2015 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2015 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• For the New Year - Unusual ballet productions in Italy, seen by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Composer's Christmas - The Cann Twins, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Crisp and Assured - Handel's 'Messiah' in Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Out of the Ordinary - Eighth Blackbird's 'Meanwhile', heard by the late Howard Smith. '... an ear-catching feather in Cedille's musical cap.'


• Ensemble. A Rebel with a Cause - Teatro Massimo di Palermo's 'Siegfried', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Wit and Effervescence - Music in the Time of Goya, by Derek Murray


• Ensemble. Vivid Performances - Derby Concert Orchestra's Christmas concert, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Alert Realisations - Christmas music from The Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Angelic Stuff - Paul Hillier conducts Arvo Pärt, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... performances of the most wondrous beauty.'


• Ensemble. Very Special - Christmas music in Rome impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Wonderfully Carefree - Czech Christmas Carols, enjoyed by Keith Bramich. '... the tunes, settings and performances are quite beautiful.'


• CD Spotlight. December Celebration - New American carols, heard by Keith Bramich. '... this collection of new works is interesting and different.'


• CD Spotlight. Deceptive Simplicity - Purcell from The King's Consort, recommended by Alice McVeigh. 'What can one say when confronted with perfection?'


• CD Spotlight. Chilling Power - Gregory Rose's 'Danse Macabre', heard by Gerald Fenech. '... intense realism.'


• CD Spotlight. Electrifying Moments - Erwin Schulhoff for violin and piano, strongly recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... this music really suits these two performers like a glove ...'


• CD Spotlight. Feisty and Wiry - Music by Fernando Lopes-Graça, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are wholly committed ...'


• CD Spotlight. Refreshingly Different - Ottawa's Stairwell Carollers, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clean ensemble singing.'


• Ensemble. Engagingly Sung - Hugh Morris' first choral concert as Master of the Music at Derby Cathedral, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. A Lovely Compilation - Renaissance Christmas choral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... performed with breathtaking freshness, balance and gracefulness ...'


• A Major Talent - Mishka Rushdie Momen plays Chopin, impressing Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Filched Solo Repertoire - J S Bach and contemporaries on the double bass, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'These New York performers bring a welcome change ...'


• Ensemble. Effective Contrast - Cipriano de Rore and Hubert Parry from the Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Passion and Commitment - Verdi's 'Giovanna D'Arco' at La Scala, recommended by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Earthy Vigour - Smetana, Beethoven and Sibelius from Jennifer Pike, Pietari Inkinen and the Prague Symphony Orchestra, impress Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Charming and Delightful - Overtures by Maurice Greene, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are unfussy but persuasive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Inspirational and Reflective - Sacred music by Georgy Sviridov, praised by Geoff Pearce. '... beautiful, pure and never forced or showy.'


• Ensemble. A Painterly Production - Alban Berg's 'Lulu', live in high definition from Metropolitan Opera, impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Polyphonic Masterpieces - Music from the Baldwin Partbooks, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'The Marian Consort's delivery is clean, unembellished and wholly uplifting ...'


• CD Spotlight. Reshaping the Classics - David Rubinstein plays Gustav Holst, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... impressive musicality ...'


• CD Spotlight. Master Tailor - String music by Nigel Clarke, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... post-modern music through and through ...'


• Ensemble. Delirious Joy - Opera North's 'Kiss Me, Kate' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Enthralling Music - Hans Werner Henze's 'The Bassarids', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. An Overwhelming Theatrical Experience - Opera North brings Janácek's 'Jenufa' to Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Unique Enchantment - Mozart's Magic Flute at San Francisco Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Exuberant Delight - Opera North's 'The Barber of Seville', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Muzio Clementi and the British Music Scene, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Luxuriant Orchestration - Mozart's 'Idomeneo', heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Druid Priestess Conquers LA - James Sohre is impressed by Bellini's 'Norma'


• CD Spotlight. Delightfully Melodic - Music by Matvey Nikolaevsky, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... immensely enjoyable stuff ...'


• Ensemble. An International Co-production - Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale' impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• Refreshingly Wide-ranging - A recital by Korean pianist Jenna Sung, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. The Downfall - Richard Strauss' 'Elektra' in Bologna, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Remarkable Playing - Danish and Faroese recorder concerti, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... Michala Petri is a champion of this instrument.'


• CD Spotlight. Lucid and Commanding - Bartók piano music, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'American pianist Terry Eder despatches this difficult repertoire with great rhythmic vitality and expressive exuberance ...'


• CD Spotlight. Feral Wildness - Music by Osias Wilenski, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'Lauded for his compositional style, Wilenski's unique works range from narrative symphonic poems and operatic spin-offs to instrumental miniatures.'


