A selection of 'Spain' articles

Classical music news - March 2024 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Ensemble. A Fascinating Mix - Mike Wheeler listens to a joint concert by Derby Cathedral Choir and Sinfonia Viva

Ensemble. Dazzling Virtuosity - Mike Wheeler listens to Valentin Silvestrov, Rachmaninov, Manuel de Falla and Musorgsky from Russian pianist Victor Maslov

Spotlight. Charmfully Invigorating - Gerald Fenech listens to eighteenth century composer Boismortier's 'Don Quichotte chez la Duchesse'. 'Matthias Maute and his Ensemble Caprice deliver performances of the utmost clarity ...'

Classical music news - February 2024 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Classical music news. Gurwitz Winners - Yungyung Guo, Tatiana Dorokhova and Young Sun Choi win medals at the 2024 Gurwitz International Piano Competition

Ensemble. Appealingly Varied - Mike Wheeler listens to a cello and piano recital given by Kathryn Monteiro and Joanna Lam

Classical music news. New Releases for February 2024 and Later - Browse a selection of new recordings

Learning How to Play Again with 'The Nutcracker' - Jeffrey Neil shares some thoughts about Tchaikovsky's ballet, following a visit to Oakland Ballet's production in California, USA

Maybrick - A classical music word-puzzle by Allan Rae

Ensemble. Piquant Stylistic Contrast - Mike Wheeler listens to the chamber group Serenata

A Treasure Trove - Roderic Dunnett explores the substantial catalogue of Regent Records

Spotlight. Most Innovative and Interesting - Music for horn, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... one cannot help but be impressed with the performances, the power of the music and what it is expressing ...'

Ensemble. Propulsive Energy and Contemplative Interludes - Mike Wheeler listens to the Coull Quartet

Ensemble. An Outstanding Player - Mike Wheeler reports on Jack Hancher's Buxton Festival guitar recital

CD Spotlight. Lovable Rogues? - Paul Sarcich delves into the output of the Belgian equivalent of 'Les Six'. 'These largely unknown composers have been brought back to life by excellent preparation and performance ...'

Ensemble. Raw Vitality with Sensitive Lyricism - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Rimsky-Korsakov, Rodrigo, Lili Boulanger and Stravinsky from Sean Shibe, Delyana Lazarova and the Hallé Orchestra

CD Spotlight. Strange and Haunting - Geoff Pearce listens to music for voices and orchestra by Shostakovich. '... testament to John Storgårds' abilities to interpret this strangest of all Shostakovich's works ...'

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - The home country grown strange

CD Spotlight. Highly Rewarding - Gerald Fenech is impressed by Stephen Hough's interpretations of piano music by Catalan composer Federico Mompou. '... Stephen Hough's marvellous passion for this music is displayed in his unique ability to bring out all the subtleties of these incomparable scores.'

Classical music news - April 2023 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

CD Spotlight. Plenty of Spanish Sunshine - Spanish music of a bygone era, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... poised playing and excellent interweaving of the various wind sounds.'

CD Spotlight. Musicians On the Road - Giuseppe Pennisi examines the Passacaglia and listens to a new Erato disc. 'The interpreters, Philippe Jaroussky and Christina Pluhar's l'Arpeggiata, are excellent.'

CD Spotlight. Caruso 150 - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Urania Records' new Caruso tribute album. 'One of the first major singing talents to be commercially recorded ...'

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Turn that racket down!

Classical music news - Juliane Banse - The German soprano will be the new head professor of voice at Madrid's Reina Sofía School of Music for 2023-24

Ensemble. Not To Be Missed - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from a performance of Vivaldi's pastiche 'Tamerlano'

Classical music news. Obituary - José Evangelista (1943-2023)

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - A New Look and Format

Ensemble. A Christmas 'Don Quixote' - Giuseppe Pennisi recommends a visit to the ballet

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - The Roots of Magic

Ensemble. Charm, Skill and Versatility - Ron Bierman listens to Isabel Leonard and Pablo Sáinz-Villegas in festive mood

Classical music news. December 2022 Newsletter - Our December 2022 PDF newsletter has just been published

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - Nothing Written in the Stars

Echoes of Oblivion by Robert McCarney - The Mouth of Hell

Ensemble. Paths of Excellence - Giuseppe Pennisi reports via live stream on the Ravenna Festival Mozart/Da Ponte Trilogy

Profile. Imaginary Folklores - Robert McCarney talks to Azorean pianist Diana Botelho Vieira and reviews a recent concert in Spain

CD Spotlight. Irish Coffee - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Puccini's 'La bohème' from Irish National Opera. 'The excellent Italian diction of all the singers, both the protagonists and those in secondary roles, is remarkable.'

