United Kingdom Berg, Reger, Debussy, and Brahms: Sharon Kam (clarinet), Stephan Kiefer (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 29.12.2014 (MB)
Mark Berry
Decidedly Superior Hausmusik from Paul Lewis and Colleagues
United Kingdom Beethoven and Schubert: Paul Lewis (piano), Alexander Sitkovetsky (violin), Lawrence Power (viola), Bjørg Lewis (cello), Alois Posch (double bass). Wigmore Hall, London, 22.12.2014 (MB)
Christian Gerhaher’s Mahler Recital Does Not Disappoint
Elektra in Dresden: Not a Vintage Evening
Germany Strauss, Elektra: Soloists, Chorus of the Saxon State Opera (chorus master: Wolfram Tetzner), Staatskapelle Dresden, Peter Schneider (conductor). Semperoper, Dresden, 15.12.2014 (MB)
Der Rosenkavalier in Dresden: A superlative evening!
Germany Strauss, Der Rosenkavalier: Soloists, Chorus of the Saxon State Opera (chorus master: Wolfram Tetzner), Members of the Children’s Chorus of the Saxon State Opera, Staatskapelle Dresden, Christian Thielemann (conductor). Semperoper, Dresden, 14.12.2014 (MB)
Patrice Chéreau’s Masterly Janáček Staging Memorably Revived in Berlin
Fioroni Focuses on Political Implications and Sadistic Undercurrents in Turandot
Messiah from Tenebrae and Nigel Short
United Kingdom Handel, Messiah: Grace Davidson (soprano), Martha McLorinan (mezzo-soprano), David de Winter (tenor), William Gaunt (bass). Tenebrae, English Chamber Orchestra, Nigel Short (conductor). Cadogan Hall, London, 10.12.2014 (MB)