2008 CONTENTS

Articles published during the year 2008 are listed below in chronological order of publication, with the most recent at the top of the list:

• Record Box. Superlative Playing - Music from the Glass Farm Ensemble impresses Malcolm Tattersall


• Record Box. Nothing Happens - 'the sound of one', reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall


• Record Box. Technically Exemplary - Music for birds, planes and cello, heard by Malcolm Tattersall


• Record Box. Many Pleasures - Music for guitar quartet, recommended by Ron Bierman


• CD Spotlight. Get Up and Dance - Elizabethan street songs, heard by Maria Nockin. '... plain good listening ...'


• CD Spotlight. Engagingly Heartening - Choral and orchestral music by Arthur Honegger, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... strikingly performed by Welsh forces ...'


• Ensemble. Complexity of Thought - Eugene Feygelson and Malcolm Troup play Beethoven and Bloch, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Shade and Nuance - Chamber music by Julian Dawes, appreciated by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Infectious Rhythms - Jim Lueers' 'Come to the Well', enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Ask Alice - An agony aunt at The Acropolis, with Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Amazing Confidence - Concertos by Handel, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... the playing here is some of the most incisive that I have heard ...'


• Immaculate Blend - Christmas music from the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Record Box. Unique Timbres - A recording by The Brahms Trio Prague, reviewed by George Balcombe


• Ensemble. Shining Confidence - Derby Cathedral Choir's performance of Handel's 'Messiah' invigorates Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Bold and Inventive - Charles Avison's reworkings of Scarlatti, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Avison's deployment of massed strings is wonderfully effective ...'


• Ensemble. Great Agility - The Aquinas Trio plays Haydn, Ravel and Saint-Saëns, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - An agony aunt writhes ... by Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. An Unfolding Cycle - Gergiev conducts Mahler, heard by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. Pride of Place - Piano music by Frank Bridge, praised by Howard Smith. 'A standing ovation for Mark Bebbington ...'


• Potential and Achievement - The sixteenth Beethoven Intercollegiate Piano Competition, experienced by Julian Jacobson


• Ensemble. Grandly Romantic - Vadim Gluzman on stage with the Boca Raton Symphonia, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Record Box. Imperious Assurance - String Quartets by Brahms never cease to surprise Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Simply Too Long - Mike Wheeler sits through film scores and Christmas music


• Ensemble. Powerfully Sonorous - Fauré, Bliss, Brahms and Weber played by the Frith Piano Quartet, and reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Jubilant Energy - The Derby Bach Choir begins its 50th anniversary celebrations, reported by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh at the Sidcup Literary Society


• Record Box. Superb Performances - Ursula Oppens plays Elliott Carter, celebrated by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. A Curate's Egg - Tangos and fantasies, explored by Howard Smith. '... good in parts.'


• Ensemble. A Masterly Account - Donizetti's 'Parisina d'Este', heard by Robert Hugill


• Record Box. A Crowd Pleaser - Concertos and a symphony by Lee Actor, heard by Ron Bierman


• Profile. Rich Musical Experiences - American conductor Joel Revzen talks to Maria Nockin


• Record Box. A Rewarding Experience - Music from The Phoenix Chorale impresses Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On worrying about the planet, and principal cellists, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Compact and Imaginative - Judith Bingham's 'Shakespeare Requiem' receives its first performance, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. A Thrilling Performance - Wagner, Mozart and Schubert from Julian Bliss, Andreas Reiner and the Munich KlangVerwaltung, impresses Mike Wheeler


• A Welcome Return - Tessa Uys at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Tonal Understanding - The Belcea Quartet plays Schubert and Beethoven, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. In Memory of Hickox - Vaughan Williams' 'Sancta Civitas', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Profoundly Moving - English Touring Opera's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Brilliantly Realised - Bellini's 'I Capuleti e i Montecchi', heard by Mike Wheeler


• Lovely Performance - A recital by Bálint Székely and Mariko Kondo, heard by Bill Newman


• Record Box. Richness of Colour - Stokowski conducts Wagner, Enescu, Debussy and Stravinsky, enjoyed by Robert Anderson


• Record Box. Rich Variety - Oboe music by Edwin Roxburgh, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Expressive Warmth - Ruth Palmer plays the Barber Violin Concerto, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On cello congestion and market opportunities, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Rare Talent - Young Concert Artists Trust recitals, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Record Box. Rhapsodic Cello - Music by Bruce Cale, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall


• Ensemble. Lively Playing - A concert by Zephyr, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Seeds of Genius - Alberto Portugheis plays Beethoven at London's Foundling Museum, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Record Box. Powerful and Original - Music by Ives, orchestrated by Brant, and heard by Robert Anderson


• Finely Executed - A Beethoven recital by James Lisney, reviewed by Thomas Bielinski


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Weekend - 'Tosca' and 'Mikado' in Arizona, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Inspired Vision - Mendelssohn's 'Elijah', reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Strength and Toughness - Independent Opera's 'Pelléas et Mélisande' impresses Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Inner Calm - Holst and Vaughan Williams from Nottingham, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Dancing Goblins - Music by Bazzini, heard by Howard Smith. '... Hanslip brings it off with suitable aplomb.'