CD Spotlight. Full of Colour - Geoff Pearce enjoys music by Alberto Hemsi. 'The performers show a real affinity with this music and deliver a sparkling and vivacious performance that is full of character at every turn.'

Classical music news. October 2022 Newsletter - Our October 2022 MP3 newsletter has just been published

CD Spotlight. A Plethora of Influences - Robert McCarney roundly congratulates Chandos and all involved with this CD. 'The playing by the various members of the ARC Ensemble is excellent throughout and the recording is crystal clear and atmospherically spacious.'

Classical music news. Gothic Opera - This Halloween in London UK, Gothic Opera presents a double bill of unknown supernatural operas by female composers Louise Bertin and Pauline Viardot

CD Spotlight. A Magnificent and Powerful Recording - Geoff Pearce listens to Augustin Hadelich. '... an impressive technique and tone ...'

Classical music news. Santander Piano Competition - Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, Xiaolu Zang and Marcel Tadokoro have won first, second and third prizes in the 2022 Santander International Piano Competition this month

CD Spotlight. Champagne Stuff - Gerald Fenech listens to Rossini's 'La Scala di Seta'. 'José-Miguel Pérez-Sierra's vivid conducting draws from both singers and Kraków Philharmonic Orchestra players performances full of delectable charm and infectious pleasure ...'

Classical music news. Obituary - Teresa Berganza (1935-2022)

Ensemble. Merging Scores with Care - Giuseppe Pennisi enjoys the ballet 'Il Corsaro'

Classical music news. Music Competitions - Here are details of various music competitions taking place during the coming months

CD Spotlight. An Immense Achievement - The final disc in Naxos' series of John Philip Sousa wind band music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Keith Brion and his players do themselves proud with some superb playing full of dash and swagger ...'

CD Spotlight. Unjustly Neglected - Geoff Pearce listens to Enescu chamber music. '... a very fine recording ...'

Classical music news - March 2022 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Ensemble. A Fascinatingly Piquant Sound-world - Music for saxophone and harp, heard by Mike Wheeler

Classical music news - February 2022 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

CD Spotlight. A Magical Touch with Orchestral Colours - Music by Ravel, heard by Natalie Artemas-Polak. 'John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London's superb disc is a joy to listen to, and the sound quality is crisp and clear.'

CD Spotlight. Suggestive Interweavings - Twentieth century harpsichord concertos by Falla, Poulenc and Bacarisse, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... a highly enjoyable issue, full of imaginative music ...'

Ensemble. A Sonic Silk Road - Music for guitar, for erhu and for the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, heard by Adam J Sacks

Ensemble. Nicely Contrasted - Mike Wheeler listens to Christmas music from Derby Bach Choir, Derventio Brass and Old Vicarage School Choir

CD Spotlight. A Mexican Knees-up - A reconstructed seventeenth century Christmas in Mexico City, heard by Keith Bramich. '... the street ensemble is never far away.'

Ensemble. A Sleek, Focused Sound - Mike Wheeler reports on Opera North's production of Bizet's 'Carmen' in Nottingham

Classical music news. Training in Vienna - The second group of Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Academy students is beginning its training

Classical music news. Paloma O'Shea Competition - Register by 18 October 2021 to take part in the 2022 Paloma O'Shea Santander International Piano Competition

CD Spotlight. Often Beautiful - Geoff Pearce listens to Ilya Gringolts. 'Gringolts is an exciting violinist, his technique flawless, his sound sumptuous ...'

Classical music news - August 2021 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Ensemble. Backwards and Forwards - Mike Wheeler rounds up his coverage of the 2021 Buxton Festival with concerts by Sarah Connoly, Roderick Williams and Natalie Clein

CD Spotlight. An Exquisite Compilation - A selection of popular orchestral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Spiritedly performed and superbly recorded ...'

Ensemble. A Session of Role-play - Mike Wheeler is impressed by a very unusual performance of Handel's 'Acis and Galatea'

CD Spotlight. A New Passion - Haydn's baryton trios, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. 'Spiritedly performed and superbly recorded ...'

Ensemble. The Orchestra is the Winner - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews 'La bohème' in Rome

Ensemble. Quietly Compelling - Two Buxton Festival concerts involving the guitar, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Transgressive Butterfly - Giuseppe Pennisi was in the audience in Rome

Classical music news - July 2021 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Ensemble. Everything you know is wrong! - Mike Wheeler listens to The Sixteen in Derby

CD Spotlight. Heartfelt Pathos - Juan Bautista Cansino's Stabat Mater, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... serenity and resignation beyond comprehension.'

