MusicalCriticism.com - the blog

Lucia di Lammermoor at ENO: Barry Banks and Anna Christy Interview

2008-02-15T15:52:00.000-08:00

A final reminder of our interview with tenor Barry Banks and soprano Anna Christy about English National Opera's new production of Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, which opens tomorrow night:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/banks-christy-0208.shtml

LSO, LPO and Philharmonia announce 2008-09 seasons; Natalie Dessay's Italian Opera Arias CD; Kate Royal in The Magic Flute at the ROH

2008-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

It's been a bumper week for orchestral news in London. The LSO, LPO and Philharmonia have all announced their 2008-09 seasons, each of which includes at least one major themed series.

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/phil-preview-0208.shtml

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/lso-preview-0208.shtml

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/lpo-preview-0208.shtml

In addition, we've reviewed DVDs of Eugene Onegin with Renee Fleming and Das Rheingold with Karajan; CDs of The Bach Dynasty and Natalie Dessay in Italian Opera Arias; and Kate Royal and Christopher Maltman in Die Zauberflote at Covent Garden.

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-flute2-0208.shtml

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-dessay-italian-0208.shtml

We've also interviewed soprano Anna Christy and tenor Barry Banks about ENO's first-ever production of Lucia di Lammermoor, which opens next Saturday.

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/banks-christy-0208.shtml

Gustavo Dudamel and the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela headline the Royal Festival Hall's 08-09 season

2008-02-04T15:22:00.001-08:00

The Southbank Centre has announced the line-up for its 2008-09 Shell Classic International Series.
Featuring several of the world's greatest orchestras, conductors and soloists, it will see the Royal Festival Hall play host to several of the same orchestras as this season as well as a mouth-watering visit from the Vienna Philharmonic under Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez conducting his Ensemble Intercontemporain and Gustavo Dudamel leading the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuala.

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/rfh-preview-0208.shtml

Fleming and Hvorostovsky in Decca's DVD of Eugene Onegin from the Met; The Mikado opens at ENO; The London Philharmonic announces the 08-09 season

2008-02-04T13:52:00.000-08:00

Wonderful new DVD of Eugene Onegin from the Met:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-onegin-0208.shtml

The LPO announces 08-09:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/lpo-preview-0208.shtml

Sarah Tynan and Robert Murray in ENO's The Mikado:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-mikado-0208.shtml

Madam Butterfly opens at ENO; La traviata cast B at Covent Garden; LSO Live's new Mozart Requiem; Lang Lang on the South Bank Show

2008-02-01T15:35:00.000-08:00

Judith Howarth has opened in the ENO revival of Anthony Minghella's production of Puccini's Madam Butterfly:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-butterfly-0208.shtml

Norah Amsellem and Charles Castronovo star in Cast B of the ROH's revival of Verdi's La traviata:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-traviata-b-0108.shtml

Sir Colin Davis and the London Symphony Orchestra's new recording of Mozart's Requiem:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-lso-mozart-requiem-0208.shtml

News that Lang Lang will feature on the South Bank Show next weekend:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/news-langlang-0208.shtml

Opera Review: ROH The Magic Flute / Die Zauberflöte

2008-01-28T17:20:00.000-08:00

First night of David McVicar's production of The Magic Flute, now back at Covent Garden for the third revival:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-flute-0108.shtml

Simon Keenlyside is always magnificent as Papageno, but it felt a bit like some of the other singers were resorting to stock gestures and to walking through the production.

The chorus didn't sing as lustily as is usual for them, and somehow there just wasn't the fire or warmth that Mackerras brought to the piece last time.

Tomorrow: an interview with Sarah Tynan and Robert Murray about The Mikado at ENO.

An interview with Sarah Chang

2008-01-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

Our latest interview is an in-depth chat with the violinist Sarah Chang about her career to date, her forthcoming appearance with the London Symphony Orchestra in Shostakovich's First Violin Concerto, her new recording of Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and her love of London.

An interview with Simon Keenlyside about The Magic Flute

2008-01-24T04:27:00.000-08:00

An interview with Britain's leading baritone, Simon Keenlyside, about forthcoming appearances in The Magic Flute, Don Carlo, Il barbiere di Siviglia and Wozzeck, plus his new disc of operetta arias.

Quite a number of tickets remain for the Covent Garden Flute performances, so now's your chance to witness Keenlyside at work in one of his greatest roles, Papageno.

Read the full story here:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/keenlyside-0108.shtml

BBC SO axes Composer Weekends in favour of Composer Days

2008-01-21T05:46:00.000-08:00

In a surprise move, the BBCSO has announced that it will no longer continue its annual January Composer Weekends beyond 2008.

