Germany Strauss-Wochen (3) – Die ägyptische Helena: Soloists, Chorus (chorus master: William Spaulding) and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper, Andrew Litton (conductor). Deutsche Oper, Berlin, 8.4.2016. (MB)
Festivals
Fine Performance of Elektra Despite a Lacklustre Production
Germany Strauss-Wochen (2), Elektra: Soloists, Chorus (chorus master: William Spaulding) and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper, Donald Runnicles (conductor). Deutsche Oper, Berlin, 7.4.2016. (MB)
A Salome of Great Musico-Dramatic Import at Deutsche Oper, Berlin
Germany Strauss-Wochen (1) – Salome: Soloists, Statisterie and Male Dancers from the Deutsche Oper, Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper, Alain Altonoglu (conductor). Deutsche Oper, Berlin, 6.4.2016. (MB)
Two Great Pianists – and Musical Minds – in Partnership
Germany Berlin Festtage (3) – Schumann, Debussy, and Bartók: Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich (pianos), Torsten Schönfeld, Dominic Oelze (percussion). Philharmonie, Berlin, 26.3.2016. (MB)
High Standards of Musical Performance and Dramatic Intelligence In Staatsoper Berlin’s Parsifal
Germany Wagner, Parsifal: Soloists, Staatsopernchor Berlin (chorus master: Martin Wright), Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim (conductor), Schiller Theater, Berlin, 25.3.2016. (MB)
Barenboim’s Revelatory Approach to Elgar Brings Magnificent Results
Germany Berlin Festtage (1) – Dvořák and Elgar: Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 24.3.2016. (MB)
Wexford Festival Ends with a Sprightly Production of Another Opera Rarity, Le Pré aux Clercs
Ireland Hérold, Le Pré aux Clercs: Wexford Festival Opera Orchestra and Chorus, Jean-Luc Tingaud (conductor), National Opera House, Wexford, 29.10.2015 (JMI)
Imaginative and Illuminating Presentation of Die schöne Magelone in Oxford
United Kingdom Oxford Lieder Festival – Brahms: Roderick Williams (baritone), Alison Rose (soprano), Iain Burnside (piano), Victoria Newlyn (narrator): Holywell Music Room, Oxford 27.10.2015. (CR)