• Committed and Tough - Malcolm Troup plays Bloch's Piano Sonata, appreciated by Julian Jacobson


• Ensemble. Lyrical Structures - Pittsburgh celebrates its 250th birthday, by Kelly Ferjutz


• CD Spotlight. Fascinating Rarities - Taneyev string trios, heard by Julian Jacobson. '... a performance of real commitment and assurance ...'


• Ensemble. Podium Celebrity - Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Orchestra in Florida, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ask Alice - On, like, the demise, like, of Washington's Ring cycle, if you will, with 'our friend' of classical music, Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Rare Provenance - Kristallnacht remembered, by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Work - The first performance of Gabriel Jackson's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. A Resounding Hurrah - Corigliano sets Dylan, recommended by Howard Smith. 'Titanic, zealous stuff.'


• Record Box. An Eloquent Interpretation - Choral music by Karol Szymanowski, enjoyed by Robert Anderson


• Record Box. Orchestral Skill - Music by Julius Röntgen, recommended by Gerald Fenech


• DVD Spotlight. Understandably Controversial - Derek Jarman's 'War Requiem', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... cutting room virtuosity.'


• Record Box. A Youthful Composer - Orchestral music by William Alwyn, heard by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Nicely Judged - Beethoven, Stravinsky and Weber from The Hallé Orchestra impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Distractions while reviewing, for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Brilliant Idea - A Bernard Stevens celebration at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Superlative Performances - Nigel Westlake's 'The Hinchinbrook Riffs', recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... essential listening for anyone interested in new music.'


• Ensemble. Vibrant Life - Verdi's 'Rigoletto' at Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• The Musician's Guide to Having an MRI - In an occasional series 'The Musician's Guides', Jennifer Paull offers a few tips for survival when confronted with being the square musical peg in a round musical hole


• Ensemble. A Superb Cast - Rossini's 'Mathilde de Shabran' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Poetic Lyricism - Tim Hugh and Olga Sitkovetsky at London's Wigmore Hall, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... breathtaking musicianship captured my attention ...'


• Ensemble. Deeply Thoughtful - Byrd, Vaughan Williams, Parry and Elgar from the Sitwell Singers, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Quirky Humour - Uri Caine meets Sinfonia Viva, and Mike Wheeler listens


• Ask Alice - Searching for violinists in Yorkshire and senior readers online, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• DVD Spotlight. Engaging Integrity - Mark Dexter plays Peter Warlock, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... a triumphant success ...'


• DVD Spotlight. Some point? - Tony Britten's 'new version' of Verdi's Falstaff, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'Shame on him ...'


• Record Box. Flawless Ensemble - Music by Messiaen, recommended by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. A Second Oscar? - Music by Rachel Portman, reviewed by K C Devereaux. 'Portman's score ably captures the poignancy ...'


• Ensemble. An Exhilarating Performance - Tim Lowe plays Haydn, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. High Spirits - Freddy Kempf and the Moscow Philharmonic, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Accomplished Performance - Matthew Moss sings British music, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Cheating on degrees, pictures of meat and the principal cello, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Inspired Sibelius - Music for the theatre fascinates Robert Anderson. 'Again BIS has done the great master proud.'


• CD Spotlight. A Special Joy - The Sibelius tone poems, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... so sparely wrought and of such integrity ...'


• Ensemble. Very Convincing - Handel's 'Partenope', enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Unsentimental Realism - Howard Smith was at Janácek's 'Jenufa' in Wellington


• Ensemble. Mesmerizing Propulsion - 'Cav' and 'Pag' in St Louis, reviewed by Susan Hampton


• Old and New Worlds - Ioana Osoianu talks to Keith Bramich about her life in the East and West


• CD Spotlight. Melodic Impact - Music by Spohr, Rolla and Kalliwoda, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... seasoned insights and faultless empathy.'


• Ensemble. Intense Leadership - Sierra, Ginastera and Rachmaninov conducted by Alasdair Neale, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh takes a swipe at American politics


• CD Spotlight. Refreshingly Innovative - Music by John Beckwith, reviewed by Natalie Artemas-Polak. '... an important voice in Canadian music ...'