Instead, there will be Composer Days scattered between January and March, next year focusing on Stockhausen, Murail and Xenakis.

More here: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/bbcso-composer-0108.shtml

Any reactions to this decision?

Aimard's The Art of Fugue on Deutsche Grammophon

2008-01-20T05:18:00.001-08:00

An exciting new release this week of Pierre-Laurent Aimard's recording of Bach's The Art of Fugue on Deutsche Grammphon.

Review:

'You have to wonder how happy the executives were at Deutsche Grammophon when their new star-signing, pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard, plumped for Bach's elusive Art of Fugue for the first recording of his exclusive contract with the label. One can imagine from a pianist renowned for his intelligence, as well as formidable technique, this was unlikely to have been a choice of repertoire that was taken lightly.'

Read the full review here: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-aimard-bach-0108.shtml

Anna Netrebko withdraws from another performance of Traviata at the ROH; Peter Grimes opens at Opera North; Julia Fischer on Pentatone

2008-01-19T13:39:00.000-08:00

Sadly, the Royal Opera House has announced the indisposition of Anna Netrebko for the third performance of La traviata at 3pm tomorrow. I feel genuinely sorry for all those who have missed her interpretation of the role, which, although unorthodox in many respects, has just the visceral quality that is needed for the part:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/cast-change-netrebko-0108.shtml

Phyllida Lloyd's award-winning production of Peter Grimes has returned to Opera North, currently at the Grand Theatre in Leeds. In February it will be seen in London at Sadler's Wells, where I saw it last year with great pleasure:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/on-grimes-0108.shtml

Finally, a highly-recommended new Mozart disc from Julia Fischer, Yakov Kreizberg and Gordan Nikolitch:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-fischer-mozart-0108.shtml

Soprano Judith Howarth chats about playing Madam Butterfly at ENO

2008-01-17T03:35:00.000-08:00

An interview with lovely Judith Howarth about Cio-Cio-San in the Anthony Minghella production:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/howarth-0108.shtml

Apparently it's selling fast, so go and book your tickets pronto!

Later this week, look out for an interview with Simon Keenlyside.

ROH review: La traviata at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden with Anna Netrebko, Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Jonas Kaufmann.

2008-01-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

A review of the first night, featuring Anna Netrebko, Jonas Kaufmann (left) and Dmitri Hvorostovsky conducted by Maurizio Benini at Covent Garden, can be read here:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-traviata-0108.shtml

Anna Netrebko in I Puritani; Roberto Alagna in Aida - DVDs

2008-01-10T16:07:00.000-08:00

I Puritani from the Met:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-netrebko-puritani-0108.shtml

Aida from La Scala:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-alagna-aida-0108.shtml

Simon Keenlyside at Wigmore Hall,9 January 2008

2008-01-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Review of the redoubtable Simon Keenlyside at the Wigmore Hall on 9 January 2008:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/wigmore-keenlyside-0108.shtml

Welsh National Opera's 2008-09 season announced, including Dennis O'Neill, Amanda Roocroft, Rebecca Evans and Ann Murray:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/wno-preview-0108.shtml

Bach Cello Suites on Harmonia Mundi:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-queyras-bach-0108.shtml

James Macmillan on LSO Live:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-lso-macmillan-0108.shtml

Nina Stemme cancels ROH Simon Boccanegra; Kristin Chenoweth sings Cunegonde in ENO Candide; Rake's Progress and Wozzeck DVDs on Opus Arte

2008-01-03T16:15:00.000-08:00

Nina Stemme has cancelled her role debut as Amelia Grimaldi in the John Eliot Gardiner-conducted Simon Boccanegra at the ROH in May 2008; Kristin Chenoweth will sing Cunegonde in Candide at ENO in June:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/casting-stemme-chenoweth-0108.shtml

Robert Lepage's production of The Rake's Progress comes to Covent Garden in July; watch it first on DVD with Andrew Kennedy:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-rake-0108.shtml

Calixto Bieto's production of Wozzeck on DVD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-bieito-wozzeck-0108.shtml

Preview of London and UK concerts in January 2008:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/concerts-preview-0108.shtml

Kapp Family Orchestral Works on Chandos:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-kapp-jarvi-0108.shtml

Renee Fleming as Violetta in Decca's DVD of La traviata:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-traviata-fleming-1207.shtml

Piano Concerti by Melcer on Hyperion:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-melcer-concertos-1207.shtml

