstanding Evening - Bill Newman listens to American pianist Rorianne Schrade


• Ensemble. Infectious Verve - Los Angeles Opera's 'Così fan tutte', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Beautifully Played - Bill Newman attends two orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall


• Ensemble. A Memorable Evening - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on the Richard Strauss masterpiece co-produced by Rome's Teatro dell'Opera and the Salzburg Festival


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative Work - Chamber music by John Veale and Robert Crawford, heard by Patric Standford. '... well managed ...'


• Ask Alice - On desperation in singers and orchestral players, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Uncommon Joy - Florian Mitrea at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Malcolm Troup


• Ensemble. The Grand Inquisitor - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the first performance of Alessandro Solbiati's 'La Leggenda' in Turin, and raises the issue of the replicability of modern grand opera


• CD Spotlight. Early Flowering - Music for Henry V and the House of Lancaster, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The six voices of the Binchois Consort are equally happy when heard one by one or as a group.'


• A Valedictory Confession - Peter Donohoe's complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle impresses Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Powerful Capabilities - Piano trios by Weinberg and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... notable gusto ...'


• Ensemble. A fine performance - Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Superb Realms - Puccini's 'Il Trittico', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Joining Forces - British Art Songs, heard by George Balcombe. '... a strong affinity ...'


• Ask Alice - On the cut-throat world of piano teaching, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sensitivity and Incisiveness - Enikö Magyar and Timothy End launch Derby Chamber Music's new season, and impress Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Sonorous Phrases - J S Bach keyboard concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a delightful and appropriate lightness.'


• Ensemble. Music and the Pride of a Nation - Giuseppe Pennisi takes a glimpse at the Enescu Festival's Jubilee programme


• CD Spotlight. Many Riches - The Deller Consort performs Purcell, recommended by George Balcombe. 'Alfred Deller is fantastic ...'


• Ensemble. Life-Enhancing - Jonathan Dove's 'Mansfield Park' reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Castles from the Mist - Vassily Primakov plays Rachmaninov, recommended by Barbara Sealock. '... a triumph in more ways than one.'


• Ask Alice - On Nicola Benedetti, losing the 'Max' in Max Bruch and the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Strikingly Appropriate - Music by David Jephcott, heard by Howard Smith. '... drastically short on musical fibre.'


• Ensemble. To the Glory of God - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Sagra Musicale Umbra, celebrating old and new continents


• CD Spotlight. Hammer and Tongs - Franz Liszt funeral odes, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Orchestra and conductor have all the requisite diablerie.'


• Turning Gravity into Grace - Malcolm Troup has three encounters with the sublime


• CD Spotlight. Unpretentious but Satisfying - Piano music by Erik Chisholm, heard by Michael Graubart. '... effortless technique ...'


• Ensemble. Exciting Teamwork - Roderic Dunnett was in Worcester for the 2011 Three Choirs Festival


• CD Spotlight. Pure Welsh Magic - Richard Lewis, the great tenor, heard by Alice McVeigh. '... beg, borrow or steal.'


• Ask Alice - On stopping performances due to illicit recordings, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Double Experiment - Avant-garde and late romanticism at La Sagra Malatestiana, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Sure Affinity - Jocelyn Swigger plays American piano music, and impresses Howard Smith. '... bold dissonances, conveyed with commanding assurance.'


• Ensemble. Full Immersion - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on 'La Salustia' and 'La Serva Padrona' from the Pergolesi Festival


• CD Spotlight. Luxuriant Music - Orchestral works by Paul Dukas, heard by Patric Standford. '... a fine performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Opulent Sonorities - Brahms violin sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Zina Schiff has the range of tone colour and subtlety of vibrato to put the music convincingly across.'


• Ensemble. Shh ... Out! - Malcolm Miller was at the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's 75th Anniversary Prom for an audience composition to remember ...


