2009 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2009 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• Ensemble. Verve and Flair - Derby Concert Orchestra plays film music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Robust and Spirited - James Tibbles plays J S Bach, heard by Howard Smith. '... worthy of widespread international recognition.'


• Eleven Days without 'Aunt Mary' - Carolyn Ellis describes an unusual problem whilst travelling


• Ensemble. Power and Depth - Puccini's 'Il Trittico', reviewed by Rebecca Schmid


• Ensemble. Vividly Characterised - Mike Wheeler listens to the Sitwell Singers


• Ensemble. Crisp and Stylish - Derby Choral Union performs Handel's 'Messiah', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• The Christmas Piano - Carolyn Ellis visits the ghosts of Christmas past


• Ask Alice - A special Christmas message from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Compelling Vocal Drama - Lawrence Budmen listens to Measha Brueggergosman and the New World Symphony


• CD Spotlight. An Exceptional Recording - Mozart's 'Idomeneo', treasured by Patric Standford. '... beautifully paced and crafted ...'


• CD Spotlight. Beauty of Timbre - Vivica Genaux sings Vivaldi, heard by Maria Nockin. 'Genaux's diction is excellent ...'


• Ensemble. Alive and Well - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences Zeffirelli's latest 'La traviata'


• DVD Spotlight. Attractive and Skilful - Royal Opera's 'Hansel and Gretel', recommended by Patric Standford. '... a first class cast ...'


• Ensemble. A New Dimension - Giuseppe Pennisi reports that chamber opera is alive and well


• Ensemble. An Impressive Showcase - Pinchas Zukerman conducts the Israel Philharmonic, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh deals with a trumpeter with an emotional problem


• Ensemble. Dancing in the Air - Mary Isaac enjoys a concert of music from Latin America


• Ensemble. Much Praise - 'Orpheus in the Underworld' from Kentish Opera, reviewed by Pippa Hare


• Ensemble. A Consistently High Standard - Julian Jacobson reports from the 2009 Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• Ensemble. Shift of Perspective - The Stanford Quartet plays Mozart, Shostakovich, Borodin and Piazzolla, welcomed by Mike Wheeler


• World-ranking Pianism - Malcolm Troup marvels anew at the artistry of Julian Jacobson


• Charismatic and Inspiring - Lynn Norris talked to the late Roy Budden about his life with music


• CD Spotlight. Without Parallel - Haydn's late piano trios delight Robert Anderson. '... stylish and impeccable.'


• Ensemble. A Particular Pleasure - Christine Brewer sings Wagner, enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Tremendous Gusto - The Derby Bach Choir joins the 'Sing Hallelujah' project, reported by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Thoughtfully Conceived - James Judd conducts Handel's 'Messiah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• CD Spotlight. Insistent Patterns - Music by Yuanlin Chen, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... marvelous textures ...'


• CD Spotlight. Impressive Singing - Vocal and choral music by Cecilia McDowall, heard by Patric Standford. '... attractive, lyrical and sometimes forceful ...'


• Ensemble. A False Start - 'Carmen' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Invigorating Performance - Sinfonia Viva plays Judith Weir, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Excellent Singing - Handel and Rossini from Los Angeles Opera impress Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Warmth and Richness - Massenet's 'Werther', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - The most beautiful sound in the world, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Particularly Effective - Mozart's 'Così fan tutte', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Discoveries Ahead - Malcolm Miller samples 'The World of Jewish Music' in London


• CD Spotlight. Crossing Boundaries - Historical English Christmas music, heard by Howard Smith. '... sheer "joie de vivre" ...'


• CD Spotlight. Hauntingly Beautiful - Christmas music from Chicago a cappella, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... I would have liked a little more grit ...'


• CD Spotlight. Blissfully Serene - Carols from Westminster Abbey, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... gravity-defying buoyancy.'


• Ensemble. Really On Form - A concert by the Derby Bach Choir, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Imaginative Heights - Gordon Rumson looks forward to the Calgary Art Song Competition


• Ensemble. Crystalline Lightness - A Symphony of the Americas concert, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. A Sparkling Concert - Sabbath music from the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Style and Drama - Gluck's 'Alceste', heard by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Mice in the Manger - A selection of Christmas music, enjoyed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing collection.'


• Ensemble. Quirky Opera - Mike Wheeler experiences Janácek's 'The excursions of Mr Broucek'


• Ask Alice - On delusions, fruitcakes and the Elgar Cello Concerto, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Anthology - Music on the theme of angels, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Fine-honed Skill - Alessandro Scarlatti's 'Davidis pugna et victoria', heard by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Finely Controlled - A concert by the Polish National Radio Symphony, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Musical Novelties - Café music from Vienna, enjoyed by Patric Standford


• Refreshingly Imaginative - A recital by Helen Reid impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Too Good to Miss - Robert Hugill was at the first night of Tchaikovsky's 'The Tsarina's Slippers' at Covent Garden


• CD Spotlight. A Superb Work - Thomas Arne's 'Artaxerxes', heard by Robert Anderson. 'Roy Goodman and his team give their all ...'