Des Knaben Wunderhorn on Hyperion:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-genz-mahler-1207.shtml

Alwyn Piano Works on Naxos:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-alwyn-wass-0108.shtml

Herz's piano music on Hyperion:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-herz-piano-1207.shtml

Handel's Esther, Tamerlano and Acis and Galatea and Bostridge's Great Handel:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-handel-1207.shtml

La pietra del paragone on Naive:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-pietra-naive-1207.shtml

Volume 2 of Bavouzet's Debussy Piano Collection on Chandos:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-bavouzet-debussy2-1207.shtml

The finale of the Adelaide Ring -Götterdämmerung on Melba
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-adelaide-gd-1207.shtml

The last concert in Gardiner's Bach Cantatas pilgrimage:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-bach-4-1207.shtml

See more at http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/index.htm

Coming Soon: Gergiev's Mahler, I puritani on DVD with Netrebko, interview with Judith Howart on ENO's Madama Butterfly and much more!

La Cenerentola opens at Covent Garden with Kozena, Corbelli and Spence

2007-12-17T17:40:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Rossini's La Cenerentola and I've seen it many times, which is perhaps why I'm so critical of it? I couldn't tell if the rest of the audience regarded this performance more highly than I did, but I know of at least one other person who felt roughly the same.

The review is here:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-cenerentola-1207.shtml

And a reminder of our interviews with Alessandro Corbelli and Toby Spence:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/corbelli-1207.shtml
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/spence.shtml

ROH Cenerentola

2007-12-17T08:32:00.000-08:00

Review here:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-cenerentola-1207.shtml

In preparation for tonight's first night of La Cenerentola at the ROH, two interviews with members of the cast:

Alessandro Corbelli:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/corbelli-1207.shtml

Toby Spence:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/spence.shtml

Bernard Haitink returns to the ROH in Parsifal

2007-12-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

Review here:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-parsifal-1207.shtml

I think it's pretty shameful to have revived this production which nobody liked last time around. Couldn't they have bought another one in from somewhere?

New production of Turn of the Screw opens at ENO

2007-11-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

I don't care what anyone else says, and the newspapers can give it one star and call it soulless and misguided if they want. I loved English National Opera's new production of The Turn of the Screw and I've already booked to see it again!

Read my review here:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-screw-1107.shtml

Some new CD reviews:
Andrew Manze Schubert http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-manze-schubert-1107.shtml
Takacs Quartet Brahms http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-brahms-takacs-1107.shtml
Jon Vickers Four Portraits DVD: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-vickers-scenes-1107.shtml

LSO/Gergiev Mahler Symphony Cycle continues with the Sixth

2007-11-23T16:16:00.001-08:00

Una-Frances evidently enjoyed the latest installment, coupled with Tishchenko's Cello Concerto played by Tim Hugh:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/lso-gergiev-mahler-1107.shtml

Tomorrow: Chelsea Opera Group's Maria Stuarda, Scottish Opera's Il Seraglio, plus several CD reviews.

D.

An interview with Ian Bostridge; Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane; Croesus at Opera North; Masur in Leeds

2007-11-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

An interview with Ian Bostridge on his forthcoming 'Homeward Bound' series:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/bostridge-1107.shtml

The UK Premiere of Korngold's Das Wunder der Heliane:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/lpo-heliane-1107.shtml

The Fortunes of King Croesus at Opera North:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/on-croesus-1107.shtml

Kurt Masur and the Orchestre National de France in Leeds:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/onf-masur-1107.shtml

A strong cast for Maria Stuarda at Chelsea Opera Group:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/cog-1107.shtml

A reminder of Ann Murray's interview on ENO's new Turn of the Screw:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/murray-1107.shtml

Ann Murray on ENO's new production of The Turn of the Screw; reviews of CDs and DVDs; Scottish Chamber Orchestra

2007-11-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

Read an interview with Ann Murray DBE on playing Mrs Grose in ENO's new production of The Turn of the Screw: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/murray-1107.shtml

An alternative short extra review of the Royal Opera's new production of L'elisir d'amore, this time with Dmitri Korchak as Nemorino: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-elisir-2-1107.shtml

Catch up on CD and DVD reviews, including Anna Moffo in Madama Butterfly, Genia Kuhmeier in The Creation (EMI), and Colin Currie's new CD, here: http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/index.htm

New L'elisir d'amore opens at Royal Opera House, Covent Garden; CDs of Dmitri Hvorostovsky and Max Emanuel Cencic; Opera North's Butterfly/Falstaff