• Ensemble. A Concentrated Distillation - Peter Brook's 'La Tragedie de Carmen', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Drama and Bite - A concert by the Op 3 piano trio, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Record Box. Virtuosic Turns - Solo sonatas by Benedetto Marcello, reviewed by Gerald Fenech


• Ensemble. A Delicate Balance - Cavalli's 'La Calisto', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. A Real Barnburner - Another report from this summer's Tanglewood Festival, by Lawrence Budmen


• Refreshingly Poetic - Eleftheria Kotzia returns to Derby, and Mike Wheeler listens


• Record Box. A Splendid Introduction - Songs by Oskar Merikanto, recommended by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Tonal Contrast - A recital by Victoria Simonsen and Simon Lane, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On musicians and intelligence, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Full of Delights - Handel's 'Parnasso in Festa', recommended by Robert Hugill. '... some truly superb Handel singing (and playing) ...'


• Record Box. Wit and Energy - Music for piano and orchestra by Benjamin Britten, enjoyed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Epic and Masterful - Beethoven performances at Tanglewood, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. A Spellbound Audience - The Sixteen at Stour Music, reviewed by Pippa Hare and Rosie Evelegh


• CD Spotlight. Distinctive Spontaneity - Halida Dinova plays Brahms, unreservedly recommended by Howard Smith. 'A truly distinguished performance and recording ...'


• Ensemble. Inner Detail - Beethoven and Tchaikovsky from Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Special Pleasure - The Greenwich Trio, heard by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. The Swinging Spotlight - David Wilkins experiences Tchaikovsky's 'Eugene Onegin' in Budapest


• Ensemble. Inhibited by Cleverness - 'Cav and Pag' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Dimensions of Night - Gordon Rumson previews a new work for piano by Larry Sitsky


• Record Box. Beautiful Moments - Mozart wind serenades, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall


• Ensemble. Passionately Breathtaking - The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Ensemble. Gloriously Colourful - The British Society of Music Therapy looks back, with Margaret Campbell


• Record Box. Striking Originality - Symphonies by Harri Vuori, heard by Patric Standford


• Record Box. Vitality and Wit - Piano music and songs by Robin Milford, appreciated by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Difficult decisions for young musicians, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Stylistic Eloquence - Italian arias and madrigals, recommended by Maria Nockin. '... performed with accuracy and grace.'


• Record Box. Fundamentals of Censorship - Shostakovich's Fourth Symphony, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Velvety Tones - Farewell American performances by the Beaux Arts Trio and an Amernet String Quartet recital, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen


• Scrupulously Done - Andrew Barnett's 'Sibelius', read by Robert Anderson


• Record Box. Sympathetic Readings - Orchestral music by Barbara Harbach, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Record Box. An Animated Performance - Music for orchestra by Steven R Gerber, heard by Patric Standford


• Record Box. Joyous Tintinnabulation - The Play of Daniel intrigues and delights Robert Anderson


• CD Spotlight. Eminently Agreeable - Piano music by Ahmet Adnan Saygun, recommended by Howard Smith. '... unfailing rhythmic clarity and beautifully controlled dynamics ...'


• Record Box. Many Moods - Orchestral music by Glazunov, recommended by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. A Bright Future - Malcolm Miller was at the final night of the 2008 BBC Proms in London


• Evocative Canvases - A recital by Miriam Brickman, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ensemble. Vocal Radiance - Maria Nockin reports on the beginning of a new season at Los Angeles Opera


• Ensemble. Snappily Executed - Jonathan Dove's opera 'Flight' impresses Robert Hugill


• Record Box. Great Entertainment - Stokowski conducts ballet music, heard by Patric Standford


• Record Box. Orchestrated Boldly - Music by Hampson Sisler, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On Russian music and throwing metronomes, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. Joyful Interplay - Corelli from the Purcell Quartet, heard by Alice McVeigh


• A Labour of Love - John Suchet's 'The Treasures of Beethoven', read by Howard Smith


• Record Box. A Lovely Recital - Valentina Igoshina plays Chopin, recommended by Robert Anderson


• CD Spotlight. Other Trumpets - Fascinating electro-acoustic collaborations, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall. '... individual works are challenging listening but stunningly achieved.'


• Ensemble. Glorious Melody - British Youth Opera's 'La Rondine', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Striking Beauty - Rachmaninov's Vespers, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... marvellous tonal exactitude, pellucid control, superb diction ...'


• Punchy and Informative - John Bell Young's survey of the Beethoven symphonies, read by Gerald Fenech


• Ask Alice - Agony aunt Alice McVeigh ignores classical music again to discuss American politics, shotgun weddings, bizarrely-named children and moose


• Beauty and Inspiration - Jennifer Paull pays tribute to Matthew Peaceman (1956-2008)


• CD Spotlight. A Memorable Disc - Vadim Gluzman plays Tchaikovsky and Glazunov, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'Vadim Gluzman is a violinist of remarkable gifts.'


• DVD Spotlight. Fictional Hokum - Kevin Sullivan's 'Magic Flute Diaries', reviewed by Howard Smith. '... a "rag-bag" of special effects and Mozartian absurdities ...'