• CD Spotlight. Commanding the Passions - Sonatas by Francesco Barsanti, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. '... performances are consistently versatile, accurate and poetic.'


• Ensemble. Well Served - Mike Wheeler listens to Joo Yeon Sir and Irina Andrievsky


• Ensemble. Dramatic Values - Richard Wagner's 'Tannhäuser', live in HD from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - A reaction to David Waterman's article in The Guardian, from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Gripping Account - Derby Bach Choir sings Elgar's 'The Dream of Gerontius', and impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. To the glory of St John Paul II - Giuseppe Pennisi samples The Vatican's recent festival of sacred music and art


• CD Spotlight. Amongst the Best - Schumann and Strauss from Grimaud and Zinman, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a marvelous disc to add to your collection ...'


• Ensemble. Vocal Chamber Music - Mike Wheeler is impressed by Mosaic at Derby Cathedral


• Ensemble. Accolades and Ovations - Antonio Pappano's 'Beethoven and the Contemporaries', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Much to Admire - Songs by Berlioz, Chausson and Duparc, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... Soile Isokoski interprets this unique repertoire with eloquence and mastery ...'


• Ensemble. Enduring Fascination - Berlioz and Tchaikovsky from Lawrence Power, the Hallé Orchestra and Ryan Wigglesworth, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Towards the Abyss - Alban Berg's 'Wozzeck' at La Scala, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Band Music - Hafabra's 'Light Music Vol 3', heard by the late Howard Smith. 'The performances are adequate as one may expect ...'


• Ensemble. Two Ballets - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences a new dance in Rome


• CD Spotlight. Dark Sounds - Sibelius' 'Pelléas et Mélisande', heard by Geoff Pearce. '... Leif Segerstam shows his love of this music by letting it unfold naturally.'


• Ensemble. Superstars - Bromley Youth Music Trust's 'West Side Story' impresses Alice McVeigh


• Ask Alice - Bright pockets of light in a fading landscape, discovered by Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Warmth and Empathy - Music by Max Bruch for violin and orchestra, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Weithaas is a brilliant exponent ...'


• Ensemble. Truth and Loyalty - Verdi's 'Otello', live in HD from New York impresses Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Faultless Artistry - Maria Luigia Borsi sings Italian arias, recommended by the late Howard Smith. '... outstanding in every respect.'


• Objects of Prestige - Keith Bramich dips into the musical instrument collection at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art


• CD Spotlight. Mood Music - Music by Pamela J Marshall, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are professional and committed ...'


• Ask Alice - Advice on rushing when playing music, from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Excellent on All Fronts - Music for cello and orchestra, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Jamie Walton exudes warm and committed performances ...'


• Ensemble. Sacred and Profane - Symphonies, cantatas and concertos by J S Bach, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Crossover Soprano - A recital by Rebecca Newman, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'The singer's voice is firm with secure intonation ...'


• CD Spotlight. First Class - Prokofiev symphonies, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... Karabits has a real empathy with Prokofiev ...'


• Ensemble. Sensitive Handling - Brahms, Elgar and Beethoven from the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra impress Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - A present from an old friend, received by Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Compelling Musical Experience - Beethoven, Bartók and Tchaikovsky from the Eeden Quartet, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Close to Perfection - 'Il Trovatore' live in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Revealing Light - Early music for mezzo and viols, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are quintessentially flawless ...'


• Musical Prowess - Robert Anderson's 'Opera Nights and Nightmares', read by Gerald Fenech


• Ensemble. The End of Utopia - 'The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny' by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Finely-Judged - Mike Wheeler listens to most of a piano recital by Ashley Wass


• Ensemble. Woman for all Seasons - Gerald Fenech returns to Festival Maribor in Slovenia


• Ensemble. Bit of Rough? - Belinda Sykes and Joglaresa in Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Turning Point - The first in a series of orchestral concerts in Rome, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. A Rare Breed - John McCabe plays his own piano music, reviewed by Anthony Davie. '... an excellent and diverse range of pieces covering three decades ...'


• CD Spotlight. Organ transcriptions - Vocal music by Wagner and Elgar, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'Sarah Rose Taylor's voice is warm and creamy.'


• CD Spotlight. Evocative Stuff - Vocal and choral music by Jaime León, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Performances are unerringly fresh and balanced ...'


• Ask Alice - Multiple remedies for a music- and sport-related ailment, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Bloody Good Time - James Sohre enjoyed Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd' at San Francisco Opera


• Ensemble. Musical Integrity - Sunwook Kim and the Hallé Orchestra play Rachmaninov, and impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Unjustly Neglected - Rare Verdi, well done in San Francisco, reported by James Sohre


• DVD Spotlight. Strong Voices - 'Porgy and Bess' from San Francisco Opera, appreciated by Ron Bierman. '... John DeMain leads the opera orchestra in a performance that blends well with the voices ...'