2007-11-15T12:24:00.000-08:00

A number of new articles, including the ROH's new production of L'elisir d'amore:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-elisir.shtml

Dmitri Hvorostovsky's new CD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-dmitri-heroes.shtml

Itzhak Perlman at the Barbican:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/barbican-perlman.shtml

Opera North:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/on-butterfly.shtml
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/on-falstaff.shtml

Pavarotti in Luisa Miller CD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-luisa-miller.shtml

ENO's new Aida; Sibelius chez Salonen and Elder; Paolo Gavanelli interview on L'elisir d'amore; interview with Claire Rutter and John Hudson; CDs

2007-11-12T02:54:00.000-08:00

It's massive update time again:

ENO's new Aida:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-aida.htm

Interview with Claire Rutter and John Hudson on ENO's new Aida:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/rutter-hudson.htm

Interview with the great Paolo Gavanelli on Donizetti's L'elisir d'amore:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/gavanelli.htm

Hugo's reviews of all four of Salonen's Sibelius concerts at the Barbican:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/salonen-sibelius2.htm
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/salonen-sibelius1.htm

Mark Elder and the Halle doing Sibelius: The Origin of Fire in Manchester:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/halle-sibelius.shtml

Hugo on the completion of Schubert's 'Unfinished':
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/rfh-oae-jurowski.htm

Agnes on Mark Elder's celebration of the Elgar anniversary with the LPO:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/rfh-lpo-elder.htm

Una-Frances' feature on the Sibelius anniversary:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/sibelius.htm

Patrizia Ciofi in Bellini's La straniera at the RFH for Opera Rara:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/or-straniera.htm

ENO's new production of The Coronation of Poppea with Kate Royal:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-poppea.htm

Cardiff Singer of the world Rosenblatt Song Prize winner Elizabeth Watts in Handel's Semele:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eoc-semele.htm

Alex Reedijk, director of Scottish Opera, on the Five:15 project:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/scottish-opera-5-15.htm

The Barbican announces details of their 2008-09 season, including several Handel operas and oratorios, a residency with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Riccardo Chailly, Simon Keenlyside, Angelika Kirchschlager and much more:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/barbican-2008.htm

John Eliot Gardiner embarks on his Brahms cycle with the ORR:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/rfh-jeg-brahms.htm

Mary reviews two concerts in Edinburgh:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/rsno-clein
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/sco-brahms.htm

CDs
Vivaldi's Atenaide on Naive:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-atenaide.shtml

Amanda Roocroft's sensational new CD on Onyx, including Tchaikovsky songs:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-roocroft.htm

DVD review of The Callas Conversations Vol II on EMI:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-callas-conversations.htm

Lang Lang plays Beethoven's First and Fourth Piano Concertoson Deutsche Grammophon:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-langlang-beethoven.htm

Boulez's new recording of Mahler's Eighth:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-boulez-mahler-8.htm

All these and many more can be found on MusicalCriticism.com:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/
Concerts:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/index.htm
Opera:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/index.htm
Interviews:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/index.htm
Recordings:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/index.htm
News:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/index.htm

September-October 2007: The ROH Ring, ENO's Carmen, Interviews with Rosalind Plowright, Andrew Kennedy and Laurence Cummings

2007-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

BBC Proms 2007 Retrospective

2007-09-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Check out the website for our BBC Proms 2007 Retrospective
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/proms-review-2007.htm

What are your views on the 2007 season? Did Nicholas Kenyon leave on a high? And how will Roger Wright Fare next year? Post your comments here!

Susan Graham interview on Iphigenie en Tauride at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

2007-09-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

I've just posted my interview with the lovely Susan Graham, who's appearing in Gluck's Iphigenie en Tauride at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, from 10 September 2007. It's full of insights about her approach to the role and Robert Carsen's production.

You can read the article by clicking here.

New-look MusicalCriticism.com!

2007-08-25T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Check out the new-look MusicalCriticism.com for all the latest news, reviews, interviews and features on classical music and opera in the UK and beyond.

Current reviews include most of the final three weeks of the Proms; recordings of Mozart operas, Koessler chamber music and Verdi's Il trovatore from Bregenz;
and an interview with Sicilian tenor Marcello Giordani on
singing Berlioz's La damnation de Faust.

