Classical Reviews

Matan Porat, Wigmore Hall

David Nice Monday, 27 July 2015

From now until 12 September, when Wigmore darling Iestyn Davies returns to open the new season, the biggest names in instrumental music are to be heard in the biggest venue, the Albert Hall. With all eyes and ears turned by maximum publicity towards the Proms, folk may have forgotten that the Wigmore Hall concerts were ongoing until last night.

Prom 12: Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Andsnes 3

Bernard Hughes Monday, 27 July 2015

After four years, 55 cities in 22 countries and an award-winning recording, Leif Ove Andsnes’s Beethoven journey came to an end last night in an emotionally charged evening at the Royal Albert Hall. And in a delightful light-hearted moment after all the serious music making was done, Andsnes finished the concert vigorously playing the tambourine in an orchestral encore.

Prom 10: Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Andsnes 2

Bernard Hughes Saturday, 25 July 2015

So to the second leg of Leif Ove Andsnes's journey through the Beethoven concertos, and a distressingly underpopulated Royal Albert Hall. Perhaps the punters were put off by the wintry weather, or perhaps by the dread names of Schoenberg and Stravinsky on the bill. Either way, it is shocking that Andsnes’s wonderful playing should have been to anything other than a full house.

Prom 9: Mahler Chamber Orchestra, Andsnes 1

David Nice Friday, 24 July 2015

Beethoven’s piano concertos have been no strangers to any Proms season. Only five years ago our own Paul Lewis embarked on a cycle not so very far, in terms of elegance and stylishness, from that of the present pianist-in-residence, Leif Ove Andsnes. Where Lewis proved a phenomenal trill-master, Andsnes’ runs and flights make his own approach especially rich and rare.

Prom Chamber Music 1: The Cardinall's Musick, Carwood

Matthew Wright Tuesday, 21 July 2015

How often do the streets of London throng with concert-goers demanding admission to a recital of Latin motets? Even for Sloane Square, the crowds hoping for a last-minute ticket to the sold-out Proms Chamber Music debut concert by The Cardinall’s Musick of Tallis and Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s world premiere were exceptional. For the most part, these music-lovers displayed excellent judgement, for this was an inspired programme and performance.

Comment

Prom 4: CBSO, Nelsons

Sebastian Scotney Monday, 20 July 2015

This Prom was the final concert of Andris Nelsons's remarkable seven-year spell as principal conductor of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Their Prom showed the astonishing level of responsiveness and flexibility which he and they have achieved together, over the course of more than 300 concerts.

Comment

Prom 1: Vogt, Maltman, BBCSO, Oramo

Gavin Dixon Saturday, 18 July 2015

So it begins. Thousands of expectant audience members in a sweltering Albert Hall – heave ho! – riotous applause for the leader as he tunes the orchestra. A few more visits and all this will seem normal again, but it’s a culture shock to be thrown straight back in on the first night.

Comment

Classical CDs Weekly: Kit Downes, The Nash Ensemble, John Potter

graham Rickson Saturday, 18 July 2015

Kit Downes: Tricko Kit Downes (piano, organ), Lucy Railton (cello) (Coup Perdu)

theartsdesk at the East Neuk Festival: Church strings, garden horns

David Nice Monday, 13 July 2015

A peninsular spirit of place and the greatest of instrumentalists drew me a second time to the eastern nook (hence the “Neuk”) of Fife. But could a second report for theartsdesk be justified – wasn’t the premise the same for the 11th East Neuk Festival as it had been at the 10th? Not quite.