• Ask Alice - On downloading Brahms Sextets and coping with Greek rodents, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Fiery Drama - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'I Pagliacci' at New Zealand Opera, enjoyed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Songs of Exiles - The Canterbury Cellos, heard by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Grand Style - Gregory Moomjy describes the sly return of Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' to the magical forest of New York's Lincoln Center


• Ensemble. Illuminating the Spectrum - Contemporary music at Salzburg, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Persuasive Simplicity - Serghei Constantinov at Steinway Hall in London, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Superlative Performers - A buoyant divertissement of eclectic items, heartily recommended by Howard Smith. '... a true delight ...'


• A Firm Grasp - Peter Litman plays the organs of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Glorious Eroticism - Vocal music by Lassus, impresses Patric Standford. '... an impressive recording, beautifully sung ...'


• A Whimsical Novel - Edmund Bealby-Wright's 'This Farewell Symphony', read by Karen Haid


• Ask Alice - Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is accused of ignoring the BBC Proms


• CD Spotlight. Coruscating Brilliance - Spanish inspirations for two pianists, heard by Robert Anderson. '[A] joyous recital ...'


• Great Things to Come - Malcolm Troup listens to a recital by the all-conquering but still largely unsung pianist Gloria Campaner


• Ensemble. The Legacy of Bel Canto - Rossini's 'William Tell' at the Caramoor Festival, discussed by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. A Cautionary Tale - Pulitzer Prize-winning choral and orchestral music, heard by Karen Haid. '... an important and largely successful undertaking.'


• Ensemble. Faith and the Devil - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on Janácek and Strauss at the Salzburg Summer Festival


• CD Spotlight. Zapped Fugues - Michael Kieran Harvey's tribute to Frank Zappa impresses Gordon Rumson. 'The virtuosity is astounding.'


• CD Spotlight. Diversely Exhilarating - Cheryl Barker pays tribute to Joan Hammond, heard by Howard Smith. '... four recital items have the ideal accompanist in Timothy Young ...'


• Musicianship and Panache - Michael Harris at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Tony Westerman


• Ever Responsive - Two recitals by Alberto Portugheis impress Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. A No-nonsense Approach - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. '... not quite the whole story.'


• Ensemble. Severity and Comedy - Offenbach's 'Tales of Hoffmann', commended by Gregory Moomjy


• Ensemble. A Real Triumph - The 2011 Sferisterio Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Compositional Thought - Piano music by John Corigliano, recommended by Karen Haid. 'Oppens and Lowenthal give strong performances of this music.'


• Ensemble. An Invaluable Experience - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in New York, appreciated by Gregory Moomjy


• Finest Attributes - Wigmore Hall recitals by Danny Driver, and by Jack Liebeck and Katya Apekisheva, admired by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Patriot and Terrorist? - New aspects of Rossini brought to light at the 2011 Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro, discussed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Thrill to Watch - Verdi's 'Nabucco' in HD from Sicily, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Consummate Artists - Malcolm Troup reports on the BPSE Summer Festival at London's Regent Hall, where for the first time Music, not consumerism, called the shots


• Ensemble. Sorcerers and Apprentices - Collaborative organ performances at Derby Cathedral by Peter Gould, Tom Corfield, Christopher Johns, Ben Bloor and Sachin Gunga delight Tony Westerman


• Ensemble. Dark Lyricism - Mark-Anthony Turnage's 'Greek' at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Structural Thinking - Recitals on the organ at Derby Cathedral by Andrew Dewar, David Briggs and Anthony Hammond, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Asian Aid - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the 2011 Puccini Festival


• Ensemble. Sparkling Delight - Shirley Ratcliffe hears I Fagiolini at the Holt Festival


• Ensemble. Santa Fe, The City Different - Maria Nockin enjoys the summer opera fare in North America's oldest capital city


• Ensemble. A Delicate Balance - Giuseppe Pennisi has mixed feelings about 'Aida' at the Baths of Caracalla


• DVD Spotlight. Blocks of Snow - 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Pagliacci', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... not always marooned in frozen wastes.'


