Germany Berlin Festtage (3) – Schumann, Debussy, and Bartók: Daniel Barenboim, Martha Argerich (pianos), Torsten Schönfeld, Dominic Oelze (percussion). Philharmonie, Berlin, 26.3.2016. (MB)
Festivals
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)
Accomplished but Understated Singing from Henk Neven
United Kingdom Oxford Lieder Festival – Mendelssohn, Schumann, & Brahms: Henk Neven (baritone), Imogen Cooper (piano): Holywell Music Room, Oxford 26.10.2015. (CR)
Lightness and Optimism in Carroll’s Playing of Elgar Cello Concerto
United Kingdom Swansea Festival 2015 – Wagner, Elgar, Beethoven: Thomas Carroll (cello), Dresden Philharmonic / Michael Sanderling (conductor), Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, 17.10.2015. (NR)
Lammermuir Festival Provides Beautiful Music in Beautiful Places
United Kingdom Gibbons: Tenebrae, Phantasm, St Mary’s Church, Haddington;
Debussy & Ligeti: Danny Driver (piano), Holy Trinity Church, Haddington, 19.09.2015 (SRT)