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)
Mark Berry
Pierre-Laurent Aimard Excels in an Important New Birtwistle Piece
Stravinsky, Birtwistle, Messiaen: Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano), London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vladimir Jurowski (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 6.12.2014 (MB)
Despite Fine Singing Christof Loy’s Tristan Seems Misconceived
United Kingdom Wagner, Tristan und Isolde: Soloists, Royal Opera Chorus (chorus master: Renato Balsadonna), Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Sir Antonio Pappano (conductor). Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, 5.12.2014 (MB)
Finesse and Magic from Juraj Valčuha and the Philharmonia
United Kingdom Strauss, Mozart, and Humperdinck: Jonathan Biss (piano), Olena Tokar (soprano), Kai Rüütel (mezzo-soprano), Philharmonia Orchestra, Juraj Valčuha (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 4.12.2014 (MB)
Splendid Beethoven from Jean-Guihen Queyras and Alexander Melnikov
United Kingdom Beethoven: Jean-Guihen Queyras (cello), Alexander Melnikov (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 30.11.2014 (MB)
Intersection of Three Lives Described in Music, Art and Narration
United Kingdom Philippe Sands, A Song of Good and Evil: Vanessa Redgrave and Philippe Sands (narrators), Laurent Naouri (bass-baritone), Guillaume de Chassy (piano), Nina Brazier (director). Purcell Room, London, 29.11.2014 (MB)
Salonen’s Pelléas et Mélisande an Extraordinary Performance and Musical Triumph
United Kingdom Debussy, Pelléas et Mélisande: Soloists, Philharmonia Voices, Philharmonia Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 27.11.2014 (MB)
A Brave Attempt to Put On Oberon by New Sussex Opera
United Kingdom Weber, Oberon: Soloists, St Paul’s Sinfonia, New Sussex Opera Chorus, Nicholas Jenkins (conductor). Cadogan Hall, London, 25.11.2014 (MB)