Germany Janáček, Jenůfa: Soloists, Staatsopernchor Berlin, Staatskapelle Berlin / Axel Kober (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 7.1.2024. (MB)
Finely sung revival of Damiano Michieletto’s Jenůfa at Berlin’s Staatsoper Unter den Linden
Mark Berry
A lovely concert of French music from Preussens Hofmusik in Berlin
Germany Naudot, L. and F. Couperin, Boismortier, and Bernier: Regina Koncz (soprano), Preussens Hofmusik (Thomas Beyer [flute], Laura Volkwein, Jueyoung Yang [violins], Otto Tolonen [viola da gamba]) / Matthias Wilke (harpsichord/director). Apollosaal, Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 7.1.2024. (MB)
A fine performance of Der Rosenkavalier in Berlin, hampered by a dismally vague production
Germany R. Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier: Soloists, Children’s Choir of the Staatsoper Unter den Linden (chorus director: Vinzenz Weissenburger), Staatsopernchor Berlin (chorus director: Gerhard Polifka), Staatskapelle Berlin / Joana Mallwitz (conductor). Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, 2.1.2024. (MB)
A special evening with Martha Argerich, Daniel Barenboim and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Germany Beethoven and Brahms: Martha Argerich (piano), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra / Daniel Barenboim (conductor). Philharmonie, Berlin, 20.12.2023. (MB)
Thoughtful and skilful presentation in Frankfurt of a rare opera by the teenage Mozart
Germany Mozart, Ascanio in Alba: Soloists, Vocal Ensemble (recorded), Frankfurt Opera and Museum Orchestra, Alden Gatt (conductor). Bockenheimer Depot, Frankfurt, 17.12.2023. (MB)
Berlin’s Komische Oper revives Barrie Kosky’s production of Eugene Onegin,
Germany Tchaikovsky, Eugene Onegin: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Komische Oper / James Gaffigan (conductor). Schillertheater, Berlin, 15.12.2023. (MB)
Delightful performances of music by members of the Bach family
Germany JCF Bach, CPE Bach, JS Bach, Johann Christoph Bach: Albrecht Mayer (oboe, oboe d’amore, English horn), Berliner Barock Solisten, Gottfried von der Goltz (violin, director). Kammermusiksaal, Berlin, 11.12.2023. (MB)
A qualified welcome to the first revival of Die Meistersinger at the Deutsche Oper Berlin
Germany Wagner, Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg: Soloists, Chorus and Orchestra of the Deutsche Oper Berlin / Ulf Schirmer (conductor). Deutsche Oper, Berlin, 3.12.2023. (MB)
