classical music reviews, news & interviews
Rachel Halliburton |
Aaron Copland’s gleaming, monumental Fanfare for the Common Man was written to mark the USA’s entry into World War II. Those thunderous drums and soaring trumpets symbolised the moment when America formally announced itself as the greatest power in the world and its most ardent champion of democracy.
Graham Rickson |
Sibelius: Symphonies 1-7 Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra/Jukka-Pekka Saraste (Ondine)
Violin Concerto, Lemminkäinen Suite Ava Bahari (violin), Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra/Santtu-Matias Rouvali (Alpha Classics)
Helen Charlston
“I’m a German Romantic at heart – there’s no better music.” I found myself saying this recently after performing Robert Schumann’s song cycle…
O'Sullivan, Fantasia Orchestra, Fetherstonhaugh, Smith Square Hall review - the sassy airs of summer
David Nice
Despite Proms appearances, I'm still not sure that Tom Fetherstonhaugh, mover and shaker of the young Fantasia Orchestra, has yet had quite the…
Graham Rickson
Elgar & Dvořák: Cello Concertos Alban Gerhardt (cello), WDR Sinfonieorchester/Andrew Manze (Hyperion)
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David Nice
Two recitals in a thousand, other events good to excellent
Robert Beale
Distinction and emotional impact from young musicians and an exuberant maestro
Boyd Tonkin
A brass hero blows through favourite pieces - and a bluesy newcomer
Graham Rickson
Baroque concertos, opera arias on solo horn and new music for contrabass flute
David Nice
Subtle, introspective 'Harold in Italy' followed by over-punchy 'Symphonie fantastique'
Rachel Halliburton
Semi-staged version brings a heightened appreciation of the symphony's jostle of voices
David Nice
Cellist/singer with friends and top quartet make welcome returns to the DICMF
Bernard Hughes
Striking performances by a quartet with a strong sense of identity
Graham Rickson
Life-enhancing Danish piano music and a trio of epic symphonies
David Nice
'Santtu' clearly loves 'Symphonia Domestica', the composer's family mock-epic
David Nice
Mozart with other-worldly refinement, focused passion in Brahms
David Nice
The Norwegian soprano has arrived as a great recitalist in partnership with a vivid pianist
Bernard Hughes
Veteran American singer in fine voice, complemented by characterful accordion
Robert Beale
Luxurious sonic experience and tonal beauties in a moving Mahler 6
Graham Rickson
Baroque keyboard music in new colours, a celebration of a great English composer and Russian fairytales
David Nice
Stunning collaboration between actors and musicians typifies this bracing enterprise
Bernard Hughes
Period instruments and voices recreate the glory of a historical investiture
Robert Beale
Rautavaara’s birds, Nielsen’s arguments, and an outstanding Sibelius concerto
David Nice
A celebrated sibling brings style and panache to two brothers
Bernard Hughes
Adventurous programming showcases choir’s versatility and skill
stephen.walsh
Lucid playing with some unwanted appendages
Claire Booth
A very individual singer joins Ensemble 360 for eight days of superb programming
Simon Thompson
Principal cellist plays two concertante works, the orchestra glittering alongside him
Graham Rickson
French baroque music, British orchestral fireworks and an award-winning Dutch pianist
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