Maurice Ravel

The French composer Maurice Ravel was born at Ciboure in the Basses Pyrénées on 7 March 1875 and died in his early sixties in Paris on 28 December 1937. As a composer he was a perfectionist but not always perceived as such. His piano writing was markedly individual, especially with texture, and his orchestral scoring enshrined a striking lucidity that emphasised differing degrees of light and shade.

Misleadingly compared to Debussy, his style and ethos is quite different, his music more refined. He is best remembered for his finest works like the ballet Daphnis et Chloe; and best forgotten for his sake is the Bolero.

A selection of articles about Maurice Ravel

Ensemble. Phantasmagorical Imagery - Mike Wheeler reviews orchestral and choral music by Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Ravel and Saint-Saëns

A Worthy Captain - Peter King marks BBC presenter Petroc Trelawny's move from dawn to twilight

Spotlight. A Sense of Flow - Gerald Fenech convincingly recommends South Korean pianist Seong-Jin Cho's new recording for Deutsche Grammophon of Maurice Ravel's concertos. '... caressing warmth and spontaneous creativity.'

Ensemble. A Darkly Intense Climax - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Dvořák, Prokofiev and Shostakovich from Gabriela Montero and the Prague Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tomáš Brauner

Ensemble. Extraordinary Quiet Playing - Mike Wheeler is delighted by performances of Haydn, Ravel, Chopin and a Disney improvisation from Scottish pianist Ethan David Loch

Classical music news - Fresh Perspectives - Philadelphia's Curtis Institute of Music celebrates its centenary season

Ensemble. An Example To Us All - Roderic Dunnett's take on the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain's January 2025 tour

Ensemble. As Compelling as Expected - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Ravel, Thorvaldsdóttir, Nielsen, Shostakovich and more from the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain

Ensemble. Quite a Revelation - Mike Wheeler attends the first concert of Nottingham's new orchestral season, with John Storgårds conducting the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in music by Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns and Igor Stravinsky

Ensemble. An Exciting New Performance Space - Ron Bierman visits the newly restored Jacobs Music Center in San Diego

Spotlight. A Century-old Recording - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends a new restored version of an early recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams' opera 'Hugh the Drover'. '... sound quality is not what we would expect today, but in a sense, therein lies its charm and fascination.'

Spotlight. Consistently Engaging - Gerald Fenech listens to two more volumes in Danacord's 'Thomas Jensen Legacy' series. '... Jensen in joyous mood ...'

Spotlight. Microtonal Connections - Keith Bramich listens to the Auerbach-Pierce Duo. '... nearly an hour of intriguing, sensitively played music.'

Spotlight. Expansion of Life - Gerald Fenech listens to three works by Carl Nielsen. '... performances of the utmost precision and potent perceptiveness ...'

Tailleferre - A classical music word search puzzle by Allan Rae

Ensemble. A Terrific Concert - Ron Bierman listens to Gill Shaham and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rafael Payare

Classical music news - Turbulent Times - The Australian Youth Orchestra goes to Tasmania for its Autumn Season Concert

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

Spotlight. Virtuosic Flair - Gerald Fenech recommends dance music played by Daniel Hope and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. 'Daniel Hope's fiddle-playing is just phenomenal ...'

Spotlight. Interconnected Composers - Geoff Pearce listens to orchestral music by Ravel, Lennox Berkeley and Adam Pounds. 'The Pounds work is a revelation and I would buy this disc just for this alone.'

Ensemble. An Outstanding Concert - Ron Bierman listens to chamber music by Haydn, Ravel, Mendelssohn and Dvořák from Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Lisa Batiashvili and Gautier Capuçon

Spotlight. A Sparkling New Edition - Ravel's complete ballet 'Daphnis et Chloé', strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a thrilling and vibrant journey of melodic invention.'

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

Ensemble. Particularly Engaging - Mike Wheeler listens to Elgar, Anna Clyne, Ravel and Beethoven from Jess Gillam, Ben Gernon and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

CD Spotlight. Masterfully Orchestrated - Geoff Pearce listens to Berlioz, Ravel and Saint-Saëns from Canadian soprano Marie-Nicole Lemieux. '... the soloist and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo conducted by Kazuki Yamada are on top form ...'

