Classical Music Reviews
Taster: Opera Rara’s stunning new Simon Boccangra – 1857 version!
On Friday 21 March, Opera Rara released the first ever studio recording of the original 1857 version of Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra (ORC65). Follow the link for a cornucopia of Verdian deliciousness: aria after aria, including this, Amelia’s Cavatina sung […]
Celebrating what would have been Sondheim’s 95th birthday: Imelda Staunton in ‘Losing my Mind’ live from the National Theatre
Stephen Sondheim would have been 95 today and in celebration here’s a little gem. Imelda Staunton performs ‘Losing my mind’ from Follies, recorded live at the National Theatre in 2017 in the production directed by […]
Reshaping the narrative: Leslie Korngold on the historic release of his grandfather’s recording of his Symphony
Leslie Korngold is the grandson of composer Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Leslie’s father, George, himself a record producer, was the composer’s younger son. When George Korngold died in 1987, Leslie inherited George’s archive of family recordings. […]
Piemontesi, Ticciati & the LPO: Schumann & Mahler
Schumann, Mahler Francesco Piemonesi (piano); London Philharmonic Orchestra / Robin Ticciati (conductor). Royal Festival Hall, London, 19.03.2025 Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor, Op. 54 (1841/25) Mahler Symphony No. 5 in C sharp minor (1901/2) […]
Classical Music News
Chopin winner: I locked myself away from the world
The Polish pianist Rafal Blechacz went into the 2005 Chopin Competition with a strategy to isolate himself from all other performers and from the outside world. He read no newspapers, heard no radio. ‘I found […]
Trouble in Toronto as deputy disappears
There’s room at the top of Canadian Opera Company. Look at the admin board and you’ll find that COC Deputy General Director Christie Darville has been erased. No word from anyone. Darville has been with […]
Ruth Leon recommends.. Elizabeth Taylor – The Last Time I Saw Paris
Elizabeth Taylor Dame Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor, born February 27, 1932, died 14 years ago this week on 23rd March, aged 79. She was much more than “the girl with the violet eyes”. Elizabeth Taylor was […]
Puccini authority dies at 70
The Venetian musicologist Michele Girardi has died in his home town after a long illness. An international authority on the operas of Puccini, he recently stepped down as chair in the History of Music at […]
