classical music reviews, news & interviews
Graham Rickson |
Saxophobia: Celebrating the Sax Craze of the 1920s Chad Smith (alto and C-melody saxophones), Sinfonia of London/John Wilson (Chandos)
David Nice |
Had you been at John Wilson's Respighi spectacular on Friday, or heard it on BBC Radio 3/watched it on BBC Four, you might have perceived last night's journey up and down Richard Strauss's Bavarian alp as an extension of Albert Hall possibilities, complete with vast orchestra, offstage bands and full-blaze organ.
David Nice
You never quite know what to expect from the acoustics of the Royal Albert Hall. It was hard to credit the total focus Kazuki Yamada drew from his…
David Nice
Forget Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture with bells, cannons and military bands (most people have, but it was my introduction to the Albert Hall as a child…
David Nice
"It was insanely excellent," enthused one of the Järvi Academy Symphony Orchestra's young musicians about the Estonian Festival Orchestra's…
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David Nice
A rapid Beethoven 9 and a showcase for the phenomenal Abel Selaocoe
Rachel Halliburton
An intriguing musical exploration of shifting power dynamics in the 20th century
Graham Rickson
Finnish music from Finnish conductors, life-enhancing minimalism and massed gongs
Helen Charlston
Eloquent thoughts on the wonder of 'Dichterliebe' and a new work inspired by it
O'Sullivan, Fantasia Orchestra, Fetherstonhaugh, Smith Square Hall review - the sassy airs of summer
David Nice
Latest in a line of great Irish mezzos shows her versatility, and the strings swoon
Graham Rickson
A pair of much-loved cello concertos, plus percussion transcriptions and a great German song cycle
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
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