• Book Review. A Lordly Survey - Nick Strimple's 'Choral Music in the Nineteenth Century', reviewed by Robert Anderson


• CD Spotlight. Striking Originality - Chamber music by Roger Smalley, recommended by Howard Smith. '... the performance may be regarded as definitive.'


• Ensemble. Any Questions? - Bernstein's 'Candide' at English National Opera, enjoyed by David Wilkins


• Record Box. Doubled Concertos - Malcolm Tattersall listens to Bach


• Ask Alice - Advice for a flautist, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Protean Methuselah - Music by Henry Brant, investigated by Malcolm Tattersall. 'Most of us like to put composers in pigeon-holes but Brant is too big for that.'


• Ensemble. Snap and Crackle - The Artemis Quartet plays music by Beethoven, Stravinsky and Schubert, reported by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Simplicity and Eloquence - Quatuor Ebène plays Haydn, Webern and Schubert, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Composer Profiles - David Gompper, by Carson P Cooman


• A Perfect Joy - Emanuel Ax plays Beethoven and Schumann, and impresses Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Restrained Passion - Valeriy Sokolov and Eric Ferrand-N'Kaoua play Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Enescu and Prokofiev, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Wonderful Mozart - Bill Newman listens to the Razumovsky Ensemble


• CD Spotlight. Consummate Mastery - Zeynep Ucbasaran plays Mozart, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... an art of crystalline clarity.'


• Youthful Freshness - Gareth Green gives the final organ recital in Derby Cathedral's summer series, and Mike Wheeler was in the audience


• Ask Alice - Adventures in the land of the Franglais and advice on starting university, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Rhythmic Drive - Mike Wheeler listens to The Midas Touch Organ Duo


• Ensemble. Sovereign Purity - Bach, Mozart and Beethoven from the Vector Wellington Orchestra, reported by Howard Smith


• Thought and Understanding - Wanda Jeziorska finds food for thought in Mishka Momen's latest recital


• Ensemble. Indelible Magic - Hansel and Gretel in New Zealand, experienced by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. A Wonderful Experience - Maria Nockin visits Santa Fe for operas by Verdi, Mozart, Britten and Handel, plus the first American performance of Kaija Saariaho's 'Adriana Mater'


• Much Subtlety - Peter Sutton's play 'Elgar and Alice', read by Robert Anderson


• Urgency and Drama - Dora de Marinis plays Beethoven at the Regent Hall Summer Festival, enjoyed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - Brushes with the law and sporting fame for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Lovingly Accomplished - Forgotten music by Saint-Saëns, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a performance of avowed committment.'


• CD Spotlight. Virtuoso Credentials - Music for viola and piano by York Bowen, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... above praise.'


• Dynamic Extremes - Mike Wheeler enjoys Timothy Noon's recital of Bach, Bohm, Dubois, Messiaen and Widor


• Ensemble. Force of Nature - The Matsumoto/Jacobson Duo and The Art of Falconry, by Malcolm Troup


• Ensemble. Highly Charged - A recital by Daniel Kuzmin and Alberto Portugheis, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - Fascinating correspondence between classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh and a representative of a major computer firm


• Ensemble. Highly Creditable - Puccini's 'Tosca' at the Verona Arena, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• An Interesting Programme - An organ recital by Martin Neary, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Stylish and Pointed - Stokowski conducts Bizet and Debussy, enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... a rhythmic élan and masterly sense of line ...'


• Lust in A Major - Marsha Cappy's tale takes place in Prague in 1905 ...


• CD Spotlight. A Memorable Disc - Ivan Ilic plays Debussy, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... superbly managed ...'


• Lucid Messiaen - Cathy Lamb at the organ, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh reports on problems brewing for the International Baccalaureate


• CD Spotlight. Amorous Inclinations - Early music from England and France, enjoyed by Kelly Ferjutz


• Mightily Impressed - Nikolai Demidenko plays Chopin, enjoyed by Bill Newman


• DVD Spotlight. Enchanting - Hérold's 'La fille mal gardée', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... Covent Garden at its best.'


• Alun Hoddinott (1929-2008) - John McCabe pays tribute to a friend and colleague


• CD Spotlight. Musical Quintessence - Orchestral music by Leroy Anderson, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... immediately appealing melodies ...'


• Ensemble. Musical Inventiveness - The Gwilym Simcock Trio, enjoyed by Rex Harley


• Ask Alice - A week of heaven on earth for classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Four Heroes - Mike Wheeler enjoys a multi-player organ recital


• Ensemble. Off the Wall - Contemporary opera at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Intimate Mode - Quartets by Evans, Glass, Antheil and Herrmann, recommended by Howard Smith. '... wholly engaging ...'


• DVD Spotlight. New Love - 'La vedova scaltra' by Wolf-Ferrari, recommended by Robert Anderson. '... a captivating performance.'