Ensemble. Ear-catching Details - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Ravel and Dvořák from the Tedesca Quartet

Classical music news. Obituary - André Watts (1946-2023)

CD Spotlight. Ticking All the Boxes - Geoff Pearce is delighted by a new recording of two Ravel works. 'A thrilling orchestra, inspired direction, a great cast of singers, two Ravel masterworks, sumptuous recorded sound and a most informative booklet ...'

Ensemble. A Curiously Unfamiliar Masterpiece - Malcolm Miller is impressed by Hana Mizuta-Spencer's performance of Ernest Bloch's Violin Concerto

Ensemble. A Puzzle Without a Solution? - Mike Wheeler listens to Ravel and Chopin played by Russian-born British pianist Petr Limonov

Ensemble. Unstoppable Panache - Mike Wheeler listens to Amy Dickson and Martin Cousin

Ensemble. Twentieth Century Colours - Giuseppe Pennisi is impressed by a concert given by the orchestra of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia

Ensemble. Unimpeachable Sensitivity - Mike Wheeler listens to Walton, Ravel, Gershwin and Debussy from John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London

Ensemble. Atmosphere and Precision - Mike Wheeler listens to Dutch pianist Hannes Minnaar

Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Mike Wheeler listens to the Solus Trumpet Ensemble at the 2022 Buxton Festival

CD Spotlight. The Ravel Affair - Gerald Fenech listens to a series of works by Maurice Ravel which all failed to win the Prix de Rome. 'Pascal Rophé draws some convincing performances and, in his hands, the music has an immediacy that keeps it consistently fresh and vivid.'

CD Spotlight. Subtle Differences - Ravel on period instruments, heartily recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... there are some truly lovely moments ...'

Ensemble. Absolute Ravel - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Maurice Ravel played by Neapolitan pianist Roberto Cominati

CD Spotlight. Magical Brilliance - Gerald Fenech listens to orchestral music by Ravel. '... wonderfully detailed accounts that reveal all of Ravel's orchestral finesse and deft harmonic touches.'

Ensemble. Three Contemporary Ballets in Rome - Giuseppe Pennisi was in the audience for 'Herman Schmerman', 'Walking Mad' and 'From Afar', to music by Thom Willems, Maurice Ravel, Arvo Pärt and Ezio Bosso

Ensemble. A Wide Chronological and Stylistic Range - Mike Wheeler listens to British pianist George Harliono

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.'

Ensemble. Musical Fairy Tales - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to ballet music in Rome

Ensemble. Hugely Enjoyable - Bernstein, Marsalis and Musorgsky from Nicola Benedetti, Cristian Măcelaru and the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Vienna in Rome (with a Surprise) - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to Giuseppe Gipponi, Lorenzo Viotti and the Santa Cecilia Symphony Orchestra

Ensemble. Water Under the Bridge - Mike Wheeler welcomes Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra back to Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall for the opening of the new season

CD Spotlight. Birdsong Fragments - 'Songs of Travel and Home' performed by Jullien van Mellaerts, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a singer with a very expressive voice, a pleasing tone, a great insight into the music he sings ...'

Ensemble. Whatever He's On, I Want Some - Mike Wheeler listens to Kathryn Stott's Buxton recital

Ensemble. Virtuoso Exuberance - Mike Wheeler listens to the Pelléas Ensemble at the Buxton Festival

Ensemble. When I'm Sixty-Four - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Spoleto Festival

CD Spotlight. Most Welcome - Gerald Fenech listens to French piano duets. 'Paul Lewis and Steven Osborne, two of Britain's foremost pianists, give matchless performances, and their virtuosic brilliance and unique sensitivity to the many nuances of these scores are an absolute joy to listen to.'

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. New York, New York - Giuseppe Pennisi is impressed by Joanne Chang's piano recital featuring music by Debussy, Ravel, Scriabin, Ernesto Lecuona and May Aufderheide. 'She is very passionate and sweet ...'