• CD Spotlight. Panache and Authority - Orchestral music by Richard Strauss, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. '... highly recommended ...'


• Ensemble. Lively and Spirited - A performance by Haydn Trio Eisenstadt, heard by Rebecca Schmid


• Ensemble. Imagination and Strength - Celebrating the Mendelssohn anniversary at Mannes College, reported by Anna L Franco


• Ask Alice - On the perils of programming, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Magnificent Performances - 'Salome' from Arizona, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Slaying 'The Dragon' - Carolyn Ellis writes about her battle with Gershwin and the metronome


• CD Spotlight. Captivating Repertoire - Latin music from Quartet San Francisco, recommended by Howard Smith. '... constantly alive to dynamic nuances and lyrical subtleties ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Robust Heart - Washington Symphonic Brass, heard by Howard Smith. '... a programme deserving of sustained applause and huge admiration.'


• CD Spotlight. A Diverse Miscellany - Rachel Barton Pine's tribute to Maud Powell, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... irresistible artistry ...'


• Ensemble. A Bold Piece - Jonathan Dove's 'Swanhunter', reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. A Sizzling Rendition - 'Carmen' from Phoenix Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Boisterous Energy - Vaughan Williams' piano concerto, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Highly recommended ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lyric Warmth - Jennifer Larmore sings Barber, Berlioz, Ravel and Britten, recommended by Howard Smith. '... a compelling disc ...'


• Ask Alice - Judges, sheep and a Rite to complain, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Highly Challenging - Music for unaccompanied violin, heard by Howard Smith. '... searching performance ...'


• A Model of Clarity - A new score of Elgar's 'Mina', appraised by Robert Anderson


• CD Spotlight. Effectively Performed - Music for violin, cello and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... beautiful, technically accomplished playing ...'


• CD Spotlight. Irresistible Enjoyment - Music by Mozart and Mendelssohn, heard by Howard Smith. '... a truly idiomatic performance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Thoroughly Intelligent - Schumann and Beethoven songs, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... he is undoubtedly more comfortable in his baritone register.'


• Ensemble. Vivid and Enlivening - Donizetti's 'Maria di Rohan', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Intense Expressiveness - Music from Venice, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... an amazing display of eighteen short pieces ...'


• Ensemble. Robust Voices - Susan Hampton visits Boston for Puccini's 'La bohème'


• Ensemble. Lyrical Athleticism - The Paul Taylor Dance Company and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra celebrate Paul Taylor's eightieth birthday, reviewed by Rebecca Schmid


• CD Spotlight. A Delight - Philippe Quint plays Korngold's Violin Concerto, heard by Patric Standford. '... his emotional command is convincing.'


• Ask Alice - On full-size cellos and musicians' reputations, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• A dream come true - Carolyn Ellis on buying a new piano


• CD Spotlight. Splendidly Performed - Baroque music for cello, recommended by Howard Smith. 'An exemplary CD ...'


• Ensemble. A Cogent Argument - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Johnson and the BBC Philharmonic


• CD Spotlight. The Gamba Problem - Music by J S Bach, heard by George Balcombe. '... a number of oddities ...'


• CD Spotlight. Passionate Commitment - Victoria's 'Missa Gaudeaumus', welcomed by Robert Anderson. '... a joyous celebration ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Stimulating Recital - Contemporary music for oboe and ensemble, heard by Patric Standford. '... a wide range of interest.'


• Ask Alice - On the benefits of music lessons, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Strong Performances - Handel's 'Susanna' from Les Arts Florissants, assessed by Robert Hugill


• Finding My Medium - Carolyn Ellis writes about her love affair with the piano


• Ensemble. A Virtue of Necessity - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Alcina'


• Ensemble. A Fine Rendition - 'Così fan tutte' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Life-enhancing - Mike Wheeler listens to the Atrium Quartet


• Ensemble. A Nice Blend - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Rare Collection - The collected 78rpm recordings of Peter Warlock, heard by Patric Standford. '... some interesting and revealing performances.'


• DVD Spotlight. Intensity and Concentration - Kurt Masur conducts Richard Strauss, reviewed by Kelly Ferjutz. '... beautifully and confidently performed ...'


• Ensemble. A Standout Production - New Zealand Opera's 'Eugene Onegin' impresses Howard Smith


• CD Spotlight. Brilliantly Portrayed - Friedrich Klose's 'Ilsebill', praised by Gerald Fenech. '... a risky yet rewarding adventure ...'