Classical music news - May 2021 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Ensemble. Three Divas - Maria Nockin reviews a streamed recital from Versailles, given by Ailyn Pérez, Nadine Sierra, Isabel Leonard, Vlad Iftinca and Pablo Sáinz-Villegas

Classical music news - March 2021 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

CD Spotlight. Saying Goodbye - Music in response to Debussy's early death, reviewed by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are great all round, and this is a useful addition to anyone's collection.'

CD Spotlight. Engrossingly Moving - Works for clarinet and orchestra by Nielsen, Copland and MacMillan, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A challenging programme, superbly presented and recorded.'

Ensemble. An Opera for Voices - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews Vincenzo Bellini's rarely-staged 'Il Pirata'

CD Spotlight. Passionately Colourful Orchestration - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Catalan composer Joan Manén. 'Ana María Valderrama's rendition of the Concerto is technically superb, and there's a purity in her tone that you don't experience every day. Darrell Ang gives sympathetic support throughout.'

CD Spotlight. A Real Adventure - Christmas in seventeenth century Mexico, conjured up by Siglo de Oro, Patrick Allies and friends, greatly impresses Keith Bramich. 'Siglo de Oro's performances here are superbly well-blended, joyously fresh and optimistic, seemingly flowing over and through the listener, sweeping them along in a stream of Mexican-tinged Renaissance splendour.'

Classical music news - Free Tuition in Spain - Madrid's Reina Sofía School of Music is accepting applications for auditions

Ensemble. ROF is Back and in Good Spirits - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on 'Il barbiere di Siviglia' and the Rossini Opera Festival's current performances

CD Spotlight. Revisiting the Close Bond of Violin and Guitar - Kim Sjøgren and Lars Hannibal play music by Paganini and Sarasate, heard by Ona Jarmalavičiūtė. '... very elegant, vibrant, virtuosic and illustrative.'

Ensemble. Great Emphasis on Detail - Giuseppe Pennisi enjoys streamed performances of a Carmen double bill in Rome

Classical music news. Winner's Tour - Dmytro Choni gives recitals in Spain after winning the nineteenth Paloma O'Shea Santander International Piano Competition

CD Spotlight. Don Giovanni's Ancestor - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to the seventeenth century 'L'Empio Punito' by Alessandro Melani. '... a real discovery for opera lovers who have not experienced a live performance.'

Classical music news - Eleonora Perretta - A young Neapolitan guitarist wins the 2020 Mottola Guitar Competition in south-east Italy

CD Spotlight. Magic and Mystery - Gerald Fenech listens to music for guitar and orchestra played by Junhong Kuang, Darrell Ang and the Czech Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Pardubice. 'An attractive assortment of guitar music from both sides of the Atlantic, marvellously executed and recorded, with some well researched notes thrown in for good measure.'

CD Spotlight. Beethoven the Innovator - Cuarteto Casals plays a selection of Beethoven string quartets, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'All of the highest quality.'

Classical music news. July 2020 Newsletter - 'A Miracle in Ravenna', Classical Music Daily's July 2020 Newsletter, has just been published, along with an assortment of short news items

CD Spotlight. Fierce Criticism - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Rodion Shchedrin and Ottorino Respighi. '... a fitting tribute to Mariss Jansons ...'

Drastically Revised - Giuseppe Pennisi looks at the detail of the replanned 2020 Salzburg Festival

Classical music news - If The Night Grows Dark - Bright Shiny Things releases soprano Camille Zamora's survey of four centuries of Spanish song

CD Spotlight. Full of Colours and Flavour - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music from Sharon Isbin and the Pacifica Quartet. '... an original program and excellent rendering make very pleasant listening.'

Classical music news - May 2020 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world has lost this month

Classical music news - March 2020 Obituaries - Our summary of those the classical music world lost last month

CD Spotlight. South American Melodic Turns - Music by José Serebrier, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... I was very much taken by the imagination, colour, rhythm and neo-classical expressiveness of the music, particularly in the "tango" pieces ...'

Classical music news. Stjepan Hauser - The Croatian cellist performs with orchestra at Egypt's Soma Bay in April 2020

Ensemble. Trade Secrets - Mike Wheeler listens to guitarist Craig Ogden and friends

CD Spotlight. Gounod's First Faust of 1859 - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Christophe Rousset's new recording from Bru Zane. 'Everything is lighter, softer, more sensual.'

Classical music news. December 2019 Newsletter - 'A Spanish Nativity', Classical Music Daily's December 2019 Newsletter, has just been published

Ensemble. Special Moments - Adam J Sacks provides a Hong Kong snapshot on the classical music world

CD Spotlight. Sparkingly Virtuosic - Kim Cook plays music for cello and orchestra by Elgar, Schumann, Dvořák and Strauss, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The soloist, when she enters, is authoritative, warm and very sure footed, and reveals what a remarkable artist she is.'

