R.I.P. Pierre Boulez, 1925-2016: On Hearing of Boulez’s Death
Mark Berry
Benjamin Appl and Graham Johnson on Impressive Form
United Kingdom Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms, Pfitzner, and Wolf: Benjamin Appl (baritone), Graham Johnson (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 4.1.2016 (MB)
2015 Draws to a Close with Fine Schumann from the Modigliani Quartet
United Kingdom Schumann: Modigliani Quartet [Philippe Bernhard, Loïc Rio (violins), Laurent Marfaing (viola), François Kieffer (cello)], Beatrice Rana (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 30.12.2015. (MB)
Confusing Eugene Onegin with Responsive Orchestra under Bychkov at Covent Garden
United Kingdom Tchaikovsky, Eugene Onegin: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus and Extra Chorus (chorus master: Renata Balsadonna), Dancers, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Semyon Bychkov (conductor), Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 19.12.2015. (MB)
and Nicole Car (Tatyana) (c) Bill Cooper
Vocal Music by Schütz and Christopher Fox: A Telling and Thought-Provoking Combination
United Kingdom Schütz and Fox: EXAUDI [Juliet Fraser, Rebecca Lea (sopranos), Tom Williams (countertenor), Ben Alden, Jonathan Bungard (tenor), Simon Whiteley, Jimmy Holliday (bass), Stephen Farr (organ), James Weeks (conductor)]. Wigmore Hall, London, 20.12.2015. (MB)
Much to Enjoy in John Lubbock’s Messiah Despite a Reticent Orchestra
United Kingdom Handel, Messiah: Nardus Williams (soprano),Eleanor Edmonds (mezzo-soprano), Chris Turner (tenor), Morgan Pearse (bass), OSJ Voices, Orchestra of St John’s/John Lubbock (conductor). St John’s, Smith Square, London, 10.12.2015 (MB)
Magnus Lindberg’s New Violin Concerto at the Centre of a Puzzlingly Assembled Programme
United Kingdom Wagenaar, Lindberg, and Beethoven: Frank Peter Zimmermann (violin), London Philharmonic Orchestra, Jaap van Zweden (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 9.12.2015 (MB)
The London Sinfonietta’s Habitual Excellence in Boulez and Stockhausen
United Kingdom Boulez and Stockhausen: Clio Gould (violin), Sound Intermedia, Royal Academy of Music Manson Ensemble, London Sinfonietta, Wolfgang Lischke (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 5.12.2015. (MB)