• Ensemble. Dark and Serious - Robert Hugill was at English Touring Opera's 'Tolomeo'


• Ensemble. A Different Rendition - Puccini's 'Tosca' on the big screen, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Incisive Performance - Lawrence Budmen reports from the New World Symphony's new season


• Ensemble. An Enthralling Performance - Robert Hugill reviews Handel's 'Flavio'


• Ensemble. Brilliantly Festive - Mike Wheeler listens to the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra


• Ask Alice - On parents and prose style, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Deft and Brilliant - Sibelius orchestral music, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... in the safest of hands.'


• CD Spotlight. Glittering Technique - Music by Gershwin for piano and orchestra, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... commendable drive and clarity.'


• Ensemble. Profoundly Beautiful - William Christie's 'Dido and Aeneas' impresses Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. An Excellent Introduction - Chamber music by Steven R Gerber, heard by Patric Standford. '... impressive quality.'


• Ensemble. Brisk Ebullience - Lawrence Budmen sends a second report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival


• Ensemble. Inexorable Momentum - Music by Dvorák, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from Sergio Tiempo, Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Buoyancy and Lyricism - Derby Cathedral Choir celebrates four composer anniversaries, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - The truth about bishops and priests, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Forever Challenging - Symphonies by Leif Kayser, heard by Patric Standford. '... his ingenious inventiveness continues to impress.'


• CD Spotlight. Jaw-Dropping Technique - Sharon Bezaly plays Gubaidulina, Beamish and Takano, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... a beautiful tone at any volume in any octave ...'


• Ensemble. A Classy Show - Pimlico Opera's 'Rigoletto', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Authority and Charisma - Wagner's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Alert Playing - A recital for oboe and harp, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Saying goodbye to Fiori, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Californian, Dreaming - 'The Floating Bubble' by Ron George, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... subtle long-range structures shaped with minimal scoring ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Convincing Forcefulness - A documentary on Puccini's 'Madame Butterfly', seen by Gerald Fenech. '... riveting stuff ...'


• Ensemble. Deeply Felt - Verdi's 'Don Carlo' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Arts and the Colour of Politics - Béla Hartmann muses on growing social equality and democratization


• CD Spotlight. Impeccable Technique - Beethoven's middle string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. 'The outer movements induce some grinding of teeth.'


• Ensemble. Particularly Memorable - Elgar, Rachmaninov and Sibelius from the Hallé Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Nicely Judged - A recital by harpist Anneleen Lenaerts impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On end-pin stoppers, music exams and godparents, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Timings - Universal Edition's preparations for the Mahler Centenary years (2010-2011), by Jennifer Paull


• CD Spotlight. Exquisitely Nuanced - Steve Davislim sings Vierne and Chausson, recommended by Howard Smith. 'I cannot think of higher praise.'


• Ensemble. Perfectly Measured - Bill Newman listens to Aldo Ciccolini


• CD Spotlight. Mozart across Niagara - Peter Hatch's 'Wiki Mozart' delights Jennifer Paull. '... an intoxicating cocktail.'


• Ensemble. A Gala Atmosphere - Maria Nockin reports from Los Angeles Opera's opening night 'L'Elisir d'amore'


• Ensemble. Expertly Structured - Mike Wheeler was at a song recital by Richard Roddis and Philip Robinson


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh deals with the all-too-human feelings of annoyance, rejection and worry


• CD Spotlight. Utterly Absorbing - A sampler from Cedille Records, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... top quality standards.'


• CD Spotlight. Chameleon Virtues - Barenboim conducts Gershwin, Bernstein, Ravel and Wagner, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the oddest assortment of music.'


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative and Challenging - Music by Philip Wilby, heard by Patric Standford. 'Nothing stands still for long ...'


• Ensemble. Powerful Stuff - Howard Smith was at the last Vector Wellington Orchestra programme engineered by Christine Pearce


• CD Spotlight. Sacrificing the 'unmodern' - Music by Julius Röntgen and Per Nørgård, heard by George Balcombe. 'How could any audience resist ... ?'


• CD Spotlight. Perfection of Ensemble - Beethoven's early string quartets, heard by Robert Anderson. '... no excuse for the near-supersonic velocity ...'


• Ask Alice - On heartbreak, parents and practice, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Thank You Mama - Bill Newman talks to pianist Igor Tchetuev


• Ensemble. Sterling Performances - Donizetti's 'Linda di Chamounix', heard by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Brilliant Opportunities - A Rossini double bill, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. The Boys - Bill Newman was at Nettle and Markham's thirtieth anniversary recital


• Ensemble. Tonal Luxuriance - Lawrence Budmen reports from Tanglewood 2009


• Ask Alice - On statistics, surveys and rock groups, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ardent Charms - Bill Newman reviews two recitals by pianist Igor Tchetuev


• DVD Spotlight. Extreme Individuality - A film about Delius, seen by Paul Sarcich. '... a commendable breadth.'


• CD Spotlight. Exceptional Assurance - J S Bach organ sonatas, heard by Howard Smith. '... an immensely satisfying conclusion.'