Ensemble. Affectionate Complicity and Tensions - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews Mozart's 'Idomeneo' in Rome

The Ballets Russes - George Colerick tells the story of the early twentieth century ballet company

Ensemble. An Autumn Trilogy - 'Norma', 'Aida' and 'Carmen' in Ravenna, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Fresh and Natural - Leila Schayegh plays Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... she succeeds brilliantly with some magical playing full of "joie de vivre" and silhouetted tone painting.'

CD Spotlight. A Glittering Compilation - Spanish Christmas music from Stile Antico impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Flawless performances by Stile Antico, added to some impressive sonics and eye-catching presentation ...'

Ensemble. 'Don Quixote' Returns - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Rome's Opera House on the Ludwig Minkus ballet

Profile. Tragic Expression - George Colerick discusses Georges Bizet, as the most vital French opera composer since Berlioz

Ensemble. Florence Rediscovers a Masterpiece - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Gaspare Spontini's 'Fernand Cortez ou La Conquête du Mexique'

Classical music news. Martín García García - The young Spanish pianist will give a recital in New York city

Ensemble. Don Giovanni's Forefather - Giuseppe Pennisi writes about a performance of 'L'empio punito' by Alessandro Melani

Ensemble. Take A Sabbatical - Giuseppe Pennisi has some advice for Graham Vick, based on the latter's latest production of 'Don Giovanni'

CD Spotlight. Very Colourful - Geoff Pearce recommends music by Manuel de Falla. '... superb performances by all concerned.'

Classical music news. Plácido Domingo - The Spanish tenor has been accused of multiple sexual harrassment

Ensemble. A Repertory 'Tosca' - Giuseppe Pennisi considers Puccini's opera as a real orchestral masterpiece

Ensemble. 'Carmen' Redeemed - James Sohre reports from San Francisco

A Charming Touch - Mike Wheeler listens to Beethoven, Brahms, Granados and Mompou, played by Ingrid Cusidó

CD Spotlight. Particularly Thrilling - Music for strings by Alfonso Romero Asenjo intrigues Geoff Pearce. 'It showcases the composer's skill in writing for strings, and at the same time one can sense his development as a composer.'

Ensemble. From the Poignant to the Zany - Russian-born musicians Yulia Northridge and Ekaterina Shetliffe, heard by Mike Wheeler

Profile. Music Speaks for Itself - An interview with the composer Paul Carr, by Anett Fodor

Profile. Convincing Performances - Ron Bierman talks to American mezzo Ginger Costa-Jackson

Classical music news. January 2019 Classical Music Obituaries - A look at some of the figures who passed away during January 2019

Ensemble. Deceptively Undemonstrative - Mike Wheeler listens to Canadian/Romanian pianist Teo Gheorghiu

Ensemble. A Brand New 'Carmen' Ballet - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from the opening night at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

CD Spotlight. A Splendid Compendium - Iberian concertos and sonatas, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... finely and eloquently played by an ensemble that is passionately committed to creating a sound world that never ages.'

Profile. Spanish Rhythms - George Colerick describes how Emmanuel Chabrier was in sympathy with the new spirit of his age, opening up new directions which later composers would follow

Ensemble. An Overwhelming Success - Pier Luigi Pizzi's new 'Barber of Seville' enthralls the Rossini Opera Festival, by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Sober and Engrossing - Orchestral music by Toshio Hosokawa, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi. 'The interpreters ... are high level and accustomed to working with Hosokawa and his music.'

Ensemble. Totally Individual - The first performance of David Sawer's opera 'The Skating Rink' impresses Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Compact and Fast-moving - Verdi's 'Alzira' at the Buxton Festival impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rossini in The Quarry - 'The Barber of Seville' at an unusual venue in Hungary, praised by Anett Fodor

CD Spotlight. Hugely Enjoyable - Orchestral music by Camille Saint-Saëns, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an exotic musical picture postcard full of perfumed sensuality and brazen march themes ...'

Ensemble. A Timeless Staging - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Bologna for a very political 'Don Carlo'

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. Unerring Beauty - Praga Digitals' tribute to Victoria de los Ángeles, heard by Roderic Dunnett. 'De los Ángeles herself is, needless to say, enchanting. The purity, the innocence of the voice, as one can hear here, is simply unique to her.'

CD Spotlight. Choral Masterpieces - Antonín Dvorák's Mass in D and Te Deum, warmly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are first rate, and Antoni Wit and his forces respond with eloquence and characteristically immaculate singing ...'

CD Spotlight. Gorgeously Irresistible - Piano quintets by Granados and Turina, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an almost instinctive sense of interplay between the players ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Heights - Orchestral music by Enrique Granados, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... superbly played by the Barcelona Symphony Orchestra ...'