CD Spotlight. Hidden Secrets - Gerald Fenech listens to twentieth century British piano music played by Nathan Williamson. '... brought to light with the utmost conviction.'

CD Spotlight. An Unusual Debut - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to music by Ravel, James Francis Brown and Liana Alexandra, performed by Andrea Oliva and the Hemisphaeria Trio. '... an innovative program by a very promising ensemble.'

Classical music news. Obituary - Leon Fleisher (1928-2020)

CD Spotlight. Special in Many Ways - Gerald Fenech listens to Musorgsky and Ravel, conducted by François-Xavier Roth. 'Truly hair-raising stuff, wonderfully annotated and recorded.'

Ensemble. Undeniably Exciting - Mike Wheeler listens to Bizet, Ravel, Debussy, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Sibelius and Walton from Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Yan Pascal Tortelier and the Iceland Symphony Orchestra

120 Years Ago - A snapshot of the musical world at the turn of the twentieth century, by George Colerick

Piquant Ensemble. Contrasts - A cello and violin recital by Katherine Jenkinson and Ning Kam, heard by Mike Wheeler

French Romanticism - George Colerick discusses orchestral music by Berlioz, Saint-Saëns, Delibes, Lalo, d'Indy, Debussy, Ravel, Honegger, Poulenc, Milhaud and others

Ensemble. Lieder with Harp - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a world tour by Diana Damrau and Xavier de Maistre

CD Spotlight. From Russia with Love - Musorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Liadov orchestral music from Dmitry Kitajenko and the Gurzenich Orchestra, Cologne, impresses Gerald Fenech. 'Kitajenko draws some gorgeous playing from his Cologne forces, and dynamic and tempo markings are observed with fidelity. Also, orchestral textures are both warm and revealing of inner detail.'

Ensemble. On the High and Open Sea - Giuseppe Pennisi samples Italy's 2019 Ravenna Summer Festival

CD Spotlight. A Quintessentially French Bestiary - French songs by various composers, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Ducks, peacocks, pigs, butterflies, dromedaries, carp, cicadas and owls are just some of the creatures in the menagerie assembled for this recording.'

CD Spotlight. Improvisatory Freedom - Gerald Fenech listens to pianist Myron Romanul. 'Romanul's playing brims with an expressive power that generates its own excitement and self-belief ...'

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

Ensemble. Nicely Alert - Sarah Beth Briggs and James Lisney in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Not Quite Christmas - Mike Wheeler listens to the Derby Concert Orchestra

CD Spotlight. New and Unusual - Winter and Christmas music from Papagena, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. 'Everything sounds fresh ...'

CD Spotlight. Beautifully Played - Castelnuovo-Tedesco's Cello Concerto, heard by Alice McVeigh. 'Brinton maintains a clear, sonorous and resonant sound even in the highest register, though he could perhaps have been willing to take a few more risks.'

Ensemble. Showing the Wild Side - A clarinet and piano recital by Hannah Gobbett and Hugh Morris, entertains Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Puppyish Ebullience - Beethoven, Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn, Ravel, Dushkin, Bob Marley, Coleridge-Taylor and Monti from the Kanneh-Mason Trio, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. An Exciting Whirlwind - Constantinos Carydis conducts Russian and Greek music in Rome, impressing Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Sex and Modernism - A triptych of modern ballets, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

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.'

Ensemble. The Egyptian - Early twentieth century French music by Ibert, Saint Saëns, Debussy and Ravel, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Subdued Radiance - Mike Wheeler listens to music on the theme of Remembrance from the Derwent Singers

CD Spotlight. Richly Nourished - Hebrew music from violinist Maurice Sklar, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Sklar's inspirational concert is faithful from start to finish.'

Ensemble. Magically Realised - Ravel's 'L'Enfant et les Sortilèges' and Janácek's 'Osud', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. More Celebratory than Elegiac - Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra at the opening of the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall season, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Explosive Classics - A Chandos orchestral compilation, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... the programme is as explosive as one can hope for.'