• Bizarre Perception - Alistair Hinton discusses a recent article on English music by David Hamilton


• CD Spotlight. Formidable Pianism - Beethoven arranged by Liszt, heard by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On location, social networking and the guitar, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Very Powerful - Orchestral music by Vytautas Bacevicius, reviewed by Gordon Rumson. 'He had much to say and said it very well.'


• The Philosophy of Absence - Jennifer Paull investigates four releases of Cage's Number Pieces


• Highly Articulate - American dramatic soprano Christine Brewer talks to Robert Hugill


• Outstanding and unforgettable - Lilya Zilberstein's recital at London's Wigmore Hall impresses Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Sing ye to the Lord - Roderic Dunnett was at the 2009 Hereford Three Choirs Festival


• An Invigorating Performance - Paul Hale provides a fitting end to Derby Cathedral's summer organ series, and Mike Wheeler was there


• Ask Alice - On gentle Harvey Shapiro and the pressure of New York, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Convincingly Handled - Tom Corfield plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Unity of Conception - Malcolm Troup was at the BPSE Summer Festival in London


• Ensemble. A Magical Week - Maria Nockin reports from Santa Fe


• Balancing Act - Beethoven in E flat, with Julian Jacobson and friends


• Ask Alice - On orchestral horn solos and funding cuts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Especially Successful - Gillian Wills reports from the Australian Fesival of Chamber Music


• A Liquid Lunch - A recital by Evelyne Berezovsky, heard by Julian Jacobson


• Highly Effective - Peter Gould helps celebrate the seventieth anniversary of Derby Cathedral's Compton Organ, as noted by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Suite Brolga - Music of David Salisbury at the 2009 Australian Festival of Chamber Music, reported by Malcolm Tattersall


• CD Spotlight. Towering Achievement - Beethoven's late string quartets impress Robert Anderson. '... full marks to these players ...'


• CD Spotlight. Diversely Experienced - Music for bassoon, harpsichord and double bass, impresses Howard Smith. '... an outright "tour de force".'


• Ask Alice - On viola pegs and swine flu, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Compelling Performance - Members of Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Lively Characterisation - An organ recital by Ian Tracey, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Marvelously Gifted - Bill Newman listens to pianist Alexander Romanovsky


• CD Spotlight. A Purposeful Vigour - Symphonies by Albéric Magnard impress Patric Standford. '... a notable symphonic architect.'


• CD Spotlight. Stunning Clarity - Vocal music by Jacobus Vaet, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... a gorgeous disc on all counts ...'


• Ask Alice - On rites of passage, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Effectively Projected - York Minster's Robert Sharpe plays the organ at Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Faultless Performances - Beethoven from The Nash Ensemble, welcomed by Howard Smith. '... a class of its own.'


• A Dexterous Journey - Alessandro Taverna at London's Steinway Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Thoughtfulness of Approach - A recital by Australian pianist Jason Gillham, reviewed by Bill Newman


• A Real Find - Robert Davies made a remarkable impact when he stood in as Papageno late in the run of English Touring Opera's 'The Magic Flute'; Roderic Dunnett profiles him and celebrates the progress of other ETO cast members


• Cumulative Weight - Mike Wheeler listens to Peter Williams at the organ of Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. A Magisterial Presence - William Christie conducts Purcell's 'The Fairy Queen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On classical music in London's Royal Albert Hall, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Making a Real Fuss - Robert Hugill looks forward to English Touring Opera's HandelFest this autumn


• Ensemble. A Slow-burn Approach - 'The Lighthouse' by Peter Maxwell Davies, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• A Useful Survey - Thomas May's 'The John Adams Reader', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Clarity of Texture - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Remenyi Ede Chamber Orchestra


• Ensemble. A Sparkling Account - The Kanazawa-Admony Piano Duo pays tribute to Carola Grindea, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - On points, service and waiting, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Grippingly-staged - Mike Wheeler is delighted to be surprised by Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia'


• Ensemble. Full Rein - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Buoyant and Fresh - André Messager's 'Véronique' delights Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Elemental Music - Malcolm Miller listens to music-theatre works by Harrison Birtwistle


• Clear Detail - Mike Wheeler listens to organist Matthew Owens at Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. True Artistry - Howard Smith attends New Zealand's Music Fair of Japan 2009


• Record Box. Intimate Demands - Music by Igor Krivokapic, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. An Immensely Successful Event - Thomas Bielinski reports from the West Cork Chamber Music Festival 2009


• CD Spotlight. Evident Sympathy - Major piano works by Schubert, heard by Robert Anderson. '... Lipkin understands well how to respect the silences ...'


