Composer Rodion Shchedrin in conversation with Michael Cookson, April 2014
Michael Cookson
Munich’s Well-Paced Carmen Makes Strong Impression
Germany Georges Bizet, Carmen: Soloists, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Chor und Kinderchor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Opernballett der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Statisterie und Kinderstatisterie der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Nationaltheater, Munich, 3.4.2014 (MC)
Fritz Oeser’s 1964 critical edition of Bizet’s score. Sung in French with German surtitles
Fassbaender’s Zesty Don Pasquale is Amusing and Enjoyable
Germany Donizetti, Don Pasquale: Soloists, Chor und Statisterie des Staatstheaters am Gärtnerplatz & Orchester des Staatstheaters am Gärtnerplatz, / Loeg Ptashnikov (conductor), Cuvilliéstheater, Residenz, Munich, 4.4.2014. (MC)
Mediocre Salome Fails to Shock
Germany Richard Strauss, Salome: Soloists and Orchestra of the Bavarian State Opera / Asher Fisch (conductor), National Theatre, Munich, 2.4.2014 (MC)
Judicious Pacing and Drama in Vaughan Williams’ Sea Symphony
United Kingdom Elgar, Delius, Vaughan Williams: Katherine Broderick (soprano), Roderick Williams (baritone), Schola Cantorum, Ad Solem, Hallé Orchestra, Choir & Youth Choir/Sir Mark Elder (conductor), Bridgewater Hall, Manchester. 29.3.2014 (MC)
Manze and the Hallé Provide an Antidote to Jaded Musical Appetites
United Kingdom Beethoven, Mozart, Vaughan Williams, Sibelius: Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Hallé/Andrew Manze (conductor), Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 9.3.2014 (MC)
Creditable Mahler, Expessive Strauss, Unaffected Elgar from RLPO
United Kingdom Mahler, Richard Strauss, Elgar: Timothy Jackson (horn), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra/Vasily Petrenko (conductor), Guild Hall, City of Preston, 9.3. 2014 (MC)
Impressive Strauss, Unconvincing Mahler
United Kingdom Mahler, Richard Strauss: Hillevi Martinpelto (soprano), BBC Philharmonic Orchestra/John Storgårds (conductor), Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, 8.3.2014 (MC)
