United Kingdom Cardew and Rzewski: Igor Levit (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 20.7.2015 (MB)
Mark Berry
Matthias Goerne and Menahem Pressler: Mastery in Schumann
United Kingdom Schumann: Matthias Goerne (baritone), Menahem Pressler (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 2.7.2015 (MB)
The Heath Quartet Combine Bach and the Second Viennese School
United Kingdom Bach, Musto, Webern, and Schoenberg: Carolyn Sampson (soprano), Heath Quartet [Oliver Heath, Cerys Jones (violins), Gary Pomeroy (viola), Christopher Murray (cello)]. Wigmore Hall, London, 1.7.2015 (MB)
Bruckner and Messiaen Linked to Telling Effect
Austria Bruckner and Messiaen: Ruth Ziesak (soprano), Janina Baechle (mezzo-soprano), Benjamin Bruns (tenor), Günther Groissböck (baritone), Wiener Singakademie, ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, Cornelius Meister (conductor). Konzerthaus, Vienna, 23.6.2015 (MB)
Handel’s ‘Dettingen’ Te Deum: A Thrilling End to the Spitalfields Festival
United Kingdom Spitalfields Festival – Haydn, J.C. Bach, Mozart, and Handel: Ashley Riches (baritone), Polyphony, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton (conductor). St Leonard’s Church, Shoreditch, London, 16.6.2015 (MB)
Vienna State Opera Offers Stylish Production of Hindemith’s Wonderful Cardillac
Austria Hindemith, Cardillac: Soloists, Vienna State Opera Chorus (chorus master: Thomas Lang), Orchestra and Stage Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, Michael Boder (conductor). Vienna State Opera, 22.6.2015 (MB)
Two Outstanding Chamber Operas By Birtwistle
United Kingdom Birtwistle: The Corridor, The Cure: Soloists, London Sinfonietta, Geoffrey Paterson (conductor). Linbury Studio Theatre, Royal Opera House, London, 18.6.2015 (MB)
ENO’s Production Undermines Virtues of The Queen of Spades
United Kingdom Tchaikovsky, The Queen of Spades: Soloists, Orchestra and Chorus of the English National Opera / Edward Gardner (conductor). Coliseum, London, 9.6.2015 (MB)