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.
DISCUSSION: Composers Daniel Schorno and John Dante Prevedini discuss creativity, innovation and re-invention with Maria Nockin, Mary Mogil, Giuseppe Pennisi and Roderic Dunnett.
Classical music news. February 2024 Newsletter and other news - Our February 2024 PDF newsletter has just been published, and amongst other items of news, we also feature a conversation between Tamami Honma and Barry Cooper
Ensemble. Visits to the Doctor - Ron Bierman appreciates music by John Adams, Mozart and Rachmaninov from Ingrid Fliter, Edo de Waart and the San Diego Symphony
Ensemble. Thoroughly Collegial - Mike Wheeler listens to Missy Mazzolli, Brahms and Beethoven from James Ehnes and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Kevin John Edusei
CD Spotlight. An Important Historical Document - Patrick Maxwell listens to Vaughan Williams conducting Vaughan Williams. '... a typically ebullient and undogmatic interpretation of two central works of Britain's most popular composer.'
Classical music news. Obituary - Bernard Haitink (1929-2021)
CD Spotlight. A Fine Composer - Orchestral music by American composer Barbara Harbach, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the London Philharmonic Orchestra is very fine and conductor David Angus obviously provides great insight into how this music should be performed.'
CD Spotlight. Quite Engaging - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The musical language is easy on the ear, and to me hearkens back to an earlier age of American Composers such as Aaron Copland ...'
CD Spotlight. Soundly Constructed - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, heard by Howard Smith. '... the LPO is wholly admirable in this music ...'
DVD Spotlight. Fluid and Magical - Ravel's operas, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these concise aesthetic works stand out on DVD ...'
DVD Spotlight. Unstinted Commitment - Janáček's Cunning Little Vixen, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech
Ensemble. Sensuous Depths - A selection of orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall, heard by Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Uncommonly Patronizing - A Stravinsky tale for children confuses Howard Smith. '... convoluted to say the least.'
Ensemble. Mesmerising Stillness - Stephen Hough joins Marin Alsop and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Thrilled Beyond Measure - Jurowski conducts the LPO, heard by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Wonderful Music - Works by Julian Anderson, Mozart and Tchaikovsky performed by Janine Jansen, Vladimir Jurowski and the London Philharmonic Orchestra, enjoyed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. A Tale of Two Conductors - Robert Anderson attends two orchestral concerts in London
Ensemble. Seated on a Cloud - Vadim Gluzman and the London Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Vassily Sinaisky, reviewed by Bill Newman
Ensemble. Beautifully Played - Bill Newman attends two orchestral concerts at London's Royal Festival Hall
Malcolm Smith (1932-2011) - A celebration, not an obituary, by Bill Newman
CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Deft - Choral and orchestral music by Camille Saint-Saëns, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The London Philharmonic under Geoffrey Simon gives of its best ...'
Ensemble. Impeccable Standards - Bill Newman's pick of June and July concerts at London's Wigmore Hall
Ensemble. Love's Eternal Empire - Music by Janácek and Suk impresses Bill Newman
Ask Alice - On the benefits of singing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh
CD Spotlight. Invigoratingly Natural - Van Beinum conducts Mahler, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a tad less frenetic ...'
Ensemble. Perfectly Measured - Bill Newman listens to Aldo Ciccolini
CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'
Ensemble. Something Different - Rossini's opera 'Ermione', reviewed by Robert Hugill
A Stressful Collaboration - Gerard Schurmann describes his involvement with the music score for 'Lawrence of Arabia'
Ensemble. A Masterly Account - Donizetti's 'Parisina d'Este', heard by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Substantially Admirable - Vocal music by Puccini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... more than sufficient ... to recommend unstintingly ...'
Record Box. Slow and Indulgent - Marin Alsop conducts Brahms, reviewed by Patric Standford
A Superb Outing - Bellini's 'La Straniera', reviewed by Robert Hugill
CD Spotlight. Sheer Enjoyment - Music by Saint-Saëns, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'The LPO is in peak condition ...'
Ensemble. Especially Dramatic - Premières by Sheriff and McCabe, reviewed by Malcolm Miller
DVD Spotlight. Moving and Powerful - Gershwin's 'Porgy and Bess', appreciated by Robert Anderson. 'The work is in the safest possible hands ...'
CD Spotlight. Often ravishing - Music by Debussy, Prokofiev, Britten and Ravel, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... admirably encompassed ...'
Episodes from a memory bank - Basil Cameron. Bill Newman looks back at undeservedly neglected musicians.
CD Spotlight - Day of judgement. '... Saint-Saëns is at his best, and the LPO under Geoffrey Simon enjoys chasing his every nuance.' Saint-Saëns Requiem, faced by Robert Anderson