• Record Box. Unmissable - Marin Alsop conducts Dvorák, recommended by Gerald Fenech


• Ask Alice - 'Kicking the parent', 'Lucia di Lammermoor' and other fun games and pastimes, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Pace and Wit - Albert Lortzing's 'Der Wildschütz', reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Propulsive Energy - Sinfonia Viva at the Buxton Festival, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• A Very Expressive Voice - Tess Crebbin talks to the tenor Zoran Todorovich


• The Speed Merchant - Jonathan Scott plays the organ of Derby Cathedral, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Record Box. Curious and Evocative - Quarter-tone keyboard music played by Joshua Pierce, reviewed by Patric Standford


• DVD Spotlight. Fortunes in Love - Mozart's 'Mitridate', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. '... marvellous singing throughout ...'


• Ensemble. Radiant Lyricism - Victoria Grigorieva and Ekaterina Lebedeva play Beethoven and Ravel, reviewed by Malcolm Miller


• Ask Alice - Instructions for feeding the cat, by classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Meticulous Research - 'The Pearl' by Douglas Smith, reviewed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. A World-class Voice - Tess Crebbin experiences Verdi's 'Rigoletto' at the Immling Summer Music Festival


• CD Spotlight. A Special Pleasure - Masaaki Suzuki directs J S Bach cantatas, reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'If the Japanese tempo is faster than mine, so be it ...'


• Extraordinary Clarity - Naji Hakim begins the Derby Cathedral summer organ recital series, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Highly Intelligent - Verdi's 'Don Carlo', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Record Box. Highly Contrasting - Microtonal music, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh begs help and advice from her readers


• Ensemble. Sustained Intensity - Rex Harley enjoys Janácek's 'The Cunning Little Vixen' at Longborough Festival Opera


• CD Spotlight. Roadworthy - Modern American music for violin and piano, recommended by Howard Smith. '... commanding fire and finesse ...'


• Museum not Morgue - 'Opera and the Morbidity of Music', read by Robert Anderson


• CD Spotlight. A Thrilling Experience - Kevin Bowyer plays Alkan, reviewed by Alistair Hinton. '... flawless technique and missionary commitment ...'


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh answers the question 'Is the name of a musician's college important?'


• Ensemble. No Excuses Necessary - Robert Hugill enjoys Puccini's 'La Fanciulla del West' at Grange Park Opera


• Ensemble. Traditional or Radical? - Dvorák's 'Rusalka' at Grange Park Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. An Exhilarating Freshness - Recordings of the Beethoven symphonies attract Patric Standford. '... an outstanding overall impression.'


• Ensemble. Bess of Hardwick - Derbyshire celebrates an important sixteenth century figure, by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Charming Rendition - Puccini's 'La Rondine', reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. An Attractive Freshness - Celebrations in Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Issues involving young musicians and male musicians, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Eclectic Mix - Lawrence Budmen visits the 2008 Sarasota Music Festival


• CD Spotlight. Thematic Economy - Orchestral music by Albert Roussel, heard by Robert Anderson


• A Natural Approach - Alex Kobrin plays Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin, heard by Bill Newman


• Ensemble. Beauty of Line - Andreas Scholl in London, heard by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Dramatically Exciting - Puccini's 'Tosca' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Hope Breaking Through - Alban Gerhardt plays Bach at Munich's 'Long Night of Music', and has a late night chat with Tess Crebbin


• Ask Alice - Problems and performances - medical and musical, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Truly Special - Kelly Ferjutz enjoys Dvorák's 'Rusalka'


• Pleasant Meanderings - Easy-listening in Rome's Quirinale Palace, with Karen Haid


• Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Robert Hugill at English National Opera's 'Der Rosenkavalier'


• Ensemble. Telling Power - Malcolm Miller attends the final concert in a series devoted to music by banned composers


• Ensemble. Stylish and Enjoyable - 'Bluebeard' at Grange Park Opera, experienced by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. An Enjoyable Programme - Chamber music at London's Wigmore Hall, reviewed by Bill Newman


• CD Spotlight. Essential Lyricism - The violin concertos of Ernö von Dohnányi, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... a very impressive performance.'


• Hall of Fame - Kelly Ferjutz reports on the induction of the Cleveland Orchestra


• Ensemble. A Testing Programme - Bill Newman listens to Mayuko Katsumura and Gordon Back


• Ask Alice - Nerds and scientists in music, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Thrilling Production - Verdi's 'Macbeth' impresses Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Sleep and Dreams - Mike Wheeler listens to Britten's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'


• CD Spotlight. An Orchestral Conception - Bach church cantatas, heard by Robert Anderson. '... robust and sensitive as required ...'