CD Spotlight. Of Huge Interest - Orchestral music by Granados, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... well crafted and very tuneful.'

CD Spotlight. Pulsating Energy - Chamber music by Joaquín Turina impresses Gerald Fenech. '... wonderfully characterized and atmospheric readings ...'

Ensemble. Wit and Effervescence - Music in the Time of Goya, by Derek Murray

CD Spotlight. Feral Wildness - Music by Osias Wilenski, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Lauded for his compositional style, Wilenski's unique works range from narrative symphonic poems and operatic spin-offs to instrumental miniatures.'

CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Boccherini chamber music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... exquisite stuff from beginning to end ...'

Ensemble. Haunting Effect - Spanish and Catalan music from Maria Camahort and friends, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Grim and Shivery Intensity - Bizet's 'Carmen' at Nevill Holt Opera impresses Roderic Dunnett

Ensemble. Gallic Elegance - Alexandra Soumm joins Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra for music by Ginastera, Lalo, Telemann, Bizet and Ravel, impressing Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Astutely Judged - Music for violin and piano by Xavier Montsalvatge, heard by Howard Smith. '... brilliant, clear and individualistic.'

CD Spotlight. Appropriate Innocence - Spanish song, familiar and unfamiliar, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'High quality work all round.'

Ensemble. Focused Tone - Lyadov and Tchaikovsky from Leticia Moreno, Yuri Temirkanov and the St Petersburg Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Atmosphere and Rhythm - Twentieth century Spanish songs, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... beautifully sung with spirited and intelligent accompaniment.'

CD Spotlight. Euro Folk Champions - The Apollo Chamber Players, impress Howard Smith. '... this scantily adorned traditional music derives straight from the heartbeat of regions in Southern, Eastern, and Central Europe.'

CD Spotlight. Unequalled Refinement - Music by Marin Marais, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Another triumph for Savall's seemingly inexhaustible musical genius.'

CD Spotlight. Melancholic Treatment - Iberian and Latin solo piano music, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Rosa Antonelli over-caresses most of these nostalgic Latin pieces.'

CD Spotlight. Lively Forms - Music by Joaquín Turina, heard by Patric Standford. '... superbly performed ...'

CD Spotlight. Riveting Stuff - Spanish early music in the new world, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'All thirty tracks have a charm of their own ...'

CD Spotlight. Gallic Sheen - Christmas choral music from Arsys Bourgogne, heard by Keith Bramich. '... a well-recommended stocking-filler ...'

Ensemble. Mixed Fellings - An Almodóvar-style 'Elisir d'Amore' from Valencia and Palermo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Simply Exquisite - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Perennial Concern - 'Lamentation' and other settings by Morales, heard by Robert Anderson

CD Spotlight. Infectious Rhythms - Granados' 'Goyescas', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Garrick Ohlsson emerges with flying colours ...'

Ensemble. New Respect - Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' at New York Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Gregory Moomjy

CD Spotlight. Highly Atmospheric - Roger Argente's Superbrass, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... one almost gets the smell of Renaissance Spain.'

Ensemble. The Grand Inquisitor - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the first performance of Alessandro Solbiati's 'La Leggenda' in Turin, and raises the issue of the replicability of modern grand opera

CD Spotlight. Loads of Variety - Latin music from Rachel Barton Pine, recommended by Howard Smith. '... immaculate, relaxed, resonant performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Coruscating Brilliance - Spanish inspirations for two pianists, heard by Robert Anderson. '[A] joyous recital ...'

Ensemble. Santa Fe, The City Different - Maria Nockin enjoys the summer opera fare in North America's oldest capital city

DVD Spotlight. Seldom Equalled - Michelangeli plays Beethoven, Galuppi and Scarlatti, and impresses Howard Smith. 'His relentless perfectionism allows him spellbinding precision ...'

DVD Spotlight. Blocks of Snow - 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Pagliacci', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... not always marooned in frozen wastes.'

DVD Spotlight. Doubly Effective - A classic documentary with music by Copland, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a fascinating picture of America ...'

DVD Spotlight. A Common Objective - The Ramallah Concert, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a tremendous, emotional, not-to-be-missed experience.'

DVD Spotlight. Dramatic Truth - Giuseppe Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a strong candidate for the library shelves.'

Ensemble. Lasting Magic - Giuseppe Pennisi was at the Italian premiere in Ravenna of Mercadante's 'I Due Figaro'

Ensemble. Towards a Better World - Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra are currently on a world tour. Giuseppe Pennisi listens to their concert in Rome

Ensemble. Uncurbed Impulses - Bizet's 'Carmen' at San Diego Opera, appreciated by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Intense Confrontation - Verdi's 'Ernani' - more revolutionary than patriotic, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Very Credible - Verdi's 'Il Trovatore' from New York Metropolitan Opera in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Varied Moods - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... admirably captured ...'

