United Kingdom Birtwistle: Nicolas Hodges (piano), Christian Dierstein (percussion), Andrew Watts (counter-tenor), Melinda Maxwell (oboe), Helen Tunstall (harp). Hall One, Kings Place, London, 9.1.2013 (MB)
Mark Berry
Wolf Lieder at Wigmore Hall: A Mixed Experience
United Kingdom Wolf: Anglelika Kirchschlager (mezzo-soprano), Dietrich Henschel (baritone), Julius Drake (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 6.1.2013 (MB)
A New Year Visit to Seventeenth-Century Venice
United Kingdom ‘Echoes of Venice’: Carolyn Sampson (soprano), Matthew Wadsworth (theorbo). Wigmore Hall, London, 3.1.2013 (MB)
Harold in Italy – but Without His Orchestra!
United Kingdom Weber, Berlioz, and Brahms: Gérard Caussé (viola), Michel Dalberto (piano). Wigmore Hall, London, 19.12.2012 (MB)
Enterprising Theater an der Wien Stages Hindemith Opera
Austria Hindemith, Mathis der Maler: Soloists, Slovak Philharmonic Choir (chorus mistress: Blanka Juhaňaková), Vienna Symphony Orchestra, Bertrand de Billy (conductor). Theater an der Wien, Vienna, 16.12.2012 (MB)
Authentic Mahlerian Spirit from Andrés Oroczo-Estrada
Austria Mahler: Juliana Banse (soprano), Janina Baechle (mezzo-soprano), Wiener Singverein (chorus master: Johannes Prinz), Tonkünstler-Orchester Niederösterreich, Andrés Oroczo-Estrada (conductor). Goldener Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, 15.12.2012 (MB)
Elisabeth Kulman in a Largely-Rewarding Recital
Austria Liszt, Schumann, Albin Fries, and Schubert: Elisabeth Kulman (mezzo-soprano), Eduard Kutrowatz (piano). Mozart-Saal, Konzerthaus, Vienna, 13.12.2012 (MB)
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Visits Vienna
Austria Beethoven and Mahler:Kate Royal (soprano), Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor). Goldener Saal, Musikverein, Vienna, 12.12.2012 (MB)