• CD Spotlight. Rose-coloured Sound - Canadian-born harpist Katrina Szederkényi, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... truly magnificent ...'


• CD Spotlight. Compelling Listening - Lithuanian-born pianist Vytautas Smetona impresses Geoff Pearce. 'His cantabile playing almost transports you to heaven ...'


• CD Spotlight. Passionate and Surprising - David McGuinness and friends, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'A beguiling issue in superb sound and catchy presentation.'


• Ensemble. An Outstanding Success - The Tallis Scholars celebrate Arvo Pärt's eightieth birthday at Italy's Sagra Musicale Umbra, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sympathetic and Inventive - Music by Ferenc Farkas for oboe and strings, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'The Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra peforms wirh obvious care and commitment ...'


• Ensemble. A High Level - German operas at the Enescu Festival in Bucharest, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sonic Distinction - The British vocal octet Voces8, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... a luminous selection of pieces spanning over four hundred years ...'


• Ensemble. Les Dissonances - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Bucharest


• CD Spotlight. Something Magical - Music by Malipiero, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the forces on this disc are well up to the challenge.'


• Ensemble. Music for the Brave Organist - Mike Wheeler listens to David Liddle's recital at Derby Cathedral


• Ask Alice - Agreeing to a little experiment, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• A Higher Standard - Malcolm Miller reports from the Wigmore Hall / Kohn Foundation International Song Competition


• CD Spotlight. Evoking Mood - Piano music by film composers, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... Cheng is clearly at ease ...'


• CD Spotlight. Virtuosic Gifts - Music by Mykola Lysenko, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... superb craftsmanship ...'


• Ensemble. Intricately Tuneful - Giuseppe Pennisi reviews John Adams' opera 'I Was looking at the Ceiling and Then I Saw the Sky'


• CD Spotlight. Cheesy Dialogue - Music by James M Stephenson, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... tight, edgy and quirky ...'


• Ask Alice - On an embarrassing 'Siman tov' quartet moment, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Star Musicians - Piano trios by Saint-Saëns, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... tonal variance and measured passion ...'


• Ensemble. With You, Armenia - Giuseppe Pennisi was present when La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra visited Rome


• CD Spotlight. Fantastic Stuff - Busoni piano music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... gripping music making ...'


• CD Spotlight. Worth Acquiring - Bridge Chamber Virtuosi, heard by the late Howard Smith. 'From start to finish, an exhilarating recording.'


• CD Spotlight. A Real Gem - Chamber music by Zae Munn impresses Geoff Pearce. 'The performances are committed and unified ...'


• Profile. Held with Love - Halida Dinova remembers Howard Smith (1939-2015)


• CD Spotlight. Transparent Sincerity - Music by Leif Solberg, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Unbridled and vibrantly committed performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Worth Exploring - Piano music by Lionel Sainsbury, heard by the late Howard Smith. '... fine thematic content and impressive technical address.'


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Piano music by Alexandre Tansman, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... excellent performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Skill - Boccherini chamber music, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... exquisite stuff from beginning to end ...'


• Ensemble. Quite Stunning - The 2015 Three Choirs Festival, enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - On musical US Presidents, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. The OK Guys - Korngold's 'The Adventures of Robin Hood', impresses the late Howard Smith. 'The Moscow players appear right at home with this rousing score ...'


• CD Spotlight. Enthusiasm and Precision - Carl Nielsen concerti, recommended by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... an essential acquisition, and not just for Nielsen collectors.'


• CD Spotlight. Easy to Grasp - Piano music by Carl Loewe fascinates Gerald Fenech. 'In Linda Nicholson, Loewe has a wonderfully refreshing advocate.'


• Thus Spoke Nietzsche - Daniel Sampaio marks some interesting anniversaries


• Ensemble. Santa Fe's Mountain Tops - Jennifer Higdon's 'Cold Mountain' impresses James Sohre


• CD Spotlight. Cleverly Selected - Eighteenth century lied, recommended by the late Howard Smith. '... lucid, expressive variety.'


• Ensemble. Big Voices - Verdi's 'Rigoletto' from Santa Fe, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Highly Appealing - Chamber music by Robert Kahn impresses Gerald Fenech. '... zealous advocates of Kahn's cause ...'


• Ensemble. Semi-serious Rossini - Giuseppe Pennisi visits the Rossini Opera Festival in Pesaro


• Ensemble. A Gift for the Bizarre - Salieri operas in England impress Roderic Dunnett


• Ensemble. Constant Motion - Donizetti's 'La fille du régiment' at Santa Fe Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Intense and Moving - Opera at the Salzburg Summer Festival, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - In praise of the bassoon, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Scintillating Overtones - Maria Nockin describes the best 'Salome' she's seen in a decade


• Ensemble. Vocal Fireworks - Mozart's 'La Finta Giardiniera' from Santa Fe delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Celebrating Pierre Boulez - Giuseppe Pennisi continues his reports from the Salzburg Summer Festival


• CD Spotlight. Judged to Perfection - Schubert and Vorísek piano music, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... a truly magical disc ...'


