PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
FROM ROME: Keep in touch with the Italian opera and classical music scene by reading Giuseppe Pennisi's regular reports.
Ensemble. Symbolism and Realism - Mike Wheeler experiences Opera North's new production of Verdi's 'Rigoletto'
Ensemble. A Joy to Hear - Richard Strauss' 'Der Rosenkavalier', the last of this season's Live in HD broadcasts from New York Metropolitan Opera, impresses Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Harmonious in Every Sense - Alice McVeigh explains why 'Der Rosenkavalier' at Covent Garden couldn't have been bettered in any department
Ensemble. Passing Time - Opera North's 'Der Rosenkavalier', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Rosenkavalier at War - Richard Strauss at Salzburg, with Giuseppe Pennisi
CD Spotlight. Varied Mythology - Deutsche Grammophon's Strauss opera compilation, sampled by Robert Anderson. '... a hugely enjoyable set ...'
CD Spotlight. A Lyrical Outpouring - Vocal music by Richard Strauss, heard by Robert Anderson. 'Anne Schwanewilms manages a thoughtful and gentle radiance throughout.'
Ensemble. Important Debuts - 'Der Rosenkavalier' at the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, a festival with a rich programme but a dire financial situation, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. Time is a Strange Thing - Teatro Real, Paris Opéra and La Scala join forces for the centenary of 'Der Rosenkavalier', reported by Giuseppe Pennisi
Ensemble. An Invaluable Experience - 'Ariadne auf Naxos' in New York, appreciated by Gregory Moomjy
Ensemble. Golden Sounds - 'Der Rosenkavalier' in San Diego impresses Maria Nockin
Performances to Remember - Maria Nockin looks forward to San Diego Opera's 2011 season
Ensemble. Hugely Satisfying - As New Zealand arts funding strikes a sour note, Howard Smith listens to the Vector Wellington Orchestra
Ensemble. Pure Joy - Giuseppe Pennisi finds 'Madama Butterfly' at the Puccini Festival a pleasure for the ears and the eyes
Profile. Real Meaning - Maria Nockin talks to American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham
Ensemble. An Amazing Cast - New York Metropolitan Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier' in HD, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Compelling Vocal Drama - Lawrence Budmen listens to Measha Brueggergosman and the New World Symphony
Ensemble. Unique Sonorities - Britten's Peter Grimes, heard by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier'
Ensemble. Pure Magic - 'Der Rosenkavalier' by Richard Strauss, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
The Meaning of Friendship? - Kelly Ferjutz tells the story of Richard Waugh and his friend Charles Barr
DVD Spotlight. Global Society - Richard Strauss's 'Der Rosenkavalier', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The Viennese chorus and orchestra know this opera inside out ...'
Ensemble. Tanglewood and Beyond - The sounds of summer in the Berkshires, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen
Ensemble. Joyous and Well-paced - A semi-staged Verdi's 'Falstaff' in Cleveland, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz
Ensemble. Engulfing Vision - A concert at New York City's Hunter College, reviewed by Maria Nockin
The Designer Touch - Tonina Doráti and opera production, as explained to Bill Newman
Ensemble. Emotional claustrophobia - A concert performance of Strauss's 'Salomé', reviewed by Mike Wheeler
Ensemble. Great music making - Cheers for a riveting Canadian dance company at Jacob's Pillow and more music from Tanglewood, reported by Lawrence Budmen