CD Spotlight. Truly Magical - Ravel at his very best, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The orchestral sound is sumptuous and detailed, and the solo vocalists are all first class.'

Ensemble. Real Emotions - Two concerts in Salzburg impress Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Uniquely Peculiar - French music for brass and piano, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Careful attention to the music's slightest details means the interpretive aspect is consistently special and charismatic.'

Ensemble. A Mirror of Time - Giuseppe Pennisi reports on a trendy concert series in Rome

Ensemble. A Cause for Celebration - 'Mechanical Advantage', Sinfonia Viva's latest Schools Residency, described by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Irridescent Colours - Copland, Ravel and Gershwin from Steven Osborne, the Hallé Orchestra and Louis Langrée, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Sheer Joy - Som Howie's debut recital, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a lovely expansive open sound ...'

Ensemble. Echo of Globalization - France at the Festival of Nations, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Resonant Baritone - Mike Wheeler describes Josep-Ramon Olivé and Ben-San Lau's Buxton debut

Ferocious Energy - Jackie Campbell's piano recital at Buxton, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Stunningly Atmospheric - Fiona and John York play Stravinsky, Ravel and Debussy, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... worthy of the highest recommendation.'

Ensemble. Sinopoli's Loneliness - A concert in memory of the Italian conductor, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. Adventurous Disposition - Sophie Rosa and Benjamin Powell, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A wonderfully attractive recital ...'

Ensemble. Illuminating Details - Arrangements by Graham Hall, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Composer's Christmas - The Cann Twins, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Impressively Able - An-Ting Chang's 'Water Image', heard by Howard Smith. '... highlighting the theatrical and audio possibilities of nineteenth century piano music ...'

CD Spotlight. Rarely Heard - Piano music by Klement Slavický, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... excellently performed and produced.'

Memorable Distinction - Halida Dinova brings her Liszt to New Zealand, by Howard Smith

CD Spotlight. Well Realized - Varda Kotler and Israel Kastoriano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... partnership and sensitivity ...'

CD Spotlight. Great Authenticity - Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel for piano duet, recommended by Howard Smith. '... these performances will fulfill the highest technical expectations.'

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. An Interesting Programme - Music for guitar and oboe / cor anglais, heard by Howard Smith. 'Zoco Duo's instrumental skills are beyond reproach ...'

CD Spotlight. Brought to Life - Music for violin and piano completely captivates Geoff Pearce. 'The partnership is incredible ...'

Certainly Nimble - Mike Wheeler listens to pianist Antony Peebles

Ensemble. Celebratory and Ambiguous - Mozart, Judith Weir and Ravel from the Lawson Trio at Buxton, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Orchestral Showpieces - Cristian Mandeal conducts the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler

Beautifully Spun - Steven Osborne's Prokofiev, Ravel and Rachmaninov impress Keith Bramich

Ensemble. Vivid and Entertaining - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a Ravel double bill in Rome

DVD Spotlight. Fluid and Magical - Ravel's operas, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these concise aesthetic works stand out on DVD ...'

Crisp Articulation - Mike Wheeler listens to Israeli pianist Ishay Shaer

Ensemble. A Runaway Success - Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic impress Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Thanksgiving and Transcendence - Giuseppe Pennisi listens to orchestral and chamber concerts at the Salzburg Summer Festival

Ensemble. Beautifully Judged - Ravel for piano duet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Beautifully Captured - Mike Wheeler listens to the Mavron Quartet

CD Spotlight. European Impressionism - Quartets by Ravel, Debussy and Saint-Saëns, heard by Howard Smith. '[Quatuor Modigliani] attack it with some vehemence.'

An Invaluable Book - Gergely Hubai's 'Torn Music: Rejected film scores, a selected history', recommended by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Picturesque Allure - Maurice Ravel's orchestral music, heard by Howard Smith. '... gently hypnotic ...'

CD Spotlight. Dazzling Tracks - Dinu Lipatti, heard by Joanne Chang. '... skillfully and brilliantly carried out.'

CD Spotlight. Communicative Aplomb - Joseph Rackers' debut recording, heard by Howard Smith. '"Eureka" moments ... are conspicuous by their absence.'