• Ensemble. Meeting between Civilizations? - Wolfgang Rihm's 'Die Eroberung von Mexico', reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On mini-symphonies by mini-munchkins, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Colouristic Potential - Vocal music by Olivier Messiaen impresses Gerald Fenech. '... imaginative conducting ...'


• CD Spotlight. Virtuosic in Style - Piano music by Adolf Jensen, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. '... romantic, strongly melodic and individualistic, but never recorded before ...'


• CD Spotlight. Convulsive Energy - Choral and vocal music by Penderecki, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... the momentum of Penderecki's creations is marvelously executed.'


• Ensemble. Alleged Dances - Psappha at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Understated Power - Roderick Williams and Susie Allan at the Buxton Festival impress Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Steven Isserlis on playing from memory, with comments from Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Shifting Moods - Catalan pianist Eudald Buch at the Buxton Festival, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Commendable - Poulenc for winds and piano, heard by Howard Smith. 'MSR's combination of Poulenc wind music is unlike any other.'


• Ensemble. Sense of Purpose - Schumann and Fauré from The Schubert Ensemble delight Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Quartet for the End of Time - Mike Wheeler continues his reports from Buxton


• Ensemble. Frustratingly Patchy - Charpentier's 'Louise', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Invigorating Music - Telemann, J S Bach and Handel from Mary Bevan and members of the English Concert, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Haunting Effect - Spanish and Catalan music from Maria Camahort and friends, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Long Musical Summer - Giuseppe Pennisi attended the Chigiana International Festival in Siena


• Ensemble. Poise and Elegance - Tchaikovsky and Mozart from the English Chamber Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Positively Explosive - Verdi's 'La traviata' at Winslow Hall Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - 'William Tell' at Covent Garden, with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Refreshingly Inventive - A recital by Soraya Mafi and Ian Tindale captivates Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Immediate Appeal - Music by and inspired by Axel Borup-Jørgensen, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... very descriptive, atmospheric music ...'


• Ensemble. Far from Traditional - Puccini operas in Rome, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. More than a Mere Curiosity - Verdi's 'Giovanna d'Arco', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Helmut Lachenmann at Eighty - Malcolm Miller attends a study day and concert in London


• Ensemble. A Flawed Production - Mike Wheeler has some reservations with Donizetti's 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at Buxton


• CD Spotlight. Not for the Squeamish - Symphonies by Andrei Golovin, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Sound and presentation are top notch.'


• CD Spotlight. A Fine Programme - Vaughan Williams and MacMillan oboe concertos, recommended by Howard Smith. '... superb performances ideally recorded.'


• Ensemble. Grim and Shivery Intensity - Bizet's 'Carmen' at Nevill Holt Opera impresses Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. An Intruiguing View - Guitar music by Sofia Gubaidulina, heard by Keith Bramich. '... clear, poised and committed performances.'


• CD Spotlight. Slickly Professional - The latest in Cala Records' 'London Sound' series impresses Howard Smith. '... music of surpassing excellence.'


• Ensemble. General Tendencies - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Aix-en-Provence for three operas and an orchestral concert


• Ask Alice - Is music good for your heart? with Classical Music Agony Aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Nicely Varied - Beethoven, Mozart, Crusell, Françaix and Schubert from members of Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Gift Horse - Berlioz's 'Les Troyens' at San Francisco Opera brings tears to James Sohre's eyes


• Ensemble. Bach the Borrower - Mike Wheeler listens to the Derwent Singers


• Ensemble. Taking Flight? - Marco Tutino's 'Two Women (La Ciociara)', reviewed by James Sohre


• DVD Spotlight. An Ancient Character - Rossini's 'Semiramide', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... traditional elements alongside innovative ones.'


• Ensemble. Endlessly Memorable - Britten's 'Death in Venice' from Garsington Opera at Wormsley, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - 'Death of a Salesman', with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Telling Effect - Gaetano Donizetti's 'La Favorite' impresses Gerald Fenech. '... lovingly produced and passionately executed ...'


• CD Spotlight. Seeds of Excellence - Haydn and Debussy from Masahiro Yamaguchi, heard by Howard Smith. 'I was agreeably surprised at Masahiro's sparkling clarity ...'


• Ensemble. Americans in Rome - Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia's Gershwin Gala, attended by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. A Remarkable Service - Saint-Saëns' 'Samson and Delilah' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - A case of musical compassion fatigue, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Very Worthwhile - Vocal music by Michael Murray impresses Geoff Pearce. 'I could not fault the performances, and believe that they represent Michael Murray's vocal works well.'