Join us at www.musicalcriticism.com

and join our new Facebook account to enter the debate.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=3360267477

Dominic McHugh
Editor
MusicalCriticism.com

Viktoria Mullova plays Bach

2007-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Not an overwhelming success in Hugo's opinion, Mullova's Bach CD nevertheless gained a 5 star review and was record of the month for the BBC Music Magazine:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-mullova-bach.htm

Prom 14: The Seasons

2007-07-28T12:51:00.002-07:00

Hugo's inaugural live review for us was an outstanding performance of Haydn's lesser known oratorio by Roger Norrington:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-14-0707.htm

Prom 13: Brett Dean

2007-07-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

A world premiere by Brett Dean overshadows Beethoven 7:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-13-0707.htm

Prom 15: Verdi's Macbeth

2007-07-28T12:49:00.000-07:00

I realise that for many this was a wonderful evening, but I sat through it with the critical edition of the score in my hands and wondered many times where certain gestures, tempi and note lengths were coming from:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-15-0707.htm

La traviata at Opera Holland Park

2007-07-28T12:48:00.000-07:00

I rather liked Holland Park's production of Traviata. Unlike Richard Eyre's heavy ROH production, it has a light touch that is in keeping with the opera itself:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/ohp-traviata.htm

American Jubilee: CD review

2007-07-28T12:47:00.000-07:00

Erich Kunzel conducts the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra - sometimes ponderously - in American music:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-jubilee.htm

Prom 19: Halle/Elder - Strauss, Britten and Nielsen

2007-07-28T12:46:00.000-07:00

Evidently a mixed affair, not helped by the late indisposition of Lisa Milne:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-19-0707.htm

L'amore dei tre Re opens at Opera Holland Park

2007-07-28T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of the highlights of the year: Opera Holland Park have uncovered a lost masterpiece:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/ohp-re.htm

The Making of Music review

2007-07-17T08:33:00.001-07:00

Hugo waded through all six hours of James Naughtie's new history of music:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-making-of-music.htm

Lucio Silla DVD and Madama Butterfly CD

2007-07-17T08:32:00.001-07:00

The sensational latest release from ROH Heritage: Victoria de los Angeles in Madama Butterfly:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-roh-butterfly.htm

Not a captivating production, but a musically riveting DVD of Mozart's early opera seria Lucio Silla from Salzburg:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-silla.htm

Rigoletto: Royal Opera House, Patrizia Ciofi

2007-07-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

A very mixed affair, the opening night of the current revival of Rigoletto at Covent Garden:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-rigoletto.htm

Cosi fan tutte: Royal Opera House, Colin Davis, Thomas Allen, Rebecca Evans

2007-07-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

An excellent opening night for the latest revival of Jonathan Miller's production of Cosi fan tutte:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-cosi.htm

Ana James: interview with the Jette Parker Young Artist

2007-07-17T08:27:00.001-07:00

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/james.htm

It was good to catch up with Royal Opera Young Artist Ana James.

First night of the Proms 2007: BBC Prom 1:

2007-07-17T08:26:00.000-07:00

William attended the First Night of the Proms, an evidently mixed affair, with Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Elgar's Cello Concerto only partially successful:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-1-0707.htm

Prom 4 review: Antonio Pappano, Colin Lee, Joyce DiDonato, Janice Watson, Academy of Sanata Cecilia, Rome, BBC Proms

2007-07-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/prom-4-0707.htm

Although it's hard to get to grips with Berio's Sinfonia, the second half of this Prom was astonishing.

Bryn Terfel in Sweeney Todd; Rebecca Evans, Patrizia Ciofi and Lawrence Brownlee interviews; CD label launch

2007-07-07T08:27:00.001-07:00

First of all, a reminder to enter our exciting competition:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/bbc-naughtie-competition.htm

It's been another busy week. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the new release from Michael Storrs Music, the new CD label:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-stolen-notes.htm

I was disappointed by the RFH's Sweeney Todd starring Bryn Terfel:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/rfh-sweeney.htm

I enjoyed interviewing Rebecca Evans, Patrizia Ciofi and Lawrence Brownlee:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/evans.htm
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/ciofi.htm
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/brownlee.htm

Don't forget the competition! The prizes are great.
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/bbc-naughtie-competition.htm

Until next time, take care.

The big update...

2007-07-05T08:41:00.000-07:00

It has been a time of hyperactivity here at MusicalCriticism.com, and the blog hasn't been updated for ages! Still, there's plenty to enjoy from the worlds of opera and classical music in the UK.