• Ensemble. A Different Sort of Beauty - Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Splendidly Varied - Thomas Trotter at the organ of Derby Cathedral, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Excellent Throughout - A lunchtime piano recital by Maiko Mori, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Thought-provoking - Music by Harle and Maxwell Davies, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Thrilling Performance - Verdi's Requiem from Derby Bach Choir, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• A Natural Aristocrat - 'Cardus - Celebrant of Beauty' by Robin Daniels, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On business and friends, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Dramatic Essentials - 'Carmen' from Paris, enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Truly Enjoyable - Maria Nockin was at Los Angeles Opera's 'La Traviata'


• Ensemble. Another Treat - Martinu's 'Mirandolina' at Garsington Opera, by Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Commitment and Energy - 'The Fragile Shell' amazes Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Beyond Beauty - A film about Sergiu Celibidache, seen by Ioana Osoianu. 'There are no compromises.'


• Ensemble. Focused Intensity - Purcell and MacMillan from The Sixteen, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Compelling Portrait - Verdi's 'Don Carlos' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - When to put up and shut up, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Heady Delight - Shostakovich's operetta 'Moskva, Cheryomushki', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Exceptional Gifts - Lawrence Budmen reports from the 2009 Miami International Piano Festival


• CD Spotlight. Glamorous Barbarity - John Corigliano's 'Circus Maximus', heard by Ron Bierman. 'The performances could not be bettered ...'


• CD Spotlight. Deceptive Naturalness - Red Priest's 'Nightmare in Venice', entertains Howard Smith. '... irrepressible, chic ...'


• CD Spotlight. Essentially Lyrical - Hindemith viola sonatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a committed and convincing performance throughout.'


• Ensemble. A Poignant Question-mark - Opera North's 'Abduction from the Seraglio', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On loyalty to pupils, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sonic Imagination - Mike Wheeler listens to Horses Brawl


• Ensemble. Refreshing Surprises - A concert in London by the Zemel Choir, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Actually Sung - Weill and Brecht's 'Threepenny Opera', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• DVD Spotlight. Gripping Throughout - Donizetti's 'Lucrezia Borgia', recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Dimitra Theodossiou's Lucrezia rivals that of many of her illustrious predecessors ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Real Work-out - Jane Parker-Smith at the organ of St Gudula, Rhede, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• CD Spotlight. Extrovert Optimism - Piano music by Benjamin Lees, recommended by Patric Standford. '... a pleasant surprise ...'


• Ask Alice - Problems down at the ol' wind quintet, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Student Life and Love - Puccini's 'La bohème' from Kentish Opera, enjoyed by Pippa Hare


• Ensemble. Dramatic and Responsive - Verdi's 'Simon Boccanegra' from Chelsea Opera Group, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. A Striking Urgency - Schnittke and Ginastera from the Choir of St Ignatius Loyola, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Not quite what one might expect.'


• CD Spotlight. An Undisturbed Evenness - Choral music 'from a Russian cathedral', heard by Paul Sarcich. '... engineered to tranquillity ...'


• Ensemble. A Notable Success - Grange Park Opera's 'Norma', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On children, competitions and TV, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Refreshing Contrasts - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2009 BPSE Chamber Music Competition


• CD Spotlight. Highly Engaging - Emma Johnson plays Bernstein, Copland and Dankworth, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... outstanding performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Simply Dazzling - Piazzolla and Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons', heard by Robert Hugill. '... I rather missed the sound of the bandoneon ...'


• CD Spotlight. Expressive Beauty - Chamber music by Marjan Mozetich, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... "Hymn of Ascension" stood out for its power and cogency.'


• DVD Spotlight. Superlative Music - Mozart's 'Don Giovanni', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the flames are formidable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Creative Fire - Larry Sitsky's 'The Way of the Seeker', heard by Gordon Rumson. '... an outstanding artistic achievement ...'


• CD Spotlight. Sensuality and Freedom - Stokowski conducts Schubert and Dvorák, heard by Béla Hartmann. '... one is never left in any doubt as to the force of the conductor ...'


• CD Spotlight. In Calm and Storm - John Hardy's 'Blue Letters from Tanganyika', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... colorful, filmic, and open to pleasurable listening ...'


• Ensemble. Refreshingly Different - Mike Wheeler listens to the Prague Symphony Orchestra


• Ensemble. Ringing Intensity - 'Madama Butterfly' from San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Dream-Travelogue of Intoxification - David Wilkins attends a concert at the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatoire


• CD Spotlight. Admirable Devotion - Sibelius songs, appreciated by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - On freelancers, swiping work and danger money, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Wholly Captivating - Rossini's 'Italian Girl in Algiers' impresses Howard Smith


• Truly Hilarious - Jenny Setchell's book 'Organ-isms', recommended by Kelly Ferjutz


• A Symbol of Peace - Howard Smith comments on Alberto Portugheis' recent publication


• Life and Other Distractions - Béla Hartmann writes about the relevance of biography to an appreciation of the arts


• Record Box. An Inspired Creation - Music by Jonathan Little, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On employment in music, insanity, rottweilers and the European Union, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Caressing Hands - Andrejs Osokins at London's St Martin-in-the-Fields, heard by Julian Jacobson


• Ensemble. Coherently Brilliant - Robert Hugill was at the opening performance of English National Opera's 'Peter Grimes'


• Music for Musicians Only? - The public turns a deaf ear to improvised music. As for classical music, Jan Dahlstedt claims that having abandoned improvisation, classical music entered a sidetrack from which it has never escaped, thus badly stifling creative progress. If he is guilty of heresy or may have a point, read on and judge for yourself.


