classical music reviews, news & interviews
David Nice |
Berlioz's intended companion for his Symphonie fantastique was Lélio, or the Return to Life - an assemblage of mostly magical earlier pieces strung together with an autobiographical narration.
Rachel Halliburton |
This beguiling “semi-staged” performance of Mahler’s First Symphony is the latest attempt in a growing movement to interrogate the relationship between classical music performers and their audiences.
David Nice
Range, I decided on Monday night, was what makes for great performances: range of emotions, dynamics, pitches. It was as true of Abel Selaocoe and…
Bernard Hughes
Danish by name, and very much Danish by appearance (the cellist is Norwegian, but we’ll let that go). This quartet combines a glorious selection of…
Graham Rickson
Carl Nielsen: The Ultimate Solo Piano Collection Rikke Sandberg (OUR Recordings)
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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
Robert Beale
A Russian programme with intriguing and exciting pathways included
David Nice
Two world-class soloists in perfect teamwork with fellow musicians and a top conductor
Boyd Tonkin
Uplifting celebrations of musical kinship across cultures
Robert Beale
Romantic cornerstones shine alongside Julia Wolfe’s document of trauma
Rachel Halliburton
Circa's acrobatics bracingly express a philosophical idea of the body
Bernard Hughes
Messiaen’s 'Turangalîla' well played, but overwhelmed by a trivialising animation
Graham Rickson
A famous conductor celebrated in box form, plus romantic piano music and English song
Robert Beale
A scenic journey through 20th and 21st century landscapes
David Nice
Fiddly but felt, the interpretations of the ICO's Norwegian violinist-director always compel
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