Ensemble. Informative and Exhilarating - Chamber and instrumental music from China and elsewhere, heard by Maria Nockin

CD Spotlight. Irridescent Colourings - The Debussy Ensemble, enjoyed by Bill Newman. '... beautifully balanced ...'

Ensemble. Finely Judged - Chinese pianist Di Xiao, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Wondrous Music - Cuarteto Casals, heard by Robert Anderson. '... impeccable ensemble, just intonation, a rich variety of tone colours, and a youthful freshness of approach.'

Ensemble. Reaching Out - Mendelssohn, Mozart, Berlioz and Ravel from James Feddeck and the Cleveland Orchestra, heard by Suzanne Torrey

Ensemble. Angels and Demons - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Sagra Musicale Umbra 2012

CD Spotlight. Sensuously Crafted - Songs by Maurice Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... skilled and dedicated artists ...'

Ensemble. The Finest of Them All - The 2012 Hereford Three Choirs Festival, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett

Delicacy and Clarity - Bill Newman listens to young Chinese pianist Jianing Kong

CD Spotlight. Avowedly Definitive - John McCabe plays his own 'Tenebrae', heard by Howard Smith. '... imbued with anger and monumental in both structure and outlook ...'

Ensemble. Born to Excel - Recent concerts in London, heard by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Most Remarkable - Jamaican pianist Orrett Rhoden, heard by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - Mike Wheeler listens to the Richard Roddis Singers on tour

Ensemble. Very Moving - A recital by Janine Jansen and Itamar Golan, heard by Bill Newman

DVD Spotlight. Beyond Criticism - Paul Galbraith plays Mozart, Bach and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... palpable, near-orchestral grandeur.'

Clarity of Expression - Yasmin Rowe plays for the Keyboard Charitable Trust, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Beautifully Controlled - Mike Wheeler listens to Suk, Dvorák, Ravel and Debussy from the Hallé Orchestra in Nottingham

CD Spotlight. Full-blooded Performance - Music for violin and piano by Ravel and Lekeu, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... the whole recital has rare commitment and power.'

An Outstanding Evening - Bill Newman listens to American pianist Rorianne Schrade

Ensemble. Tremendously Exciting - The Dante Quartet at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

CD Spotlight. Unaffected Restraint - Halida Dinova plays music that tells stories, heard by Howard Smith. '... a mesmerising interpreter ...'

CD Spotlight. Warmly Spontaneous - Ravel songs, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... utter conviction ...'

Ensemble. Musical Outlooks - Bill Newman attends a selection of concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

Ensemble. Unmissable Talents - An array of artists at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Richly Expressive - The Cleveland Orchestra begins its annual South Florida residency, by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. High Standards - Bill Newman listens to various artists at London's Wigmore Hall

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

New Year Blues - A roundup of recent London concerts by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Vibrant Performance - Two concerts by the Symphony of the Americas, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ideally Matched - Malcolm Troup hears 'the art of the piano reborn' in Syrian pianist Riyad Nicolas

Timings - Breaking Moulds: 1910, by Jennifer Paull

Confidently Entertaining - A recital by John Paul Ekins delights Bill Newman

Ensemble. What does this symphony mean? - Shostakovich's 'Leningrad', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Liquid Finger-work - Mike Wheeler listens to a piano recital by Cordelia Williams

Ensemble. Superb Pianism - A London recital by Julian Jacobson, heard by Robert Anderson

A Golden Treasury - Havergal Brian on European and American music, read by Patric Standford

CD Spotlight. Vocal Colour - Simon Keenlyside sings Schubert, Wolf, Fauré and Ravel, heard by Robert Anderson. '... a wondrous variety ...'

Ensemble. Hugely Satisfying - As New Zealand arts funding strikes a sour note, Howard Smith listens to the Vector Wellington Orchestra

Ensemble. Performance to Cherish - Lawrence Budmen submits a further report from the Tanglewood Festival 2010

CD Spotlight. An Impressive Performance - Michael Ludwig plays music by John Corigliano, heard by Patric Standford. '... should not fail to entertain ...'