• Ensemble. Gallic Elegance - Gounod's 'Roméo et Juliette', enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Special Magic - Massenet's 'Cendrillon', enjoyed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Peak Form - Mike Wheeler finds Mark Elder and the Hallé Orchestra a joy to hear


• DVD Spotlight. An Inevitable Conclusion - Musorgsky's 'Khovanshchina', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... the admirable Barcelona chorus and orchestra ...'


• Record Box. Particular Sensitivity - Chamber music and songs by William Alwyn, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On Eurovision Song Contest rage, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. Inner Strength - Puccini's 'La bohème' at New Zealand Opera, reviewed by Howard Smith


• Record Box. A Triumph - Matthias Goerne sings Schubert, enjoyed by Robert Anderson


• Ensemble. Heartfelt Stuff - A concert by the Amici Ensemble, renjoyed by Howard Smith


• Murdering Classical Music - A Speculative History of the Present, by Gordon Rumson


• Ensemble. Poetic Touches - The Russian State Symphony Orchestra plays Musorgsky, Prokofiev and Rakhmaninov, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Power and Delicacy - Beate Toyka plays Grieg's piano concerto, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - On Handel operas and autographs, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. Beautifully Performed - Music by Veljo Tormis, recommended by Patric Standford


• DVD Spotlight. Sheer Champagne - Rossini's 'La pietra del paragone', enjoyed by Robert Anderson. 'The Madrid cast has proved itself exemplary ...'


• CD Spotlight. Musical Enjoyment - Works by Respighi, recommended by Howard Smith. '... impressively alive to each facet of Respighi's aural colourations ...'


• Ensemble. An Exotic Atmosphere - Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Record Box. Fascinating and Rewarding - Works by Kosçak Yamada, heard by Patric Standford


• Record Box. Attractive Ideas - Music by Isotaro Sugata, reviewed by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. Pastoral Pleasures - English music for flute, recommended by Malcolm Tattersall. '... the Tavener alone would justify the purchase ...'


• CD Spotlight. Heavy Artillery - Music by Bloch, Engel, Honegger, Milhaud and Szymanowski, heard by Howard Smith. '... an acceptable though rather dated style.'


• Ensemble. Tremendous Energy - Mahler and Mozart in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Richly-spiced Palette - Malcolm Miller reports on the world première of a new viola concerto in Tel Aviv


• An Enviable Technique - Matthew Schellhorn's Wigmore Hall début recital, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• CD Spotlight. Colour and Flair - Sonatas by Nardini, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett. '... a delightful recording ...'


• Record Box. A Sure Instinct - Music for string orchestra by Peteris Plakidis, heard by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - A little Godmotherly ceremonial advice, from classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Truly Invigorating - Opera fantasies for violin, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... engaging musical finesse.'


• Ensemble. A Singing Style - Violinist Jack Liebeck makes a short-notice appearance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Excellently Contrasted - Mike Wheeler listens to tenor saxophonists Don Weller and Bobby Wellins, backed by a rhythm section and a string quartet from Sinfonia Viva


• Good-hearted Buoyancy - Dvorák and Brahms from Derby, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. New Thinking - Maria Nockin experiences an updated version of Verdi's 'La Traviata'


• Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfactory - English National Opera's new production of 'The Merry Widow', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On zillions for Colburn and Juilliard, and the death of a landsnail named Edmund, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Le grand clavecin - The sixth Harpsichord Festival (Klavessiinifestival) in Tallinn, Estonia, 10-15 April 2008, attended by Peter G Howell


• Chopin in the Boondocks - Stephen De Pledge returns to New Zealand, by Howard Smith


• Ensemble. Exciting Times Ahead - Haydn, Beethoven and Judith Weir from Sinfonia Viva, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Lyrical Spaces - A recital by the Tippett Quartet, heard by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Fitting Celebration - Plácido Domingo's Fortieth Anniversary Gala, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Worth Discovering - 'Atalanta' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh in Florida


• DVD Spotlight. Visually Captivating - The Labèque sisters play Stravinsky and Debussy, reviewed by Patric Standford. 'Altogether an impressive production with excellent performances.'


• Ensemble. Doomed Love - Verdi's 'Aida' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• Ask Alice - On playing the violin, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Real Large Work - Mike Wheeler listens to Alban Gerhardt, Rory Macdonald and the Hallé Orchestra


• Wales loses its patriarch - Roderic Dunnett pays tribute to the Welsh composer Alun Hoddinott, who died in March 2008


• Penetrating Musical Insight - Evgenia Rubinova plays Chopin with the Orchestra of Opera North in Huddersfield and Leeds, heard by Patric Standford


• CD Spotlight. Unsettling - Microtonal music by Monroe Golden, reviewed by Ron Bierman. '... the overall effect is somehow stranger than the parts ...'


• Record Box. Glorious Textures - Sacred vocal music by Robert Parsons, reviewed by Patric Standford


• DVD Spotlight. Spitfire Coloratura - Die Zauberflöte from Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... this admirable DVD is a double first ...'


