United Kingdom Glanert, Haydn, and Brahms: Paul Watkins (cello), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Semyon Bychkov (conductor). Barbican Hall, London, 12.1.2016. (MB)
Mark Berry
A Splendid Schubert Recital from Benjamin Appl and Jonathan Ware
United Kingdom Schubert: Benjamin Appl (bass-baritone), Jonathan Ware (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 11.1.2016. (MB)
A Fascinating Collection of Recent Pieces, Expertly Performed
United Kingdom Castellarnau, Agnes, Saunders, Malondra, Watanabe, and Bagés: ClapTON ensemble, Morphosis Ensemble. St Leonard’s, Shoreditch, London, 10.1.2016. (MB)
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)
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)