• Ensemble. Lightness and Transparency - New World Symphony, the American orchestral academy, ends its season with an all-Tchaikovsky programme, reported by Lawrence Budmen


• Record Box. Craftsmanship and Spirit - Symphonies by James Cohn, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Intensity of Playing - Robert Hugill was at the start of Endymion's 30th birthday celebrations


• Ensemble. Terrifying Vitality - Khachaturian's 'Spartacus' at the Cairo Opera House impresses Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Exciting Results - A new partnership between Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Deft Touch - Mendelssohn and Kurt Weill from Sinfonia Viva, with no complaints from Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Heavenly Blend - Joshua Habermann conducts the Master Chorale of South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Unique Sonorities - Britten's Peter Grimes, heard by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Consistently Refined - Debussy transcriptions, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these alternatives are never less than striking ...'


• Ask Alice - On business, payment and the arts, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Sometimes Impressive - Bellini's 'Norma' from English Touring Opera, heard by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Highly Stimulating - Harpsichord music by Israeli composers, reviewed by Gerald Fenech. '... admirably played ...'


• CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Duo - Performances by the Elaris Duo, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... all the passion, drama and integrity one could want.'


• CD Spotlight. A Distinctive Voice - Music by Vincent d'Indy, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'The eloquent solo viola of Lawrence Power is crucial ...'


• CD Spotlight. Consistently Solid - Kurt Masur and others conduct Mendelssohn, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... too often short on graciousness, charm or buoyancy.'


• Ensemble. Declamatory Eloquence - Mendelssohn, Haydn and Shostakovich from the Navarra Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Eloquent Performance - Music from the Richard Roddis Singers and the Helix Ensemble, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• The Composer's Conundrum? - Alistair Hinton comments on Gordon Rumson's recent article


• Ask Alice - A mega problem with a minor orchestra, solved by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• The Composer's Conundrum - Gordon Rumson has some bad news about creativity and self-promotion


• CD Spotlight. Difficult to Classify - Performances by the Ethos Percussion Group, recommended by Ron Bierman. '... performing excellence ...'


• Ensemble. New Colours - Leslie Anne Lewis conducts a new chamber ensemble arrangement of Bloch's Sacred Service, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Recovered Voices - Two operas in Los Angeles over the Easter weekend, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Perfection - Benjamin Britten folksong arrangements, recommended by Howard Smith. '... this release is worth several times it's weight in gold.'


• CD Spotlight. An Invaluable Addition - Chamber music by Brian Ferneyhough, heard by Patric Standford. '... strong and committed performances ...'


• Ask Alice - On depression in orchestras, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Notable Liveliness - 'Jephtha' at the London Handel Festival, heard by Robert Hugill


• The Piano Spoke - A recital by Dora de Marinis, reviewed by Gustav Schiller


• Ensemble. Humanity and Generosity - Malcolm Miller attends a memorial concert for David Sonin


• Ensemble. A Superb Team - Haydn, Mendelssohn, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Easy Listening - Christina Linhardt's 'Voodoo Princess', reviewed by K C Devereaux. 'The only voodoo conjured here is the dread spectre of "Smooth Jazz".'


• CD Spotlight. Motet and Lauda - Cantica Symphonia sing sixteenth century motets, and impress George Balcombe. '... so gentle yet precise ...'


• Ensemble. Highly Resourceful - Mike Wheeler listens to a new work by Richard Roddis


• Ask Alice - On godparents and sibling rivalry, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Delightful Afternoon - Lawrence Budmen listens to the Chameleon Musicians


• Ensemble. Simply Magical - Mike Wheeler listens to Haydn, Sibelius and Mendelssohn played by the Hallé Orchestra


• Ensemble. Expert Playing - Music for voices and brass, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Vigorous and Declamatory - Sacha Grynyuk plays for Derby Chamber Music, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Outstanding Performance - A San Diego performance of Verdi's 'Rigoletto' impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Full of Vitality - Glinka, Tchaikovsky and Schubert from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sheer Exuberance - Elizabeth Watts and Derby Choral Union, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• An Unexpected Treasure - Jeanette Hanscome talks to author Helen Martens about her new book 'Felix Mendelssohn: Out of the Depths of His Heart'


• Ensemble. Tremendous Conviction - Mahler's Symphony No 2 in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Energy and Imagination - Beethoven from Louis Lortie, Kurt Masur and the Cleveland Orchestra, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ask Alice - Issues of life and death, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Quite a Charmer - 'Alessandro' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Nights at the Turntable - ... or, Ritter aus der Schallplatte, by Reginald Twiddlebrain, reviewer to the stars. '... enough to make one weep.'