• CD Spotlight. Pure Magic - James Brawn's continued Beethoven Odyssey, awaited by Andrew Schartmann. '... generating excitement with raw textures ...'


• Ensemble. A Dark Lady - Tchaikovsky's 'Queen of Spades' appeals to Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Vibrancy and Diversity - Choral music from Brazil appeals to Gerald Fenech. '... a strong touch of lyricism and a reverential approach ...'


• Ensemble. A Special Aura - Malcolm Miller describes Goldsmith College's special tribute to Alexander Ivashkin


• CD Spotlight. A Middle Course - Music by Bruce Babcock, heard by Howard Smith. '... consistently distinctive and unfailingly proficient.'


• Ask Alice - More about orchestral musicians and retirement, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Visionary Creation - Alessandro Solbiati's 'Il Suono Giallo', enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sculptures in Sound - Haskell Small piano music, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... an artist at the summit of his creative powers ...'


• CD Spotlight. Lovely and Imaginative - Scottish music from young performers impresses Geoff Pearce. '... beautifully performed ...'


• Ensemble. Vividly Delivered - Tom Redmond's new spoken commentary to Britten's 'Young Person's Guide' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Imperial Festival - Giuseppe Pennisi visits Ravenna to hear Pierre Boulez, Adriano Guarnieri and Nicola Piovani


• CD Spotlight. Attentive Conducting - Orchestral music by Georges Bizet, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. 'Tingaud's "Roma" easily outclasses the last version I'd heard ...'


• CD Spotlight. Bewildering Delight - Valentina Lisitsa plays Philip Glass, impressing Gerald Fenech. 'A must for all Glass enthusiasts ...'


• CD Spotlight. Gentle Playing - Juan Álamo's jazz for marimba, heard by Ron Bierman. '... beautiful, rich tones ...'


• CD Spotlight. Impressively Able - An-Ting Chang's 'Water Image', heard by Howard Smith. '... highlighting the theatrical and audio possibilities of nineteenth century piano music ...'


• Ask Alice - On firing professional orchestral musicians, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Excellently Crafted - Symphonies by Salomon Jadassohn, appreciated by Gerald Fenech. 'An enterprising issue in excellent sound ...'


• CD Spotlight. Truly Superlative - Music by twentieth century women composers impresses Geoff Pearce. '... the Trio des Alpes is committed and convincing ...'


• Ensemble. A Scintillating Evening - Szymanowski's 'King Roger' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• Ask Alice - Talking to the online tutor robot, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Eclectic and Attractive - Giorgio Battistelli's new opera for Expo Milano 2015 impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Tongue-in-cheek Baroque - Red Priest's 'Handel in the Wind', heard by Howard Smith. '... Piers Adams riding the surf at breakneck speed.'


• Ensemble. Infectiously Enjoyable - Anniversaries at The VoiceBox in Derby, by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Posthumous Debut - Giorgio Strehler's 'Marriage of Figaro' finally reaches Rome, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Emotional Power - Moisey Weinberg's Symphonies 5 and 10, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... this music truly speaks with the language of our time.'


• Ensemble. Delicate Shadings - Noriko Ogawa, the Warsaw Philharmonic and Jacek Kaspszyk, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Callum Smart's Glazunov Violin Concerto, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Rarely Heard - Piano music by Klement Slavický, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... excellently performed and produced.'


• Ensemble. A 3D Fairytale - Mozart's 'The Magic Flute' from Bologna impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Varied Programme - The Usher Hall organ impresses Gerald Fenech. 'John Kitchen oozes out every sound possible from this monster of an organ ...'


• Memorable Distinction - Halida Dinova brings her Liszt to New Zealand, by Howard Smith


• CD Spotlight. Quite Hypnotic - Choral music by William Averitt, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... the depth of sound is rich and satisfying, and the performances solid.'


• Ensemble. A Musical Homecoming - Myung-Whun Chung returns to Rome to conduct Beethoven and Mahler, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Most Beguiling - Works by Chopin written in 1846, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'A positive artistic experience ...'


• CD Spotlight. Unremarkable? - Music by Daniel Lentz, heard by Andrew Schartmann. 'Is the obvious pastiche element part of some profound artistic statement?'


• Ensemble. Somewhat Uneven - Cav and Pag in HD from Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Probing Interpretations - John McCabe plays Nielsen, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... an exciting and forceful advocate ...'


• Ask Alice - On the sudden and unexpected return of the arch-enemy of classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Two Stages - Manfred Honeck conducts Mozart and Mahler, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Utmost Pleasure - English music for strings, praised by Howard Smith. '... a gorgeous new release from Naxos ...'