Ensemble. Full of Irony - Shostakovich's 'The Nose', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. A Magnificent Celebration - Three Rodrigo guitar concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Alfonso Moreno is a superb protagonist, technically impeccable ...'

Ensemble. For King, Country and Sex - Marco Tutino's 'Senso', experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. The Quality of Mercy - Verdi's 'La Forza del Destino', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Variety within Unity - A special concert dedicated to the music of British composer Ian Stewart, heard by Mary Isaac

Ensemble. Beautifully Sung - An evening with Juan-Diego Flórez, by Robert Hugill

Subtly Controlled - Spanish pianist Javier Perianes plays Schubert, Chopin, Debussy and Falla, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Music and Art - Karen Haid experiences Roma Opera Omnia

Ensemble. Substantial and Astonishing - Robert Hugill listens to sixteenth century Christmas music sung by the Chapelle du Roi

Vigour and Energy - Benjamin Frith saves the day, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Brisk and Powerful - 'Carmen' in Tucson, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Heroes Step Up in Crisis - The Muti era lays claim to Chicago, by Barbara Sealock

Ensemble. Very Welcome - Robert Hugill experiences Stephen Oliver's 'Euridice'

CD Spotlight. A Delightful Spirit - Balkan music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... a near perfect blend of timbre and balance ...'

CD Spotlight. Beautifully Managed - Music for flute and guitar, heard by Howard Smith. '... reflective and purposeful ...'

Ensemble. A Total Delight - The Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood, heard by Lawrence Budmen

Wondrously Expansive - Ronan Magill's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Robert Anderson

Profile. Finding the Right Voice - Maria Nockin talks to American composer Daniel Catán

Ensemble. Special Praise - Bizet's 'Carmen' at Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare

Ensemble. Neatly Balanced - A City Lit music gala, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. The Real Thing - Spanish music from the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Fascinating Afternoon - Mozart's 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail' live from Barcelona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin in Arizona

Ensemble. An Ideal Balance - An evening with the Northern Sinfonia and friends delights Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Must-have - Piano music by Federico Mompou, recommended by Natalie Artemas-Polak. 'Haskell Small's contemplative approach admirably suits these pieces ...'

Ensemble. Distinctive Fervour - Music for Holy Week sung by the Chapelle du Roi, heard by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Consummate Skill - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, heard by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Soulful Intimacy - A concert by Yasmin Levy lingers in Malcolm Miller's memory

Ninety Stars are Born - Giuseppe Pennisi tours Austria with a young Italian symphony orchestra

CD Spotlight. Fresh Repertoire - Austin Moorhead's guitar recital, heard by Patric Standford. '... a programme to which it is well worth giving time.'

Ensemble. Close to Perfection - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' broadcast from New York Metropolitan Opera, by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Musical Finesse - Songs by Gregg Kallor, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Go to the top of the class.'

DVD Spotlight. Tragic Power - Handel's 'Tamerlano', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The simplicity of the production is welcome ...'

Ensemble. A Thrilling New Option - 'Il Trovatore' from Barcelona, experienced in Arizona by Maria Nockin

DVD Spotlight. Malignant Fate - Donizetti's 'Maria Stuarda', recommended by Robert Anderson. '... wonderfully alert ...'

CD Spotlight. Highly Challenging - Music for unaccompanied violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching performance ...'

Ensemble. Vivid and Enlivening - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan', reviewed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. Passionate Commitment - Victoria's 'Missa Gaudeaumus', welcomed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous celebration ...'

Ensemble. Brisk Ebullience - Lawrence Budmen sends a second report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival

Nicely Judged - A recital by harpist Anneleen Lenaerts impresses Mike Wheeler

Arts and the Colour of Politics - Béla Hartmann muses on growing social equality and democratization

Ensemble. The Boys - Bill Newman was at Nettle and Markham's thirtieth anniversary recital

Ensemble. A Magical Week - Maria Nockin reports from Santa Fe

Ask Alice - On viola pegs and swine flu, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh

Ensemble. Dramatic Essentials - 'Carmen' from Paris, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Compelling Portrait - Verdi's 'Don Carlos' impresses Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Exceptional Gifts - Lawrence Budmen reports from the 2009 Miami International Piano Festival

Ensemble. Sonic Imagination - Mike Wheeler listens to Horses Brawl

CD Spotlight. A Striking Urgency - Schnittke and Ginastera from the Choir of St Ignatius Loyola, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Not quite what one might expect.'

CD Spotlight. Motet and Lauda - Cantica Symphonia sing sixteenth century motets, and impress George Balcombe. '... so gentle yet precise ...'