• Nota Bene - K C Devereaux tells the story of the second best piano student in the class


• Prizewinner's Recital - Malcolm Miller applauds Julian Clef at London's Foundling Museum


• CD Spotlight. An Unexpected Pleasure - Wind Concertos by Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari, enjoyed by Ron Bierman. 'Strongly recommended ...'


• Record Box. A Welcome Insight - Orchestral music by Charles Camilleri, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh celebrates her twenty-first birthday (again)


• CD Spotlight. Assurance and Experience - Music from Tony Gould and David Ward-Steinman, reviewed by Paul Sarcich. '... two players who specialise in shades of touch ...'


• Ensemble. A Mirror of Control - Chelsea Opera Group's 'Macbeth', reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Movements - Not quite a review - but ... with Kelly Ferjutz


• Ensemble. A Geordie Knees-Up - John Wilson conducts the Hallé Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. A Trip to Heaven - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'I Pagliacci' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• All Purpose Pianist - Brazilian Eduardo Monteiro plays at Wigmore Hall and talks to Bill Newman about his varied musical life


• Record Box. Innocent Mischief - Eduardo Monteiro plays piano music from Brazil, reviewed by Bill Newman


• Ask Alice - On performance nerves and the online cello, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A Fascinating Programme - English vocal and instrumental music from Musica Mundi, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Depth and Sonority - The first concert by Malcolm Goldring and the Sitwell Singers, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Timings - Both Sides of the Global Fence - James Gardner, by Jennifer Paull


• Ensemble. A Triumph - Bach's St John Passion from Derby, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Refreshing - Antoni Wit and the Warsaw Philharmonic on tour impress Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Highly Promising - Rossini, Schubert and Beethoven from the Derby Concert Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• DVD Spotlight. Above Praise - Rossini's 'La Cambiale di matrimonio', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... seductively lyrical where the young Rossini demands.'


• Record Box. Emotion and Rhythm - Concertos for string instruments by Laurent Petitgirard, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On God, rock concerts and earplugs, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. An Excellent Team - Bach's St Matthew Passion from Derby Cathedral, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Great Fun - More from Sinfonia Viva's school and college residency project, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Great Promise - Malcolm Miller reports from the 2008 Beethoven Junior Intercollegiate Piano Competition


• An Enviable Reputation - Mike Brewer and The National Youth Choirs celebrate their 25th anniversary, by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Wonderfully Inventive - Music and dance on the theme of creation, appreciated by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Profoundly Satisfying - Donizetti's 'Anna Bolena' from English Touring Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ask Alice - On promoting music competitions, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Ensemble. A New Fascism - 'Elektra' at Hungarian State Opera, reviewed by Roderic Dunnett


• CD Spotlight. Specific Qualities - Michael Hoppé's Requiem, reviewed by Robert Hugill. '... a talented melodist ...'


• Ensemble. Dangers Transcended - A concert by Trio Albonata, enjoyed by Gordon Rumson


• Musically Thrilling - 'Maria Stuarda' at San Diego Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• CD Spotlight. Striking Individuality - Choral music by Cecilia McDowall, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity and conviction.'


• Record Box. Breathtaking Energy - Orchestral music by Komei Abe, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On green mountains and bowgrips, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Remarkable Scope - On Ronald Stevenson's eightieth birthday, Patric Standford reads Colin Scott-Sutherland's 'Ronald Stevenson: The Man and his Music'


• Postlude - Jennifer Paull writes on the 25th Anniversary of the death of Cathy Berberian


• Unflagging Energy - Nicola Meecham plays Haydn, Schubert, Ravel, Prokofiev and Gershwin, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• CD Spotlight. Exuberant Work - Music for violin and piano by Ma Sicong, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... thoroughly enjoyable ...'


• Ensemble. Joyful and Celebratory - Schumann and Strauss from Sinfonia Viva, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. An Unusual Production - Verdi's 'Otello' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Record Box. Bright Performances - Music for strings by Josef Myslivecek, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ensemble. Delectably Played - A concert by the Vienna Tonkünstler Orchestra, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Nicely Caught - A song recital by Richard Roddis and Clive Pollard, reviewed by Mike Wheeler


• Ask Alice - Selling old cellos and bows on eBay, and a different kind of fish, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Profile. Expressing the Universe - Gillian Wills talks to conductor Muhai Tang


• CD Spotlight. A Unique Sound - Italian baroque music played on saxophones, appreciated by Paul Sarcich. '... quality with a very large Q.'


• Highly Readable - Paul Jackson's third book about the Metropolitan Opera Broadcasts, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Of Purest Heart - An unusual double bill at LA Opera impresses Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. Absurdly Melodramatic - Mike Wheeler catches up with a touring production of 'La Traviata'


• Ask Alice - Someone old enough to spell properly has orange eyes? Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh investigates ...


