Although nominally an opera seria like most of Handel’s other London operas of the 1720s and ’30s, English National Opera’s description of Partenope (1730) as a ‘rom com’ is closer to the mark. It has a levity and comedy that Handel […]
This is a fascinating idea: the same piece, twice, once with piano and once with orchestra. Surely Richard Strauss’ famous orchestrational ability is what makes this piece so special? Those autumn hues as he prepares […]
George Parris & the Carice Singers (Photo: Lidia Crisafulli) Conductor George Parris and the Carice Singers have been exploring Arvo Pärt‘s music alongside that of other Estonian composers, most recently (13 November) at St Giles […]
Berlioz, Ortiz Pacho Florez (trumpets); Philharmonia Orchestra / Rafael Payare. Royal Festival Hall, London, 27.11.2025 Berlioz Le carnaval romain Overture (1843) Ortiz Trumpet Concerto, ‘Altar de Bronce’ (2022), London premiere Berlioz Symphonie fantastique (1830) Rafael Payare is an exciting conductor who […]
If you think you know what Wilson is going to sound like in Walton’s 1st Symphony, you’re probably right. Though I was hoping against hope that he would surprise us and come up with something […]
Handel: Partenope – English National Opera (Photo: Lloyd Winters) Handel: Partenope; Nardus Williams, Hugh Cutting, Ru Charlesworth, Jake Ingbar, Katie Bray, William Thomas, director: Christopher Alden, conductor: William Cole, English National Opera; London ColiseumReviewed 26 […]
We have met violinist Vilde Frang on evil occasions, most memorably in her coupling of Beethoven and Stravinsky, in Berg at the Barbican, and in Bartók in Berlin. We have also considered Albert Sammons’ recording […]
Hearing Boulez’ Rituel: In Memoriam Brumo Maderna the other day as part of LSO Futures; reminded me that Maderna (1920-73) remains an under-appreciated genius. Here’s the promo video for the present disc: The Serenata No. […]
Cupid’s Ground Bass: Strozzi, uccelini, Farina, Cavalli, Kapsberger, Biber, Monteverdi; Lucine Musaelian, Kieran White, The Bellot Ensemble; FHR RecordsReviewed 26 November 2025 A young ensemble in one of those intelligently put together programmes where the […]
Qalali Folk Band at Aga Khan Music Awards 2025 (Photo: Joao Peixoto) Eleven artists were honoured at the weekend as this year’s winners of the Aga Khan Music Awards in a ceremony in the Southbank […]