Ensemble. Luxurious Textures - Sacred music from the Phoenix Chorale, heard by Maria Nockin

Easy Grace - Martyna Jatkauskaite plays Mozart and Schumann, enjoyed by Robert Hugill

CD Spotlight. A Glistening Treasury - Songs with orchestra from Deborah Riedel, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a bounteous seam of unfamiliar, wholly blissful vocal gems ...'

DVD Spotlight. Insightful Performances - 'Die Walküre' from Provence, experienced by Maria Nockin. 'The cast is excellent.'

CD Spotlight. A Lyric Voice - Arias performed by Vania Vatralova-Stankov, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a richness and depth ...'

Record Box. Magical and Sensitive - A recording by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain inspires Patric Standford

Record Box. A Rewarding Experience - Music from The Phoenix Chorale impresses Patric Standford

Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen

DVD Spotlight. An Inevitable Conclusion - Musorgsky's 'Khovanshchina', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the admirable Barcelona chorus and orchestra ...'

DVD Spotlight. Sheer Champagne - Rossini's 'La pietra del paragone', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'The Madrid cast has proved itself exemplary ...'

Ensemble. A Fitting Celebration - Plácido Domingo's Fortieth Anniversary Gala, reviewed by Maria Nockin

DVD Spotlight. Heart of Genius - Christopher Nupen's films about Andrés Segovia, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a quiet, heaven-sent artistry ...'

DVD Spotlight. Inevitable Disaster - Verdi's 'Oberto' reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Vocally they are in full command ...'

Record Box. Beautifully Subtle - Cuarteto Casals plays Ravel, Turina and Toldrá, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Infectious Melodies - Torroba's zarzuela 'Luisa Fernanda' at Los Angeles Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Taut Austere Passion - Music with a Britten and Auden connection, performed by John Lofthouse and Stephen Rose, and reviewed by Malcolm Miller

DVD Spotlight. Weird Love Tales - Offenbach's 'The Tales of Hoffmann', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a cast, orchestra, conductor and stage team fully up to tackling a very demanding project.'

DVD Spotlight. Elemental Ferocity - Verdi's 'Otello', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... this Desdemona can float a line with utmost tenderness ...'

Ensemble. An Imaginative Production - 'Il Trovatore' in San Diego, reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. A Sense of Evolution - Malcolm Miller at an evening of music and drama celebrating 350 years of Jews in Britain

Ensemble. Power and Effervescence - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Maria Nockin

DVD Spotlight. Much Resonance - Daniel Barenboim and the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra in Ramallah, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... an orchestra of first-class accomplishment.'

DVD Spotlight. Teeming Stage Business - Rossini's 'La Gazzetta', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a mismatch of music and action ...'

CD Spotlight. Contrasting Styles - CDs of medieval music, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... delightful recording ...'

Ensemble. Fascinating Fusions - Ladino music from Jewish Music Central marks the UK launch of the book 'The Sephardic Songbook', reviewed by Malcolm Miller

DVD Spotlight. Ultimate Destruction - Verdi's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much excitement ...'

CD Spotlight. Bitter strength - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances.'

CD Spotlight. Colourful spirit - Christmas music from the Mediterranean, enjoyed by Patric Standford. '... an intriguing expansion to musical horizons ...'

DVD Spotlight. Mysterious nirvana - Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the climaxes are prepared with meticulous cunning.'

CD Spotlight. Beyond Piazzolla - Tangos and dances played by Fionnuala Hunt, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... relaxing and eminently listenable ...'

Ensemble. Pervasive influence - A return visit to London by the Verdehr Trio, reviewed by Peter Dickinson

CD Spotlight. Characteristically eclectic - Music by Leonardo Balada, reviewed by Carson Cooman. '... a choral composer of flair and creativity.'

DVD Spotlight. Eerie and impressive - 'Hamlet' by Ambroise Thomas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... much sensitivity.'

CD Spotlight. Intimate pleasures - Duo LiveOak's 'Piva', enjoyed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... an attractive selection of rarely-heard songs.'

DVD Spotlight. Original groupings - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The chief glory ... is Zeffirelli's staging.'

DVD Spotlight. A Parisian disco? - Rameau's 'Les Indes galantes', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... Les Arts Florissants would triumph in any location.'

DVD Spotlight. History and myth - Wagner's 'Götterdämmerung', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a crowning glory from Bertrand de Billy and his superb team ...'

DVD Spotlight. Dramatic skill - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... when it is sung as beautifully as here, one is humbly grateful.'

Ensemble. Deftly performed - Lyric Opera Cleveland's Barber of Seville, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz

DVD Spotlight. Utmost art - Die Walküre, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... live performances that rightly earn due applause act by act ...'