First of all, don't miss the opportunity to enter our competition to win a copy of James Naughtie's new history of music for the BBC. This six-CD set is a fabulous prize!
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/bbc-naughtie-competition.htm

Tosca opened at the Royal Opera House the other night, with Violeta Urmana in the title role:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-tosca.htm

Michael Ball was dazzling - a real stage animal - in the ill-fated Kismet at ENO:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-kismet.htm

Colin Davis once more excelled in Berlioz, performing Benvenuto Cellini with the LSO:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/lso-cellini.htm

I interviewed the absolutely gorgeous Welsh soprano Rebecca Evans about her forthcoming appearance as Despina in Cosi fan tutte at the ROH - her last time in the role - as well as talking about the first time she met Bryn Terfel (before he was famous!):
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/evans.htm

We review Stolen Notes, the CD from the new record label Michael Storrs Music - all great Verdi arias and excerpts:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-stolen-notes.htm

Renee Fleming returned to London to sing the title role in Massenet's Thais in concert at the ROH:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-thais.htm

Alfred Brendel joined Christoph von Dohnanyif or Beethoven at the newly refurbished Royal Festival Hall:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/philharmonia-brendel.htm

Opera Holland Park excelled in Rossini's The Barber of Seville:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/ohp-barbiere.htm

Una-Frances reviewed Marin Alsop's unusual presentation of The Rite of Spring:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/lpo-rite.htm

and Agnes heard Charles Mackerras and Mitsuko Uchida performing Mozart and Janacek:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/philharmonia-sinfonietta.htm

In the next week, expect reviews of Rigoletto, Sweeney Todd, Lakme and the First Night of the Proms, as well as interviews with Lawrence Brownlee about singing Rossini's Stabat Mater at the Proms and Patrizia Ciofi on Rigoletto at Covent Garden!

ROH Katya Kabanova; Violeta Urmana interview on Tosca; Madama Butterfly at Scottish Opera; CDs

2007-06-23T02:28:00.001-07:00

Another busy week at MusicalCriticism.com.

Agnes saw Katya Kabanova at the Royal Opera House on Tuesday, in what may be Charles Mackerras' final performance of the piece:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-katya.htm

I interviewed Violeta Urmana about singing Tosca at Covent Garden:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/urmana.htm

Mary reviewed Madama Butterfly in Edinburgh:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/sco-butterfly.htm

I was wowed by one of the latest ROH Heritage recordings - Solti's third production as ROH Music Director, Don Giovanni:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cd-roh-giovanni.htm

We reported on cast changes in this week's LSO performances of Benvenuto Cellini and ROH Thais:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/cast-changes-thais.htm

Shen Yang was crowned Cardiff Singer of the World:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/cardiff-2007.htm

Rosalind Plowright, Stuart Burrows and Emma Kirkby were honoured by the Queen:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/birthday-honours-2007.htm

I reviewed a peculiar DVD of Sergiu Celibidache conducting Mozart and Schubert:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/dvd-celibidache.htm

Keep reading!

Dominic

New CDs; LSO/Gergiev; Schiff Festival

2007-06-15T15:36:00.000-07:00

Una-Frances wrote her first review, of the LSO and Valery Gergiev performing Petrushka:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/lso-petrushka.htm

Agnes provided a summation of her thoughts on the Schiff-Mikrokosmos Quartet's Bartok Festival:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/bartok-festival-2007.htm

William reviewed the Halle's latest CD, with Mark Elder conducting Wagner to vivid effect:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/halle-wagner.htm

Mary reviewed the Nash Ensemble's Brahms CD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/nash-brahms.htm

Oh yes, and me. I previewed Scottish Opera's 2007-08 season in anticipation of Mary's reviews next week:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/scottish-opera-2007.htm

I regretted not enjoying the Vasari Singers' latest CD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/vasari-pott.htm

Don't forget the Cardiff Singer of the World Blog. Jacques Imbrailo was absolutely robbed tonight!:
http://cardiffsingeroftheworld.blogspot.com/

Until next time...keep reading!
Dominic

La clemenza di Tito; Don Giovanni

2007-06-12T01:42:00.000-07:00

David McVicar's production of Mozart's penultimate opera returned to ENO:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/eno-tito.htm

Francesca Zambello's production of Don Giovanni returned to Covent Garden with a mixed cast:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/roh-giovanni.htm

Opera Holland Park re-opens; Charities Philharmonia

2007-06-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

It was good to see that the new canopy and foyer spaces at Holland Park Opera have retained the best of the old while bringing a new lease of life to proceedings. I especially like the new seats!