• Record Box. Wonderfully Auspicious - Haydn from the Florestan Trio, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Something Different - Rossini's opera 'Ermione', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Luxurious Textures - Sacred music from the Phoenix Chorale, heard by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Rollicking Action - Mozart's 'Marriage of Figaro' in Cleveland, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. Fire in its Belly - Lothar Zagrosek conducts the Konzerthausorchester, Berlin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Involving Performance - Brahms' German Requiem, sung by the Derwent Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Worthy Feast - Christopher White and Melanie Reinhard at London's Foundling Museum, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Talented Youth - Malcolm Miller was at the 2009 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• CD Spotlight. Compositional Mastery - Maxwell Davies' Naxos Quartets 9 and 10, applauded by Howard Smith. '... much to admire ...'


• Easy Grace - Martyna Jatkauskaite plays Mozart and Schumann, enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. A Complete Success - An evening long retelling of the 'Romeo and Juliet' story, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Winning Freshness - Music by Bach, Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn, Mozart and Wagner, played by Sinfonia Viva, and heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Piquant Contrast - Music by Fauré and Poulenc, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Crisp and Incisive - English Touring Opera's 'Magic Flute', enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Fire and Magic - Richard Stoltzman's 'Phoenix in Flight', recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... meltingly beautiful ...'


• Record Box. Utmost Subtlety - Seung-Un Ha plays Bach's Goldberg Variations, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Truly Elegant - Arizona Opera's 'Don Giovanni', appreciated by Maria Nockin


• Music Lessons - Cleo Huang describes the unusual way in which music helped her to cope with her life


• Ask Alice - On the soaring interest in studying music, and when Wilfrid Mellers met Margaret Thatcher, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. An Overwhelming Intensity - String Quartets by Szymanowski and Rózycki, appreciated by Gerald Fenech


• CD Spotlight. Sovereign Horn Territory - Music for horn and orchestra, recommended by Howard Smith. '... stunning breath control and consummate understanding ...'


• CD Spotlight. Portraits in Music - 'The Sucker Punch Requiem' by Lisle Ellis, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Recommended ... to classical listeners interested in expanding their listening domain.'


• Record Box. Haunted Loneliness - Orchestral music by Benjamin Britten, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Nicely Thought-out - The early music ensemble Concert Royal celebrates the Purcell anniversary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On freezing fingers and dreamers of dreams, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Superbly Cogent - A new recording of Schubert's 'Winterreise', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Steve Davislim and Anthony Romaniuk have earned a place among the highest achievers ...'


• Record Box. A Winner - Orchestral music by Debussy, recommended by Gerald Fenech


• Ensemble. Thought-provoking - John Adams' 'Dr Atomic' in London, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. New and Different - 'Rheingold' from Los Angeles, recommended by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Special Privilege - Massenet's 'Don Quichotte' in San Diego, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Ineffable - Medieval music by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, reviewed by George Balcombe. '... profoundly moving.'


• Ask Alice - Of perspiration, stringed instruments and teaching, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Romantic Style - A lecture-concert by M Zachary Johnson and his ensemble, reviewed by Anna L Franco


• CD Spotlight. A Mixed Bag - Boston String Quartet's 'Xibus', reviewed by Howard Smith. 'What all this signifies is not at all clear.'


• Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - 'Theodora' at the London Handel Festival, enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Wonderful Music - The Cardinall's Musick sings William Byrd, recommended by Robert Hugill. '... the scholarship in the set is impressive ...'


• A Major Pleasure - A new study score of Elgar's 'Empire March', reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. A Rare Treat - Verdi's 'Aida' from Prescott, reviewed by Susan Hampton


• Intrinsic Virtue - A concert and Handel exhibition at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Elegance and Authority - Leila Josefowicz and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - A tale of magic rings and dinosaur bones, related by classical music's agony aunt, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Dignity Personified - Apollo's Fire performs 'Dido and Aeneas', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• CD Spotlight. Eminently Competitive - Mozart works for clarinet, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... Paul Dean demonstrates his exemplary fluency ...'