CD Spotlight. Glowing Performances - Music by Koechlin and Jongen, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a truly outstanding recital ...'

Ensemble. Great Fun - The Hallé Orchestra ends Nottingham's orchestral season, heard by Mike Wheeler

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

Ensemble. A Cross Section - Bill Newman comments on some recent concerts at London's Wigmore Hall

Ensemble. A Wide-ranging Discourse - Sinfonia Viva plays Beethoven, Anna Meredith, Nico Muhly, Ravel and Schumann, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Powerful Beauty - Works by Fauré for Cello and Piano, recommended by George Balcombe. '... a profoundly moving sound ...'

Ensemble. Wilfully Distorted - Petrenko conducts the RLPO, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. A Spectral Atmosphere - Murray McLachlan plays music by Shostakovich and friends, recommended by Howard Smith. '... an outright triumph for the label and for McLachlan.'

Ensemble. A True Dynamo - Lawrence Budmen listens to French conductor Ludovic Morlot, in concert with Jennifer Koh and the New World Symphony

CD Spotlight. Sterling Playing - Wendy Warner's interpretations of Popper and Piatigorsky, heard by Howard Smith. '... sovereign music-making deserving of the highest accolades.'

Ensemble. Compelling Vocal Drama - Lawrence Budmen listens to Measha Brueggergosman and the New World Symphony

World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson

Ensemble. Crystalline Lightness - A Symphony of the Americas concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. Effectively Performed - Music for violin, cello and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... beautiful, technically accomplished playing ...'

CD Spotlight. Lyric Warmth - Jennifer Larmore sings Barber, Berlioz, Ravel and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a compelling disc ...'

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

Ensemble. Alert Playing - A recital for oboe and harp, heard by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Chameleon Virtues - Barenboim conducts Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel and Wagner, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the oddest assortment of music.'

Ensemble. Tonal Luxuriance - Lawrence Budmen reports from Tanglewood 2009

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

Ensemble. Especially Successful - Gillian Wills reports from the Australian Fesival of Chamber Music

Balancing Act - Beethoven in E flat, with Julian Jacobson and friends

Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall

Ensemble. Compelling Performance - Members of Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Dream-Travelogue of Intoxification - David Wilkins attends a concert at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire

Music for Musicians Only? - The public turns a deaf ear to improvised music. As for classical music, Jan Dahlstedt claims that having abandoned improvisation, classical music entered a sidetrack from which it has never escaped, thus badly stifling creative progress. If he is guilty of heresy or may have a point, read on and judge for yourself.

Ensemble. Exciting Results - A new partnership between Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, experienced by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Consistently Refined - Debussy transcriptions, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these alternatives are never less than striking ...'

Ensemble. A Worthy Feast - Christopher White and Melanie Reinhard at London's Foundling Museum, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller

CD Spotlight. Sovereign Horn Territory - Music for horn and orchestra, recommended by Howard Smith. '... stunning breath control and consummate understanding ...'

Ensemble. Beautifully Handled - Haydn, Dvorák and Lawrie Rose from the Iuventus Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Rousing Performance - Mendelssohn, Ravel, Larsen and Tchaikovsky in South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Pride of Place - Piano music by Frank Bridge, praised by Howard Smith. 'A standing ovation for Mark Bebbington ...'

Record Box. Superb Performances - Ursula Oppens plays Elliott Carter, celebrated by Patric Standford

Committed and Tough - Malcolm Troup plays Bloch's Piano Sonata, appreciated by Julian Jacobson

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

Ensemble. Radiant Lyricism - Victoria Grigorieva and Ekaterina Lebedeva play Beethoven and Ravel, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Ensemble. Wonderfully Inventive - Music and dance on the theme of creation, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

Unflagging Energy - Nicola Meecham plays Haydn, Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev and Gershwin, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Plenty of Atmosphere - A festive concert from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Julian Jacobson - No longer one of British music's best-kept secrets! As reported by Malcolm Troup