The opening production of Nabucco had its odd points but was genuinely stirring:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/ohp-nabucco.htm

Jenufa is unmissable for its stars, Anne Sophie Duprels and Anne Mason:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/ohp-jenufa.htm

Meanwhile, over at St John's Smith Square, we caught up with the latest concert by the Charities Philharmonia:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/charities-young-2.htm

Elgar's The Kingdom: Halle/Elder

2007-06-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

An interesting evening at the Bridgewater Hall with Elgar's third oratorio. I'm not sure it competes with The Dream of Gerontius in my affections, but it was worth a hearing to say the least:

Elgar in his Kingdom: Halle/Elder

2007-06-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

Another outstanding evening from the Halle at the top of their game in the Second Symphony and Cello Concerto of Elgar:

http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/halle-elgar-1.htm

Kyle Ketelsen interview; Death in Venice at ENO; Jansons' recording of Mahler 1; Royal Opera House buys Opus Arte DVD

2007-06-01T14:17:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed catching up again with Kyle Ketelsen, the American bass whose recent appearances in Orlando and Figaro at Covent Garden were memorable. He's back to play Leporello in Don Giovanni and I also chatted to him about doing Escamillo in next year's revival of Carmen:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/ketelsen.htm

Agnes caught up with the second performance of ENO's new production of Death in Venice, directed by Deborah Warner and starring Ian Bostridge; new Music Director Edward Gardner showed promise in the pit:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/venice.htm

In exciting news, the Royal Opera House announced the takeover of Opus Arte DVD productions, the wider ramifications of which I discussed in my news article:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/roh-opus-arte.htm

Finally, yet another 5-star rated CD. Yes, there have been a few of them lately, but can I help it if everything is great?! Mariss Jansons truly gets to the heart of Mahler's First Symphony with the Royal Concertgebouw:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/jansons-mahler.htm

Coming soon: reviews of the Halle Orchestra's Elgar weekend, the LSO's latest CD, opera in Scotland and a revival of Don Giovanni at Covent Garden. Stay tuned, Dominic.

Ailish Tynan interview

2007-05-27T13:46:00.001-07:00

Interview with the Irish soprano Ailish Tynan:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/tynan.htm

Fidelio at Covent Garden; Colin Davis; Stiffelio with Domingo on DVD;

2007-05-27T13:43:00.000-07:00

Fidelio at Covent Garden with Mattila:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/fidelio.htm

Orfeo in the Lufthansa Festival:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/orfeo-2.htm

ECO/Davis:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/eco-davis.htm

Stiffelio with Domingo on DVD:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/stiffelio.htm

Opera North 2007-8, including a Shakespeare fest:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/opera-north-2007.htm

Jordi Savall; Strauss Lieder; La donna del lago; Bartok Two-piano music

2007-05-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

5-star review of Jordi Savall's viola da gamba concert at the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music:
www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/sjss-savall.htm

Opera Rara's new release of La donna del lago from last year's Edinburgh Festival:
www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/donna.htm

Anne Schwanewilms sings Strauss Lieder - Hyperion's Complete Strauss Lieder Vol 2:
www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/schwanewilms-strauss.htm

Bartok music for two pianos:
www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/mandarin.htm

Check back soon for reviews of Colin Davis and the ECO, Orfeo at SJSS, Death in Venice and Fidelio at Covent Garden

Oedipus Rex (LSO/Gergiev); Solomon (SJSS)

2007-05-14T13:32:00.000-07:00

Solomon at the Lufthansa Festival of Baroque Music:
www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/solomon.htm

Oedipus Rex at the Barbican with the LSO:
www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/lso-oedipus.htm

Pelleas at Covent Garden; Gerald Finley interview; Berg Quartet; Pauline Viardot CD

2007-05-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

First night of Covent Garden's new production of Pelleas and Melisande:
www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/pelleas.htm

Gerald Finley interview:
www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/finley.htm

Alban Berg Quartet at the Queen Elizabeth Hall:
www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/berg.htm

Pauline Viardot Opera Rara CD:
www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/viardot.htm

Owen Wingrave and Murray Perahia

2007-04-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Royal Opera's new production of Owen Wingrave in the Linbury Studio Theatre:
www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/wingrave.htm

Murray Perahia's concert at the Barbican Hall:
www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/perahia.htm

On the Town

2007-04-24T02:57:00.000-07:00

ENO's 2005 production of Leonard Bernstein's On the Town returned to the Coliseum last night:

www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/town.htm

Not to be missed!