• CD Spotlight. Well Realized - Varda Kotler and Israel Kastoriano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... partnership and sensitivity ...'


• CD Spotlight. Intriguing Quirks - Symphonies by Hoffmann and Witt, enjoyed by Gerald Fenech. 'A winner in every department and an excellent introduction ...'


• Ensemble. Generally Confident - Handel, Haydn and Mozart from Derby Choral Union and the Heart of England Chamber Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Troubles in Florence - Maggio Musicale Fiorentino's 'Fidelio' is performed under difficult conditions, described by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ask Alice - On air travel with a cello, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Long Nocturne - Giuseppe Pennisi describes an intimate 'Aida' in Rome


• Ensemble. Freshness and Vitality - Mike Wheeler listens to the Czech Philharmonic


• Seymour: An Introduction - The piano teacher everyone should have, by Karen Haid


• CD Spotlight. Very Satisfying - Orchestral music by Alan Hovhaness, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... an almost trance-like mysticism and beauty ...'


• CD Spotlight. Supercharged Emotions - Agostino Steffani's 'Niobe, Regina di Tebe', recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... intense renditions full of dramatic power and feeling.'


• CD Spotlight. Contrasting Sonatas - Fauré, Schumann and Bartók from the Jade Duo, heard by Howard Smith. '... high-powered performances ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Sonic Discovery - Orchestral music by Alexander Zemlinsky, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'The Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra responds superbly to John Storgårds ...'


• Ask Alice - On luthiers, violins and space-age materials, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Highly Commendable - Kim Cook plays French music for cello and orchestra, heard by Howard Smith. '... a musician to be reckoned with.'


• Ensemble. A Wealthy Maverick - Music by the French composer George Onslow, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Changing Moods - Haydn, Sibelius and Beethoven from the Dante Quartet impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Timeless Message - 'Jenufa' at the Teatro Comunale di Bologna impresses Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Tonal Beauty - The Carducci Quartet plays Shostakovich, recommended by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... you really couldn't improve on this issue as an introduction.'


• CD Spotlight. Admirable Craftsmanship - Music by Maurice Jacobson, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... I'd recommend this Naxos release wholeheartedly.'


• CD Spotlight. Limited Soundscape - Music by Beth Anderson, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'The performances were well realized ...'


• CD Spotlight. Musical Gallimaufry - Ivan Ilic plays Scriabin and American music, heard by Howard Smith. '... eight tracks of acceptable Scriabin ...'


• CD Spotlight. Eminently Successful - Reconstructed music from the Celtic church, heard by Paul Sarcich. '... immaculate in execution ...'


• CD Spotlight. Treasurable Renditions - Sokolov at Salzburg, strongly recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... Sokolov's playing is mesmerizing throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Pleasant Surprise - Sydney Hodkinson's Keyboard Odyssey, heard by Geoff Pearce. 'Much of this thoughtful compilation ... is very enjoyable ...'


• CD Spotlight. Orchestral Discipline - Berlioz's 'Harold in Italy', heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... sweet, plangent tone ...'


• Ensemble. Punchy Vigour - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On health issues when choosing an instrument, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Dramatic Temperament - 'Euridice' according to Salvatore Sciarrino, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Unabashedly Romantic - Orchestral music by Lee Actor, heard by Ron Bierman. 'Neoromantics should give this one a try.'


• CD Spotlight. Assuredly Managed - Baroque premieres, heard by Howard Smith. '... Udagawa reveals its melodic character to the full.'


• Ensemble. 'Lucia' in the Madhouse - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a memorial to Luca Ronconi


• Commitment and Insight - Ingrid Jacoby plays Mozart, Chopin, Brahms and Musorgsky, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Challenging, Versatile and Unexpected - Roderic Dunnett visits Hungarian State Opera


• Ask Alice - On the musicality of cats and dogs, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Viscerally Exciting - Mendelssohn, Pärt, Mozart and Beethoven from Samuel Jacobs, Sinfonia Viva and Duncan Ward, all impresses Mike Wheeler


• A Box of Wonders - Printemps des Arts de Monte Carlo, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Undeniably Spellbinding - A cello and piano recital by Jessie Richardson and Simon Callaghan, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Undoubtedly Authentic - Rossini's 'La Donna del lago' delights Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Needle-sharp Vitality - Opera North's 'La Vida Breve', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Figaro to Treasure - Opera North's Mozart impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Nicely Varied - A seasonal programme from the Derwent Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - An mvdaily.com exclusive newsflash, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Performed - Contemporary orchestral music, enjoyed by Geoff Pearce. 'Very pleasurable and committed performances.'


• CD Spotlight. Musical Potential - Weinberg's Symphony No 4 and Violin Concerto, heard by Howard Smith. '... seductive timbre and technical mastery ...'


