A selection of M&V 'sympathy' articles

DVD Spotlight. A Needless Diversion - 'Die Entführung aus dem Serail', reviewed by Robert Anderson. 'The applause of the Amsterdam audience is notably muted.'

Ensemble. Dramatic Beauty - Works by Eötvös and Bartók, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

CD Spotlight. A Vigorous Spirit - Music by Matthew Taylor, heard by Patric Standford. '... skill and personality in equal measures ...'

Ensemble. Pure Magic - Opera North's 'Rusalka', reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. A Crisp Performance - 'Belshazzar' at the London Handel Festival, reviewed by Robert Hugill

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

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

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