• DVD Spotlight. Seldom Equalled - Michelangeli plays Beethoven, Galuppi and Scarlatti, and impresses Howard Smith. 'His relentless perfectionism allows him spellbinding precision ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Modern Orfeo - Music by Elodie Lauten, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... a pleasing half-hour chamber opera ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Creative Ageing? - Biana Kovic's 'Virtuoso', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... there's little new here at all.'


• DVD Spotlight. Imaginatively Produced - Mesut Özgen plays contemporary guitar music, enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... an impressive performer who selects a distinctive repertoire ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Ballets choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Apart from the galvanised buckets it's all effectively eye-catching ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Outrageously Flamboyant - Christian Lindberg as trombonist, composer and conductor, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... an extraordinary character ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Refined Qualities - Minkus' 'Don Quijote' from the Ballet Nacional de Cuba impresses Gerald Fenech. '... gorgeous sound and visuals.'


• DVD Spotlight. Doubly Effective - A classic documentary with music by Copland, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a fascinating picture of America ...'


• DVD Spotlight. A Needless Diversion - 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The applause of the Amsterdam audience is notably muted.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Common Objective - The Ramallah Concert, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a tremendous, emotional, not-to-be-missed experience.'


• DVD Spotlight. A Disparate Experiment - 'Aria - Special Edition', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'You never know what you're gonna get.'


• DVD Spotlight. Dramatic Truth - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a strong candidate for the library shelves.'


• Ask Alice - On becoming a 'musicians are smarter' sceptic, and swimming to France across the English Channel, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Wonderfully Resourceful - Rossini's 'Il Turco in Italia', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The orchestra under Antonello Allemandi seem to have relished the evening as much as I did.'


• DVD Spotlight. Not for Everyone - A collaboration between Turnage and Scofield, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... well executed ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Admirable Intentions - Gillian Rogell teaches chamber music, observed by Howard Smith. 'It's all fairly basic stuff ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Characteristic Schubert - 'Alfonso und Estrella', appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... splendidly sung and played ...'


• CD Spotlight. Often Spectacular - The American String Project, seen and heard by Patric Standford. 'The performers are undoubtedly superb ...'


• Great Energy - Timothy Byram-Wigfield plays the organ at Derby Cathedral and impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On pain caused by too much practicing, with Classical Music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Charming and Lively - Piano music by Ricky Ian Gordon, recommended by Robert Hugill. 'Nauman plays ... consummately ...'


• Ensemble. Wagner in the Alps - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the 2011 Tiroler Festspiele


• Ensemble. Immense Promise - Malcolm Miller reports on the recent Israeli and Bloch music competitions


• Ensemble. Sheer Brilliance - Rossini's 'William Tell', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Uncommonly Addictive - Choral music by Eriks Esenvalds, recommmended by Howard Smith. '... exciting music of the utmost graciousness.'


• Ensemble. Emotional Awakening - More from the Buxton Festival, with Mike Wheeler


• Mysterious and Interesting - Hans Hielscher at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. The Passing of Time - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan' at the Buxton Festival impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On complaining about music exam results, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. The Quality of Mercy - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the 2011 Aix-en-Provence Festival and reports on four of the six operas


• CD Spotlight. Keyboard Diablerie - Beethoven Sonatas and Symphonies, heard by Robert Anderson. '... stunning performance ...'


• Ensemble. Tremendously Exciting - The Dante Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Great Performances - Dvorák's Cello and Piano Concertos, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... it's a pleasure to hear Mstislav Rostropovich at this early stage of his career ...'


• Ensemble. Achingly Beautiful - Vivaldi's 'La verità in cimento' at Garsington Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Subtly Harmonized - Moeran solo folksong arrangements delight Patric Standford. '... a delightful exploration of the sensitive and creative treatment of folksongs ...'


• Ask Alice - On temporary disability and bias in music competitions, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Formidable Hurdles - Music by George Rochberg, heard by Howard Smith. '... an eloquent performance, effectively recorded.'