• Ensemble. Operatic Passions - Francesco Cilea's 'Adriana Lecouvreur', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Thoroughly Enjoyable - An Arizona winter treat of Verdi's 'Aida', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Lucidity and Conviction - Karis Stretton plays Messiaen, impressing Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Beautifully Handled - Haydn, Dvorák and Lawrie Rose from the Iuventus Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Amazing Clarity - Greer Grimsley sings Scarpia in 'Tosca' from San Diego, experienced by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Rousing Performance - Mendelssohn, Ravel, Larsen and Tchaikovsky in South Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. A Rich Sound - Handel's 'Samson', enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - The story of Mr Manjure and the agony aunt, related by Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Shaken and Stirred - Maurice Steger plays Giuseppe Sammartini, recommended by Jennifer Paull


• Record Box. Great Beauty - Music by Guillaume Dufay impresses Gerald Fenech


• Ensemble. A Potent Alchemy - The launch of a new series of Bach Cantatas at London's Royal Academy of Music, heard by Malcolm Miller


• CD Spotlight. A Special Quality - Music by Sibelius for voice and orchestra, recommended by Robert Anderson. 'Throughout the set BIS has maintained the high standards ...'


• Ensemble. Fresh Energy - Sinfonia Viva begins its Mendelssohn celebrations, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Adventures in life, youth and snow for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Near-perfect Occasion - Alice McVeigh braves the snow to listen to Fretwork at London's Wigmore Hall


• Record Box. Full and Resonant - Violin concertos by Bohuslav Martinu, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Record Box. Fresh and Inspired - Gerald Finzi's 'Dies natalis' rewards Patric Standford


• Record Box. An Impressive Crispness - The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra plays Stravinsky, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. A Passionate Attraction - The Cleveland Orchestra in Miami, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. A Musical Gem - Donizetti's 'L'elisir d'amore', enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Sound - Mozart's Requiem at Canterbury Cathedral, praised by Pippa Hare


• CD Spotlight. A Surefire Winner - A recital by Lin Jiang and Benjamin Martin, recommended by Howard Smith. '... superbly performed.'


• Record Box. Beautifully Performed - Choral music by Pawel Lukaszewski, recommended by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh lists her current woes


• Ensemble. Meltingly Beautiful - Joshua Bell joins Vladimir Ashkenazy and the New World Symphony for music by Saint-Saëns and Mahler, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Magical eloquence - The first night of Palm Beach Opera's revival of Bellini's 'Norma' provides a night to remember for Lawrence Budmen


• DVD Spotlight. Love Problems - Donizetti's 'l'Elisir d'amore', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... beguiling candour.'


• Ensemble. An Absolute Delight - Maria Nockin finds perfection in Los Angeles Opera's revival of Peter Hall's 1993 production of 'The Magic Flute'


• CD Spotlight. A Glistening Treasury - Songs with orchestra from Deborah Riedel, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a bounteous seam of unfamiliar, wholly blissful vocal gems ...'


• CD Spotlight. Structurally Important - Evgeni Mikhailov's Scriabin sonatas impress Patric Standford. '... commanding performances of powerful works ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh is not judging but drowning


• Record Box. Dazzling Works - Contemporary music from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, recommended by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. A Healthy Revival - Choral music by Randall Thompson, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... performances and recording are exemplary throughout.'


• Ensemble. Infectious Enthusiasm - Marc Minkowski and Les Musiciens du Louvre-Grenoble, heard by Robert Hugill


• DVD Spotlight. Insightful Performances - 'Die Walküre' from Provence, experienced by Maria Nockin. 'The cast is excellent.'


• The Pianist as Elocutionist - Gordon Rumson airs his issues on the art-form as part of a book-length study


• Record Box. A Theoretician's Knowledge - Andrew Violette's Sonata for unaccompanied violin, reviewed by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Imaginatively Programmed - Handel arias from the Classical Opera Company, enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. A Broader Canvas - Chamber music by Sibelius, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... fresh and unfamiliar music, put across with such conviction ...'


• Record Box. Stirring Performances - String chamber music by Imogen Holst, recommended by Gerald Fenech


• A Stressful Collaboration - Gerard Schurmann describes his involvement with the music score for 'Lawrence of Arabia'


• CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'


• Record Box. Almost Supersonic - Vivaldi recorder concertos, enjoyed by Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - Mystery Bolshoi intermission music, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. Richly Moving - Jamie Walton plays Shostakovich, recommended by Alice McVeigh


• Pure Fashion? - Several Composers in Search of an Identity, by Béla Hartmann


• CD Spotlight. A Lyric Voice - Arias performed by Vania Vatralova-Stankov, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a richness and depth ...'


• Record Box. Admirable Musicianship - Caroline Clemmow and Anthony Goldstone play Chopin and entertain Robert Anderson


• Record Box. Unjustly Neglected - Violin concertos by Nikolay Roslavets impress Gerald Fenech


• Record Box. Magical and Sensitive - A recording by the National Youth Choir of Great Britain inspires Patric Standford


• Record Box. Playful Scope - Marc-André Hamelin's Chopin delights Robert Anderson


• Ask Alice - Hitting the mood with Gershwin, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Perfectly Cast - The Sleeping Beauty, recommended by Howard Smith. '... utterly enchanting ...'


• Record Box. Entirely Idiomatic - Vaughan Williams from Japan, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Record Box. An Evolving Technique - Music by Aaron Jay Kernis, recommended by Ron Bierman