• CD Spotlight. Stirringly Uplifting - Organ music by William Faulkes, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Duncan Ferguson's renditions are as enthralling as they are warmly expressive ...'


• CD Spotlight. Great Authenticity - Stravinsky, Rimsky-Korsakov and Ravel for piano duet, recommended by Howard Smith. '... these performances will fulfill the highest technical expectations.'


• Ensemble. A Fine Balance - Sophie Rosa plays Brahms' Violin Concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Imaginative Programming - Music for recorder and harpsichord from Denmark and the UK, recommended by Geoff Pearce. '... this partnership works very well musically ...'


• Ask Alice - On choosing a musical instrument for children, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Gallic Elegance - Alexandra Soumm joins Juanjo Mena and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra for music by Ginastera, Lalo, Telemann, Bizet and Ravel, impressing Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Heartfelt Effect - Elgar from Petrenko and the RLPO, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... our Liverpool Orchestra is every bit the equal of its fine London counterparts ...'


• Ensemble. Not to be Missed - The French ensemble Les Paladins, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Astonishing Performances - Early recordings by Nelson Freire impress Gerald Fenech. 'An ideal set for ... all who admire this truly great soloist.'


• CD Spotlight. An Interesting Programme - Music for guitar and oboe / cor anglais, heard by Howard Smith. 'Zoco Duo's instrumental skills are beyond reproach ...'


• Ensemble. Geological Imagery - Sinfonia Viva's schools residency project moves Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Mahler programme notes with special annotations, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Great Beauty - Music by Étienne Moulinié, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'The members of Ensemble Correspondances have these pieces under their skin ...'


• CD Spotlight. Boldly Decisive - Hideko Udagawa plays Brahms and Bruch, heard by Howard Smith. '... a firmly nourished tone ...'


• CD Spotlight. Infectious Pleasure - Hindemith for piano impresses Robert Anderson. '... Korevaar emerges triumphant ...'


• Ensemble. A Philological 'Tosca' - Giuseppe Pennisi reports from Rome


• Ensemble. Vivid Evocation - Mark Bebbington plays Beethoven, Ireland, Chopin and Gershwin, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Of cellists on the roof, annoying the dying and rhubarb wine, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Astutely Judged - Music for violin and piano by Xavier Montsalvatge, heard by Howard Smith. '... brilliant, clear and individualistic.'


• Ensemble. Women are Stronger - Mozart's 'Lucio Silla' at La Scala, enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Airborne - Christina McMaster plays Debussy, McKenzie, Crawford Seeger, Ives and Beethoven, and impresses Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Stunning Works - Music for string quartet by James MacMillan, recommended by Andrew Schartmann. '... expressive, virtuosic, and replete with subtle hues.'


• Young Genius - George Colerick investigates the emotional life of Johannes Brahms in his twenties


• Ask Alice - A letter to Martin, upon his joining Facebook, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Thought Provoking Combination - Iolanta and Bluebeard in high definition from New York, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Particularly Enticing - Antonio Vivaldi flute concerti, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Steger is a likeable exponent ...'


• Ensemble. Skillfully Adapted - Gluck's 'Orfeo e Euridice' in Palermo, in the Berlioz version, experienced by Giuseppe Pennisi


• DVD Spotlight. Double Murder - Richard Strauss's 'Elektra', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the whole cast has been exemplary under the masterful direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen.'


• Ensemble. Generous Spirit - Grieg, Tchaikovsky and Nielsen from Katherine Watson, Gary Griffiths, Jian Wang, Nikolaj Znaider and the Hallé Orchestra, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Reader comment - An alternative viewpoint on Offenbach's 'The Tales of Hoffmann', live in HD from New York


• Ask Alice - On silly rates for writing, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Romantic Premonitions - Bellini's 'I Puritani', enjoyed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Beautifully Managed - Music for Lent and Easter impresses Howard Smith. '... excellent musical standards and high technical achievements ...'


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Performance - Offenbach's 'The Tales of Hoffmann', live in HD from New York, impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Real Joy - 'Le Ventre de Paris', praised by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Sublime Beauty - Choral music by Herbert Howells, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... glorious choral textures ...'


• A Fabulous Concert - Rachel Barton Pine's solo Paganini impresses Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On Deborah Pritchard's 'Wall of Water', with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Soundly Constructed - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, heard by Howard Smith. '... the LPO is wholly admirable in this music ...'


• Ensemble. An Unusual Reading - Giuseppe Pennisi experiences an icy Paris/Milan production of Monteverdi's 'L'incoronazione di Poppea'


• CD Spotlight. Appropriate Innocence - Spanish song, familiar and unfamiliar, heard by Paul Sarcich. 'High quality work all round.'