• Profile. All-Involving - Turkish pianist Idil Biret talks to Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Compelling and Pleasurable - Arthur Friedheim plays Liszt, Chopin, Gottschalk and Henselt, heard by Patric Standford. '... a slightly improvisatory interpretation ...'


• CD Spotlight. Seductive Rhythms - Reconstructed Gershwin piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Alicia Zizzo ... can tackle whatever bravura demands Gershwin may make on her ...'


• New Contexts - Malcolm Miller reports on a recent Symposium on Beethoven's Diabelli Variations


• A Stunning Voice - A recital by Vuyani Mlinde impresses Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On intonation in cello sections, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• New Talent - Hannah Yip's Derby Cathedral recital impresses Mike Wheeler


• Fun to Read - 'Dwynwen's Feast' by I H Smythe, read by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. No Sense or Sensibility - George Balcombe dismisses Patrick Piggott's book about music in the life and writings of Jane Austen


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Mastery - Beethoven Piano Concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... worth a king's ransom.'


• CD Spotlight. Subtle Touches - 'Die schöne Müllerin', heard by Robert Anderson. '... a memorable performance.'


• Ensemble. Overtly Operatic - Sinfonia Viva's summer schools' residency project, attended by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Lasting Magic - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the Italian premiere in Ravenna of Mercadante's 'I Due Figaro'


• CD Spotlight. Unaffected Restraint - Halida Dinova plays music that tells stories, heard by Howard Smith. '... a mesmerising interpreter ...'


• Ask Alice - Irate choral singers, grade exams and tendonitis, with Classical Music Agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Serious Intentions - Bill Newman listens to Stephen Hough


• Ensemble. Exotic Soundscapes - Two London concerts featuring music from the opera to the orient, attended by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. A Choral Delight - The Antioch Chamber Ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... most valuable.'


• Ensemble. Vocal Passion - Maria Nockin makes a virtual visit to Covent Garden for Verdi's 'Macbeth'


• Ensemble. A Conductor's Opera - A new production of Puccini's 'La bohème' at Rome's Teatro dell'Opera, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Especially Satisfying - Music by Lee Actor, strongly recommended by Ron Bierman. '... an outstanding release.'


• Ask Alice - Agony aunt Alice McVeigh goes for zero classical music content in her latest rantings on social networking, sport and mice, guaranteed to annoy the editor (her only remaining reader)


• CD Spotlight. A Towering Rage - Shostakovich's Symphony No 11, heard by Robert Anderson. '... total conviction.'


• Ensemble. An Important Milestone - Robert Hugill was at Grange Park Opera's 'Tristan and Isolde'


• Ensemble. A Formidable Climax - Steve Reich at 75 - Repetitions, Resonances and Renewals, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. Warmly Spontaneous - Ravel songs, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... utter conviction ...'


• CD Spotlight. Powerfully Atmospheric - Arvo Pärt's Symphony No 4, heard by Patric Standford. '... calm, simple and strong.'


• CD Spotlight. Striking Power - Leslie Howard plays Rachmaninov, heard by Howard Smith. '... a staggering technique.'


• Ask Alice - A possible threat to the punctuation supremacy of classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Vitally Sung - Heritage Opera's 'Così fan tutte' impresses Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Dramatically Potent - Robert Hugill was at Chelsea Opera Group's performance of Puccini's 'Manon Lescaut'


• Ensemble. Musical Outlooks - Bill Newman attends a selection of concerts at London's Wigmore Hall


• Ensemble. A Complete Delight - Wagner's 'Die Walküre' at New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed in HD from Arizona by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Equal Partners - Chamber music by Barbara Harbach, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. '... more humor than can be found in the entire oeuvre of many contemporary composers.'