Giulio Cesare at the Barbican; La finta giardiniera from Salzburg (DVD)

2007-04-22T15:20:00.000-07:00

Rene Jacobs conducts Giulio Cesare at the Barbican:

www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/cesare.htm

La finta giardiniera DVD (Deutsche Grammophon):

www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/finta.htm

Netrebko and Villazon Duets; Dom Sebastien

2007-04-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

New CD reviews:

Rolando Villazon and Anna Netrebko duet their way through Verdi, Massenet, Bizet and others:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/netrebko-villazon.htm

Donizetti's last opera, Dom Sebastien, roi de Portugal, comes in a sublime live recording from Covent Garden:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/sebastien.htm

Stiffelio returns to Covent Garden

2007-04-21T01:27:00.000-07:00

After a twelve-year absence, Verdi's sixteenth opera returns to the Royal Opera House with Jose Cura in the title role:

www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/stiffelio.htm

Anthony Michaels-Moore in concert

2007-04-19T16:54:00.001-07:00

St John's, Smith Square

Recital with Anthony Michaels-Moore:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/amm.htm

Jacques Imbrailo on Owen Wingrave

2007-04-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

The young baritone, who is this year's South African entrant for the prestigious Cardiff Singer of the World competition, talks about his role in the Royal Opera's production of Britten's Owen Wingrave in the Linbury Studio Theatre:

www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/imbrailo.htm

ENO announces the 2007-8 Sky Arts Season

2007-04-18T11:55:00.000-07:00

English National Opera has announced details of their 2007-8 season, which is sponsored by Sky Arts as part of a unique £5 million, six-year deal. The eleven new productions and three revivals include Aida, Carmen, The Turn of the Screw and Der Rosenkavalier.

For more details see www.musicalcriticism.com/news/eno-2007.htm

Andras Schiff and Friends talk about the QEH's Bartok Festival

2007-04-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

A special preview feature with interviews and commentary on the forthcoming Bartok festival curated by Andras Schiff at the Queen Elizabeth Hall:

www.musicalcriticism.com/news/schiff-feature.htm

Rossini: Salon Songs

2007-04-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Miah Persson and Bruce Ford sing Rossini songs at the Queen Elizabeth Hall:

www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/rossini.htm

Satyagraha, Nicole Cabell, Maria Stuarda, Nina Stemme's Strauss

2007-04-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Review of the UK premiere of Glass' Satyagraha:

www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/satyagraha.htm

Nicole Cabell's sensational debut CD:

www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/cabell.htm

Opera Rara: Mercadante's Maria Stuarda, regina di Scozia:

www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/maria.htm

Nina Stemme: Strauss' Four Last Songs:

www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/strauss.htm

Jose Cura interview

2007-04-06T19:05:00.000-07:00

Jose Cura talks about his role in Verdi's Stiffelio - and his desire to play the title role in Britten's Peter Grimes:

www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/cura.htm

The Royal Opera announces the 2007-8 season

2007-04-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Royal Opera has announced the 2007-8 season, including new productions of Verdi's Don Carlo and Strauss' Salome, as well as returns for La traviata, Carmen, Simon Boccanegra, Le nozze di Figaro, The Magic Flute and Tosca.

For more info, see:

www.musicalcriticism.com/news/roh-2007.htm

Royal Opera Double Bill: L'Heure espagnole and Gianni Schicchi

2007-03-31T09:26:00.000-07:00

Read the review in full here:

www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/double-bill.htm

Edinburgh Festival 2007-8 Preview

2007-03-29T02:10:00.000-07:00

Finally announced, this year's festival features a string of operas and concerts on themes that go to the very heart of the business of making music:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/edinburgh-2007.htm

Also of interest: the new season at the Royal Festival Hall:
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/sbc-2007.htm

Update: Holl/Schiff, Barbican Preview et al

2007-03-27T15:56:00.000-07:00

New and recent articles of interest:

Schubert Lieder at QEH with Robert Holl and Andras Schiff
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/holl-schiff.htm

Great Performers at the Barbican Preview 2007-8
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/barbican-2007.htm

Interview with the mezzo-soprano Christine Rice on her forthcoming ROH role
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/interviews/rice.htm

Simon Rattle's new recording of Brahms' German Requiem
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/brahms-requiem.htm

Opera Holland Park's eclectic Summer 2007 Preview
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/news/ohp-2007.htm

The LSO's new recording of Sibelius Symphony No 2 and Pohjola's Daughter with Colin Davis
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/recordings/lso-sibelius-2.htm

Bryn Terfel and Sarah Connolly at the Barbican
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/concerts/bbcso-terfel.htm

The Tempest at the Royal Opera House
http://www.musicalcriticism.com/opera/tempest.htm

Welcome

2007-03-27T15:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Musical Criticism: the blog.

Here you'll find links to all our latest reviews, news stories, features and interviews covering a wide range of concerts and opera.

Please join us at www.musicalcriticism.com now to see what we're up to!