• Ensemble. Romantic Love? - 'Lucia di Lammermoor' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill


• Ensemble. Radiant Loveliness - 'Tristan and Isolde' at Los Angeles Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin


• Ensemble. A Believable Mixture - Mike Wheeler enjoys Jonathan Dove's opera 'The Adventures of Pinocchio'


• Assuming the Helm - Roderic Dunnett reports on two new appointments at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels


• Record Box. Fine Recordings - Orchestral music by Julius Burger, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On concert etiquette and goldfish, with Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• CD Spotlight. Sweeter than Roses - Amorous music by Purcell inspires Howard Smith. '... glorious song with inspirational accompaniments.'


• Ensemble. Faultless Unanimity - A concert by the Roberts Quartet, enjoyed by Mike Wheeler


• Ensemble. Expressive Power - Mike Wheeler listens to Natalie Clein and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra


• Ensemble. Playfulness and Spirit - Mike Wheeler joins the Hallé Orchestra's 150th birthday celebrations


• Undermining the Theme? - Malcolm Miller is disappointed by a Barenboim Beethoven recital in London


• CD Spotlight. Impressive Authority - Piano music by Phillip Ramey, reviewed by Anthony Davie. '... totally sympathetic with Ramey's style.'


• CD Spotlight. A Generous Earful - Peter Dawson favourites from Gregory Yurisch and the Tasmanian Symphony, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... in this repertoire they hardly miss a trick.'


• Ask Alice - On spoil-sports, weirdos and wind instruments, with Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. An Independent Voice - Patric Standford listens to orchestral music by Ester Mägi


• Ensemble. Rebuilt City - Malcolm Miller enjoys the first performance of Judith Weir's choral-orchestral work, 'Concrete'


• Medieval Legends - Richard Wagner's 'Tannhäuser' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin


• An Authentic Voice - Laura Kennelly visits Cleveland Ohio's latest opera company


• Record Box. Beautifully Played - Music by Igor Raykhelson, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Buzzing cellos and violin teachers scorned, with Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• A Passionate Commitment - Robert Hugill talks to Bach Choir conductor David Hill about Carl Rütti's new Requiem


• CD Spotlight. Second Fiddle? - Symphonies by Albert Roussel, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... clarity, focus and sheer ambience.'


• Ensemble. Thoughtfulness and Insight - Roderic Dunnett was at Armonico Consort's 'The Marriage of Figaro'


• A Cornucopia - Maria Nockin introduces San Diego Opera's new season


• Record Box. Splendidly Achieved - Music by Robert Hugill, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - Classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh deals with iTunes, Facebook and gender issues in conducting


• CD Spotlight. Compositional Integrity - Music by Thomas Fortmann, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Thomas Fortmann has achieved what repeatedly eludes others ...'


• Ensemble. Story Telling - Robert Hugill was at London's recent Judith Weir weekend


• CD Spotlight. Flawlessly Performed - Shostakovich's Symphony No 10, chosen by Howard Smith. '... the results are very special.'


• Record Box. Song of Bergen - Music by Georg von Bertouch and from the Mestmacher Manuscript, enjoyed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On brains, hats, wives, books, music and animals, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Provocative thoughts, from Patric Standford - Completions


• DVD Spotlight. Mozart and Smetana - The Nobilis Trio at Steinway Hall, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... musically pleasurable.'


• CD Spotlight. Substantially Admirable - Vocal music by Puccini, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... more than sufficient ... to recommend unstintingly ...'


• Rui dos Reis - Jennifer Paull interviews and investigates the Portuguese composer-pianist


• Record Box. A Superb Performance - Music by Schubert and his circle, reviewed by Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On Nutcrackeritis and MRI scans, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Record Box. Irish Rambles - Music by Turlough O'Carolan, reviewed by Malcolm Tattersall


• DVD Spotlight. Heart of Genius - Christopher Nupen's films about Andrés Segovia, enjoyed by Howard Smith. '... a quiet, heaven-sent artistry ...'


• CD Spotlight. An Intellectual Force - Piano music by Sergei Taneyev, reviewed by Ron Bierman. 'Performances are expert and loving throughout ...'


• CD Spotlight. Gallic Clarity - Arias by Massenet, appreciated by Howard Smith. '... immeasurable lyric flair ...'


• Record Box. Apparent Enlightenment - Jeffrey Fisher's 'Fairy Tales' disappoints Patric Standford


• Ask Alice - On cello grades, examiners and braincells, with classical music agony aunt Alice McVeigh


• Opposing Strengths - Beethoven and his music, by Margaret Willson


• DVD Spotlight. A Telling Moment - Poulenc's 'Dialogues des Carmélites', appreciated by Robert Anderson. '... finely expressed ...'


• Ensemble. An Auspicious Beginning - The first performance of a brand new opera company, marked by Maria Nockin