• Ensemble. A Deep Impression - Rory Macdonald conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Genuinely Touching - Janácek's 'From the House of the Dead', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Hokey Plot? - Mike Wheeler was at Opera North's 'Fidelio'


• Ask Alice - On the rising cost of music hire, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Smoochy - The Royal Philharmonic's Gershwin celebration in Nottingham, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Towards a Better World - Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra are currently on a world tour. Giuseppe Pennisi listens to their concert in Rome


• Ensemble. Unique Harmonies - Shostakovich's 'Moscow, Cherry Town', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Artistic Freedom - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the sophisticated music festival in a Tuscan mountain convent and stays for the full three days


• Ensemble. Simple but Effective - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare' in Versailles, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. When Verdi Slept - 'La Battaglia di Legnano', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Tuning in Afresh - Bill Newman listens to Bulgarian pianist Vesselin Stanev


• Ask Alice - On 'Swinging Samson' and musicians' brains, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Seductive Lyricism - Walton and Barber Violin Concertos, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Bowes is wonderfully convincing on all counts.'


• CD Spotlight. Outside the Box - A recital by Gunnar Johansen, heard by Howard Smith. '... a floodtide of seismic power and romantic fervor ...'


• Profile. Humanizing Emotions - American conductor James Conlon talks to Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Spiritual Outpourings - CD Spotlight. Spiritual Outpourings. Alexander Romanovsky plays Rachmaninov, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... passion and elegance.'


• Ensemble. Uncurbed Impulses - Bizet's 'Carmen' at San Diego Opera, appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Original but Controversial - 'Sicilian Vespers' as conceived by Verdi, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh says farewell to her musician aunt


• Ensemble. Highly Atmospheric - Massenet's 'Werther', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Ready Solace - Brahms piano music, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Atzinger is at his best ...'


• Ensemble. In Fine Style - George Frideric Handel's 'L'Allegro, Il Penseroso ed Il Moderato', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Alexei Stepanov conducts the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Intense Confrontation - Verdi's 'Ernani' - more revolutionary than patriotic, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Truly Beautiful - Gounod's 'Faust' at San Diego Opera delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Remarkable Development - Quilter songs from Trevor Alexander and Peter Crockford impress Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Very Credible - Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Dramatic Beauty - Works by Eötvös and Bartók, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Delightfully Engaging - Alison Balsom plays Hummel's Trumpet Concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Touching Portrait - Shostakovich chamber music, heard by Mary Isaac


• Palpable Sincerity - Robin Daniels pays tribute to the Scottish tenor Kenneth McKellar (1927-2010)


• Ensemble. More Fantasy? - Robert Hugill has reservations about Terry Gilliam's production of Berlioz's 'The Damnation of Faust'


• CD Spotlight. A Hint of Bitters - Music by William Ferris, heard by Howard Smith. 'Well worth investigating.'


• Ask Alice - On Royal-Wedding-itis, cello rosin and a thumbs up for Obama, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Ambiguous Alchemy - Choral music by Jonathan Harvey, explored by Jennifer Paull. '... truly spellbinding ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Eupeptic Vitality - Mozart and Michael Haydn for violin and viola, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Maya Magub makes a very effective protagonist ...'


• Ensemble. Christ Re-Crucified - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the Italian première of Bohuslav Martinu's Greek Passion


• CD Spotlight. Inestimable Worth - Joan Sutherland's debut recital, assessed by Howard Smith. 'No other single disc has these historic performances.'


• Ensemble. An Engrossing Performance - Bach's 'St John Passion' from the Richard Roddis Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Great Success - Sergey Sobolev plays Chopin, Liszt and Schumann, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Historical Fantasy - Rimsky-Korsakov's 'The Tsar's Bride', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Vibrant Music - Mendelssohn Trio and Sonatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... ready skill and deft handling ...'


• Ensemble. Extreme Sex - Set in the aftermath of a nuclear war, the first performance of Luca Francesconi's 'Quartett' is reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Rapturous Beauty - Richard Strauss's 'Capriccio', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Positively Spellbinding - Music for clarinet, piano and cello, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a fine recording ...'


• Ensemble. Total Concentration - Juan Diego Flórez sings Rossini's 'Le Comte Ory', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. A Sympathetic Hand - Jane Glover accompanies Felicity Lott's Mozart, heard by Robert Anderson. '... joyous music-making.'