CD Spotlight. Great cheer - Music for Alfonso the Wise, and by Victoria, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... clear and expressive ...'

Ensemble. Handel's Spanish soul - Malcolm Miller attends an inspiring concert at the London Handel Festival 2005

CD Spotlight. Sonatas and sonatinas - Guitar music played by Nathan Kolosko, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. 'Kolosko's playing is clean, fluent and assured ...'

DVD Spotlight. Sinister power - 'Das Rheingold', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous experience ...'

Three Questions before the First Night - In the first of a new series, Carson Cooman talks to Leonardo Balada before the première of the opera 'Death of Columbus'

CD Spotlight. Festive mood - Carols for brass, appreciated by Kelly Ferjutz. '... simply superb.'

CD Spotlight. Compelling listening - Orchestral music by Leonardo Balada, reviewed by Carson P Cooman. '... this disc is a must have ...'

Ensemble. Winners and masters - The two Pergamenschikow Julians in concert, reviewed by Tess Crebbin

Record box. Legato blues - David Johnstone plays assorted music for solo cello, reviewed by Patric Standford

Record box. Expanding repertoire - A Daniel Rubinoff saxophone recital, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Coming home - The Pablo Casals Cello Competition, reported by Tess Crebbin

Ensemble. Worthy of the master - An incomparable recital by Casals competition winner Claudio Bohorquez, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. Thistledown delicacy - Music for clarinet by Brahms, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'These CD performances are wholly admirable ...'

Barcelona diary - The London Concord Singers visit Catalunya, and Robert Hugill keeps a written record of the trip

Profile. A broad career - In the first of a two-part series spotlighting countertenors, Tess Crebbin talks to Flavio Oliver

Record box. Efficient and sensitive - A Philip Amalong piano recital, reviewed by Patric Standford

Flavio Oliver - Europamusicale performer spotlight

CD Spotlight. River spirits - The opera 'Florencia en el Amazonas' as recorded by Albany, appreciated by Maria Nockin. '... shimmering iridescent music ...'

CD Spotlight. Subjective nationalism - Music by Alberto Ginastera, explored by Rex Harley. '... stunningly played and gloriously recorded.'

CD Spotlight. Opportunity to shine - Concertos for Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's centennial, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... filled with romantic gestures and crowd-pleasing virtuosity.'

CD Spotlight. Wonderful exuberance - A new release of music by Nancy Galbraith, recommended by Carson Cooman. '... music to be played and heard again and again.'

CD Spotlight. Robust charm - Boccherini symphonies reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... maximum virtuosity and élan.'

CD Spotlight. Musical hierarchy - The Sinfonietta by Ernesto Halffter, reviewed by Patric Standford. '... an impressive job ...

Record box. Distant love - Songs of Jaufre Rudel and Martin Codax, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Dramatic writing - Rex Harley attends a memorable performance of the Victoria Requiem

Record box. The Spanish Guitar - Ron Bierman listens to excerpts from previous Naxos releases

Record box. The lady smiles - Basil Ramsey plus a duo

CD Spotlight. Diáspora Sefardí - Music from the Sephardic Jews, reviewed by Rex Harley. '... sensitive and subtle performances.'

Record box. Breadth and scope - Keith Bramich is impressed by Lionel Sainsbury's Twelve Preludes

Ensemble. They're off! - David Thompson was at the First Night of the Proms in London, 19 July 2002

DVD Spotlight - Interpretative talents. '... how detailed and engaged are his interpretations of all he sings ...' An evening with Placido Domingo, live at Wembley, by Mark Valencia

Iberian spice - Malcolm Miller attends a recital by Mats Lidström and Alberto Portugheis

Stage presence - Keith Bramich listens to soprano Anya Szreter in London's Regent Hall

CD Spotlight - Incomparable performances. '... refined music making ...' Pola Baytelman plays Albéniz and Ginastera, by John Bell Young

Remarkable young ensembles - Patric Standford attended the UK's National Young Musicians' Festival

CD Spotlight - Rich and rare sonorities. '... a pleasure beyond expectation.' Robert Anderson listens to quartets from Catalonia

Record box - Young music. Early quartets by Arriaga, with Basil Ramsey

Site seeing - An eye and an ear, with Keith Bramich

Site seeing - Best advantage - the first of a new occasional series of visits to the online world of classical music, with Keith Bramich

Editoral Musings - Unique forays - the CDs we overlook, with Basil Ramsey

CD Spotlight - Piano exotica - '... marvellously controlled rhythms, touch and stylistic finess.' Martin Jones plays Spanish piano music. With Bill Newman

CD Spotlight - Out of neglect. '... I find them tremendously exciting.' Roberto Gerhard's quartets, with Peter Lundin

One of the most modest of men - British composer Leonard Salzedo died on 6 May