Monthly Archives: March 2012

Queen of the Night thrown to the lions in Rome

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte *** Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, 27th March 2012 Here was Rome at its gladiatorial worst. In Britain – or should that be just London – the only booing you’re likely to hear will be aimed at a … Continue reading

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Idiosyncratic, but thrilling “Winter Daydreams” as Pletnev revisits Tchaikovsky’s symphonies

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No.1; Marche Slave Mikhail Pletnev/ Russian National Orchestra (PentaTone) Mikhail Pletnev and his Russian National Orchestra are busily re-recording Tchaikovsky’s symphonies. His earlier cycle for Deutsche Grammophon dates from the mid-1990s and garnered praise, albeit with caveats about … Continue reading

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Digging up Verdi’s Aida at the Albert Hall

Verdi: Aida **** Royal Albert Hall, 3rd March 2012 (mat) An ‘arena opera’ virgin, I blithely made a prediction on my leisurely amble to the Royal Albert Hall for the latest Raymond Gubbay ‘spectacular’ featuring Verdi’s Aida: it would feature … Continue reading

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