• CD Spotlight. Eclectic Style - A triple concerto by Graham Reynolds, recommended by Ron Bierman. 'Performances are equal to the occasion ...'


• Profile. A Nurturing Environment - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo Kate Lindsey


• Ensemble. Finely Balanced - Mike Wheeler listens to Derby Choral Union


• Ensemble. Orchestral Nuances - Thanks to a sparkling 'Barber of Seville', Giuseppe Pennisi rediscovers the beauty of Rossini's orchestration


• Ensemble. Meticulously Handled - The Rivoli String Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Haunting Beauty - Britten song cycles, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Nothing can detract from the magic ...'


• CD Spotlight. Meant to Last - J S Bach cello suites, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... brilliance and beauty ...'


• Ensemble. Great Delicacy - Mike Wheeler listens to the Hallé Orchestra in Liszt, Schumann and Brahms


• Ensemble. A Great Occasion - The Derby Roundhouse debut as a concert hall, described by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Rewarding Performances - Arizona Opera's 'The Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Too Clever by Half - A very British version of Mozart's 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' returns to Rome, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Stupid questions and idiotic social networking, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Unmissable Talents - An array of artists at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Hope for the Future? - Roderic Dunnett experiences Peter Maxwell Davies' new opera 'Kommilitonen!'


• CD Spotlight. Witness to Atrocities - The poetry of Anna Akhmatova, heard by Howard Smith. '... a cause for unstinting applause and praise.'


• Ensemble. Poise and Grace - Bill Newman listens to Emre Engin and Alison Rhind


• Ensemble. Golden Sounds - 'Der Rosenkavalier' in San Diego impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Composer's Authority? - J S Bach transcribed for guitar, heard by Robert Anderson. '... consummate skill ...'


• Mahler versus Mahler - Two symphony orchestras are playing Mahler in Rome, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Somewhat Lacklustre - Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich, heard by Howard Smith. '... a tumultuous, dynamic conclusion.'


• Variety of Mood - Brahms and Stanford from The Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Orchestral Story-telling - Mike Wheeler listens to Strauss, Rimsky-Korsakov and Khachaturian from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra


• A Pleasant Evening - Lisa Friend and Mark Kinkaid in recital, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. To Suit the Voice - Gregory Moomjy takes a sneak peek at the divas and divos of tomorrow, as heard at New York Metropolitan Opera's National Council auditions


• Confident and Artistic - Thomas Hicks wins first prize in the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's annual Junior Competition, reported by Julian Jacobson


• Ensemble. New Ideas - Malcolm Miller enjoys the Meitar Ensemble in concert and reports on the conference 'Art Musics of Israel'


• Ensemble. Freedom and Passion - A Ferrero / Dallapiccola double bill in Modena, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - Trendy in Bromley, and bluesy music with a twist, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Exuberantly Florid Writing - Mike Wheeler listens to António Teixeira's Te Deum


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Rendition - Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Depth of Concentration - Stephen Kovacevich plays Beethoven, Schumann and Bach, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Tad More Sensual - Simon Keenlyside sings Don Giovanni with the Cleveland Orchestra, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Surprisingly Believable - Britten's 'The Turn of the Screw' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - Technology and music, plus Elgar in Lowestoft, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Irresistible First - Handel's 'Xerxes' in Wellington, New Zealand, enjoyed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. An Exciting Evening - Jonas Kaufmann's Los Angeles recital impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. An Individual Spirituality - Contemporary music from London's Trinity Laban Conservatoire, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Sex and Absolute Power - Handel's 'Giulio Cesare in Egitto', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Deeply Expressive - Mahler, Weber and Strauss at Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Poise and Vitality - Mike Wheeler listens to Lucille Burns and Catherine Milledge


• Ensemble. Deeply Satisfying - Outreach work for Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Perfection Itself - Michail Lifits at London's Wigmore Hall delights Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Varied Moods - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... admirably captured ...'


