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.
Some scholars believe that the famous song Bist du bei mir was written not by J S Bach, but by a son of Germany's Harz Mountains - Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel (13 January 1690 - 27 November 1749). Stölzel learnt music from his organist father, studied theology at Leipzig University, taught music in Breslau to earn money, then travelled, taught again and was finally appointed Kapellmeister at the court in Gotha. He composed music for stage and church, although much has been lost.
Ensemble. A Magnificent Undertaking - Roderic Dunnett was at Adrian Partington's 2023 Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester
CD Spotlight. Judged to Perfection - Baroque oboe sonatas played by Xenia Löffler, strongly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... played very pleasingly with great style and panache by all instruments concerned.'