• Ensemble. Vigour and Freshness - Clarinettist Julian Bliss joins Andrew Gourlay and Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Early Genius - Orchestral works by the young Bartók, heard by Gerald Fenech. '... performances are consistently exciting ...'


• Ask Alice - A vow to never again speak French, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Triumph - Hans Werner Henze's love for Italy, and 'Gisella!' in Palermo, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Pleasing Throughout - Poulenc ballet suites for piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... clearly at ease with Poulenc's soft-core tonality ...'


• Ensemble. Modest Forces? - Keith Bramich listens to the first performance by a young conductor and his new orchestra


• CD Spotlight. Brassy Fireworks - Music by John Pickard, heard by Andrew Schartmann. '... a thrilling listening experience.'


• Ensemble. Winning Flexibility - A recital by Agnieszka Kozlowska and Beate Toyka, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• A Good Fit - Dénes Várjon's Nottingham piano recital, praised by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Horizontal Intentions - Polly Ferman's Glamour Tango impresses Paul Sarcich. '... heaps of pizzazz, needle-sharp playing ...'


• Massenet and Femmes Fatales - George Colerick investigates


• Ensemble. The War is Always On - Zimmermann's 'Die Soldaten' in Milan, enthralls Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Bravo - Challenging music for violin and piano, recommended by Geoff Pearce. 'This recording is up there with the best of them.'


• Ensemble. Something More Fluid - Mike Wheeler listens to Stephen Johnson 'discovering music', and to the BBC Philharmonic and Juanjo Mena


• CD Spotlight. White Mass - Andrei Korobeinikov plays Scriabin, heard by Howard Smith. '... vividly performed ...'


• Ensemble. Werther's Dream World - Willy Decker's production of Massenet's opera finally reaches Rome, by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Operatic Riches - Arias by Handel, Bononcini and Ariosti, heard by Gerald Fenech. 'Lawrence Zazzo has a bright and clear timbre ...'


• CD Spotlight. Something Transcendent - Music performed by A Far Cry, heard by Howard Smith. '... evidently capable hands ...'


• CD Spotlight. Very Evocative - Piano music by Nils Vigeland, heard by Geoff Pearce. '... the pianistic skills of Jenny Q Chai are quite astounding ...'


• Ensemble. Exciting Times - Duncan Ward makes his debut as Sinfonia Viva's principal conductor, experienced by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Restricted view recommended for Verdi's 'Un ballo in maschera' at Covent Garden, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Stage Direction to Forget - Verdi's 'Un ballo in maschera' in Bologna, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi


• CD Spotlight. Clear Rewards - Tien Hsieh plays Bach and Beethoven, and impresses Howard Smith. '... a distinctive robust architecture ...'


• CD Spotlight. Vibrant Testimony - Music inspired by the Virgin Mary, recommended by Gerald Fenech. '... overflowing with a translucent beauty ...'


• CD Spotlight. Fluent Inventiveness - Viola sonatas by Gál and Krenek, recommended by Howard Smith. '... remarkable high standards.'


• CD Spotlight. Out of Tune - Susan Merdinger plays Schumann, heard by Andrew Schartmann. 'Her interpretation of "Reconnaissance" is especially beautiful.'


• CD Spotlight. Dedicated Advocates - Robert Still's four string quartets, heard by Howard Smith. 'Be prepared to be pleasantly surprised.'


• CD Spotlight. A Tough Nut - Richard Strauss orchestral music, heard by Stephen Francis Vasta. '... Weigle has his moments.'


• CD Spotlight. Home and Abroad - Piano music by Delius, Bax, Vaughan Williams and Bridge, heard by Howard Smith. 'Commanding resolute performances of music arisen from harrowing conflict.'


• CD Spotlight. Not Often Fugal - Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Mendelssohn from the Petrof Trio, heard by Robert Anderson. '... the Tchaikovsky is a rarity, and the more welcome for that.'


• CD Spotlight. Seldom Recorded - Violin Sonatas by Copland and Zeisl, heard by Howard Smith. '... Schiff has developed as fair and sweet an approximation of her Olympian mentor as one may reasonably expect.'


• CD Spotlight. Real Enchantment - Pergolesi Chamber Cantatas, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... episodes of tender pensiveness ...'


• CD Spotlight. A Rich Culture - Russian music from SWR Vokalensemble, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... a gift for those eager to hear voices in chorus ...'


• CD Spotlight. Rhythmical Flair - David Wilde's Chopin impresses Robert Anderson. '... Wilde shows how it can be transformed in the hands of a master.'


• Ask Alice - On shoulder braces and lead in the frog, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Amersterdam: Lohengrin Lite - James Sohre reports on Pierre Audi's production for Netherlands Opera


• Ensemble. Highly Successful - Roderic Dunnett looks back to Worcester's 2014 Three Choirs Festival, and forward to Hereford's Festival in July 2015