• Ensemble. Simple and Effective - A new production of Verdi's 'Nabucco' celebrates the 150th anniversary of Italy's Unification, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Different Couples - English Touring Opera's 'La Clemenza di Tito', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Riveting Characterization - Verdi's 'Otello' at Arizona Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Distinct Insights - Dejan Lazic plays Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a crisp, vernal, excellently deliniated performance ...'


• Ensemble. Vigour and Brilliance - The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra plays Adams, Bernstein, Falla and Gershwin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Impressive Achievement - Berlioz's 'The Trojans' at Berlin's Deutsche Oper, assessed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - A brief encounter with field-mice, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Real Triumph - The first Milan performance of Britten's 'Death in Venice' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Inside the Music - Mike Wheeler listens to the Czech National Symphony Orchestra


• Ensemble. An Eclectic Mix - Mieczyslaw Weinberg's 'The Portrait' at Opera North, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Think Again - A Late Review of Anvil (and some musings on Classical Music Equivalents), by Gordon Rumson


• Malcolm Smith (1932-2011) - A celebration, not an obituary, by Bill Newman


• 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


• Ask Alice - Correspondence between film maker Phil Grabsky and classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Zip and Sparkle - Alexandra Dariescu plays Beethoven, Liszt, Chopin and Constantin Silvestri, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - The London Mozart Trio impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Riotous Production - Mark Anthony Turnage's 'Anna Nicole', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Lyrical Richness - Arensky Piano Trios, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The Rachmaninov Trio Moscow plays with obvious affection for the music and enviable skill.'


• Protect and Survive - Mike Wheeler was at the Annual Conference of the Association of British Orchestras


• Ensemble. Psychological Portraits - Opera North's 'Carmen', experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Richly Expressive - The Cleveland Orchestra begins its annual South Florida residency, by Lawrence Budmen


• CD Spotlight. Do we get it? - Contemporary Canadian music for marimba, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'Meunier proves equal to all the demands ...'


• Ensemble. Full of Irony - Shostakovich's 'The Nose', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - In search of Beethoven and stress-free jobs, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. High Standards - Bill Newman listens to various artists at London's Wigmore Hall


• CD Spotlight. Vital and Committed - Music for string quartet by Janácek and Dvorák , recommended by Robert Anderson. '... an outstanding disc ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Strange Choice - Violin concertos by Vivaldi, heard by Howard Smith. '... reliable and persuasive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Tough Assignment - Michelle Stebleton plays music for solo horn, and Paul Sarcich is impressed. '... both musical and technical satisfaction ...'


• Absolutely Outstanding - Kotaro Fukuma's performances of Schumann, Chopin and Liszt amaze Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Consummate Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. A New Light - Gregory Moomjy listens to Tchaikovsky from Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic


• Ensemble. Fresh and Gleaming - Sinfonia Viva's performance at the 2011 Association of British Orchestras conference impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On grooming violin superstars and oriental domination, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Emphasis on Personalities - John Adams' 'Nixon in China', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Stylish and Powerful - Donizetti's 'Belisario', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Sovereign Advocacy - Haydn, Hummel, Leopold Mozart and Neruda trumpet concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... expect nothing but the best ...'


• CD Spotlight. Delicate Mastery - Orchestral music by Glazunov, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... dashingly done ...'


• CD Spotlight. Great Fluency - Music by Pierre Moulu, heard by George Balcombe. '... magically moving individual lines and harmonies.'


• CD Spotlight. Instinctive Artistry - Jill Crossland plays Mozart and Beethoven, heard by Howard Smith. '... a distinctive, beautifully considered performance.'


• Ensemble. Great Sensitivity - The Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Splendid Performance - Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic, heard by Gregory Moomjy


• CD Spotlight. A Magnificent Celebration - Three Rodrigo guitar concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Alfonso Moreno is a superb protagonist, technically impeccable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Knowledge and Imagination - Lavinia Meijer plays recent music for harp, and impresses Paul Sarcich. '... an exceptional player ...'


