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.
Son of an Italian mother and German father, Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari was born in Venice on 12 January 1876 and died there on 21 January 1948. Study in Munich set him on course as a composer, and he returned to Venice in 1899. He became adept at lightweight opera, some of it first produced in Germany.
CD Spotlight. Candid Simplicity - Choral music by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, investigated by Gerald Fenech. 'Friedrich Haider and his team give sympathetic performances full of committed endeavour and unbridled enthusiasm ...'
CD Spotlight. Powerful Music - Wolf-Ferrari's 'The Jewels of the Madonna', recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'Special praise should be given to the musical director, Friedrich Haider ...'
CD Spotlight. Fine Judgment - Wolf-Ferrari wind concertinos, heard by Robert Anderson. '... soloist and orchestra tease each other in mutual delight.'
DVD Spotlight. New Love - 'La vedova scaltra' by Wolf-Ferrari, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... a captivating performance.'
CD Spotlight. An Unexpected Pleasure - Wind Concertos by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Strongly recommended ...'
CD Spotlight. Perceptive Musicianship - Oboe concertos played by Andrea Gullickson, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... highly recommended ...'