United Kingdom Bach, Schumann, Ravel, and Prokofiev: Benjamin Grosvenor (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 7.5.2023. (MB)
An impressive, varied recital from Benjamin Grosvenor
Mark Berry
Wigmore Hall partnership of Igor Levit and Alexei Volodin at its best in Rachmaninov
United Kingdom Various: Igor Levit, Alexei Volodin (pianos). Wigmore Hall, London, 6.5.2023. (MB)
Adventurous recital programme, outstandingly performed by Claron McFadden and Alexander Melnikov
United Kingdom Various: Claron McFadden (soprano), Alexander Melnikov (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 28.4.2023. (MB)
The Schumann Quartet’s fine Reimann and enthralling Schumann at the Wigmore Hall
United Kingdom R. Schumann and Reimann: Schumann Quartet (Erik Schumann, Ken Schumann [violins], Veit Benedikt Hertenstein [viola], Mark Schumann [cello]), Anna Vinnitskaya (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 20.4.2023. (MB)
Jurowski and the LPO unite for a typically enterprising programme subtitled ‘War and Peace’
United Kingdom Ustvolskaya, Hindemith, and Prokofiev: Gil Shaham (violin), London Philharmonic Orchestra / Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 19.4.2023. (MB)
Götterdämmerung ends a Berlin Ring which challenged and taught us much, moving us too
Germany Berlin Festtage [4] – Wagner, Götterdämmerung: Soloists, Staatsopernchor Berlin (chorus director: Martin Wright), Staatskapelle Berlin / Thomas Guggeis (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 10.4.2023. (MB)
Fine singing, playing and characterisation in Siegfried as Dmitri Tcherniakov’s Ring unfolds further
Germany Berlin Festtage [4] – Wagner, Siegfried: Soloists, Staatskapelle Berlin / Thomas Guggeis (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 8.4.2023. (MB)
Jérémie Rhorer fails to penetrate to the heart of Beethoven’s Missa solemnis
Germany Berlin Festtage [3] – Beethoven: Camilla Nylund (soprano), Anna Kissjudit (mezzo-soprano), Saimir Pirgu (tenor), René Pape (bass), Staatsopern Chor Berlin (chorus director: Martin Wright), Staatskapelle Berlin / Jérémie Rhorer (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 7.4.2023. (MB)