• Ensemble. Stunning Musical Performance - Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Full of Delights - Nicola Benedetti and the European Union Chamber Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Drama and Comedy - British humour under the Neapolitan sun, in 'L'Elisir d'Amore' in Rome and San Francisco, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Smooth Delivery - Maria Nockin was at San Diego for Puccini's 'Turandot'


• Ensemble. For King, Country and Sex - Marco Tutino's 'Senso', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - An overdose of Mozart and crazy fitness machines, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Deeply Satisfying - Elena Kuschnerova plays J S Bach, selected by Howard Smith. '... decisive and fresh as a dewfall.'


• CD Spotlight. Unjustly Neglected - Orchestral tone poems by Boughton and Bainton impress Robert Anderson. '... performed with conviction and sensitivity ...'


• Ensemble. The Quality of Mercy - Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Variety within Unity - A special concert dedicated to the music of British composer Ian Stewart, heard by Mary Isaac


• Ensemble. Opulent and Effective - Puccini's 'Turandot' in Arizona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Fun with the Slides - Haydn, Shostakovich and Beethoven from The Aves Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Unmistakably French - 'Les Nuits d'Eté', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi from Rome's Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia


• Ask Alice - On strengthening fingers and selling cellos, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• An Ever-Active Hive - Robert Anderson examines the latest score from Acuta Music


• CD Spotlight. Quite Breathtaking - David Korevaar plays Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, admired by Howard Smith. '... lots to admire ...'


• CD Spotlight. Finely Displayed - Alfred Brendel plays Liszt, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'Michael Gielen backs Brendel's eloquence with unobtrusive skill.'


• Ensemble. Unmistakably American - William Bolcom's 'A View from the Bridge', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Beautifully Sung - An evening with Juan-Diego Flórez, by Robert Hugill


• Subtly Controlled - Spanish pianist Javier Perianes plays Schubert, Chopin, Debussy and Falla, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On pensions, money, burglars, bankers and teeth, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Poignant Sounds - String quartets by Peter Garland, heard by Patric Standford. '... remote and apparently disengaged ...'


• Ensemble. A Memorable Programme - Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Unmistakably Italian - A fresh start for Gnecchi's 'Cassandra', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Excellent Performance - Dudamel and the LA Philharmonic at the Movies, seen and heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Perfectly Adequate - Jacques Rouvier's Debussy Préludes, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... the performances lack a degree of intensity and personal involvement.'


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Rendition - Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West' at the movies impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - The trouble with banks, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Inspired Artistry - The Israel Piano Trio at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Mediterranean Splendour - Dancing to Bizet's 'L'Arlésienne' and 'Carmen', by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Many Levels - Chamber music by Mozart and Smetana, heard by Howard Smith. '... judged to perfection ...'


• New Year Blues - A roundup of recent London concerts by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Brave Assurance - Elmar Oliveira plays J S Bach, heard by Robert Anderson. '... full and vibrant ...'


• Ensemble. Eros versus Thanatos - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in Paris, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On schools and academies, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sensitive and Vivid - Laura Isaacson and Patricia Capone, heard by Mary Isaac


• CD Spotlight. Elegaic Melancholy - A new recording from Jan Garbarek and the Hilliard Ensemble, exceeds Howard Smith's highest expectations. '... beyond criticism ...'


• Real Individuality - Julian Jacobson was at the 2010 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. An Appropriate Memorial - Songs by Moeran, Warlock and Geoffrey Stern, heard by Patric Standford. '... a well balanced programme and clean, clear studio performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Aristocratic in Inspiration - Matthew Cameron plays Liszt, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... dignity and eloquence.'


• CD Spotlight. A Compelling Magnetism - Elena Kuschnerova plays Musorgsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... superbly evocative ...'


• Boundless Energy - Warren Mailley-Smith, heard by Mary Isaac


• CD Spotlight. Supreme as Duettist - Schubert for piano four hands, heard by Robert Anderson. '... delicious passagework.'


• Ensemble. Music and Art - Karen Haid experiences Roma Opera Omnia