DISCUSSION: John Dante Prevedini leads a discussion about Improvisation in the classical world and beyond, including contributions from David Arditti, James Lewitzke, James Ross and Steve Vasta.
LISTENING TO TCHAIKOVSKY: Béla Hartmann uses his knowledge of Eastern Europe to argue against the banning of all Russian culture following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
Born in Yorkshire on 21 August in 1933, Janet Baker has enjoyed a unique reputation as a mezzo-soprano. Her experience in all categories as a singer has been widespread and is now remembered especially through recordings. She first sang in the Leeds Philharmonic Choir, and gained second prize in the Kathleen Ferrier Competition in 1956.
CD Spotlight. Solace to Listeners - Patrick Maxwell listens to a box set of John Barbirolli's Elgar recordings for Warner Classics. '... a musical artefact which still tells us how Britain's most famous composer really can sound like ...'
Ensemble. Style and Drama - Gluck's 'Alceste', heard by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Rich Sound - Handel's 'Samson', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. Occasionally Stunning - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'The Coronation of Poppea'
CD Spotlight. Wondrously alive - Music by Elgar, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... yet more immediacy than the original LPs ...'