Musical Adaptability - Down under with the Wellington Orchestra, by Howard Smith

Musical Insight - Two piano recitals in Brisbane, reviewed by Gillian Wills

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

Ensemble. Flying Dutchmen - More from Bantry House, West Cork, Ireland, with Kelly Ferjutz

Ensemble. Companion Pieces - A Ravel / Puccini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. Wondrous Colours - Alessio Bax and Lucille Chung play Schubert, Ravel and Stravinsky, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Much to Enjoy - A concert by the Philharmonia of the Nations, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Magnificent Performance - More reviews from London's Wigmore Hall, from Bill Newman

Ensemble. A Valentine Extravaganza - Julian Jacobson in the first of his orchestral Valentine Extravaganzas, enjoyed by Malcolm Troup

Ensemble. Tanglewood and Beyond - The sounds of summer in the Berkshires, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Intelligent and Cogent - Julian Jacobson attended the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe's Summer Celebrity Festival

Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Analysis

CD Spotlight. Something for Everyone - A new CD from The 5 Browns, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz. '... charming, vivacious, passionate and gorgeously performed.'

Profile. Tête-à-Tête - Bill Newman talks to British pianist Mark Bebbington

Ensemble. Deeply satisfying - A piano recital by Jane Ford, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Dynamic playing - Roberto Abbado strikes fire with the New World Symphony, and Lawrence Budmen was there

Giants? - Alistair Hinton replies to Patric Standford's latest Provocative Thoughts

Ensemble. Utterly gripping - A recital by Fiona McNaught and Daniel Tong, appreciated by Mike Wheeler

CD Spotlight. Aesthetic and didactic - Music by Respighi and Mussorgsky, reviewed by George Balcombe. 'Tadaaki Otaka conjures the composer's unique sound ...'

Ensemble. Passion and yearning - Sujeeva Hapugalle gives a piano recital at London's Leighton House, reviewed by Malcolm Miller

Provocations - Alistair Hinton and Chad Wozniak discuss Patric Standford's recent 'Provocative Thoughts'

Ensemble. Roulades of passion - Oleh Krysa and Tatiana Tchekina at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

Ensemble. Darkness to light - Malcolm Tattersall is at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music

CD Spotlight. Often ravishing - Music by Debussy, Prokofiev, Britten and Ravel, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... admirably encompassed ...'

Ensemble. A fitting celebration - The BBC National Orchestra of Wales plays Ravel, Hoddinott and Vaughan Williams, reviewed by Rex Harley

Ensemble. Muscular performance - Rex Harley is left breathless listening to violinist Chloë Hanslip

Ensemble. Ravel chestnut - A dazzling arrangement of 'Bolero' for two pianos, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

Ensemble. Gypsy fire - Lawrence Budmen is impressed by Ukrainian violinist Vadim Gluzman

Record box. Brittle colour - Heidi Lowy plays Ravel, reviewed by Patric Standford

Ensemble. Perfect realisations - Mei Yi Foo at Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman

In the presence of greatness - David Thompson is impressed by Angela Hewitt's playing of Bach, Couperin and Ravel at London's South Bank International Piano Series

A passionate campaign - Tamami Honma's Wigmore Hall solo recital début impresses Keith Bramich

Ensemble. High spirits - Lawrence Budmen visits the Sarasota Music Festival

Special gifts - Rex Harley describes a magical concert experienced during a chance visit to the Leamington Festival

Performing practices - Pianist Danny Driver talks to Bill Newman

Ensemble. Purpose and insight - Malcolm Miller enjoys two outstanding débuts by German and Italian artists

Ensemble. Celebration and Desolation - Andrew Campling, Musical Director of the London Docklands Singers, attended a Trio Melisma concert in London

Second Sight - Music with Wilfrid Mellers - 15. Magic and Innocence. A double bill at Opera North. 'This production, given its musical values, must on no account be missed.'

Record box - Duetting. A new CD of French music considered by Basil Ramsey

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

Record box - Four-handed music. Igor Kipnis & Karen Kushner, with Basil Ramsey

Planning your collection - Luiza Borac -