Monthly Archives: May 2015

Unwrapping an enigma: Gergiev’s electrifying Shostakovich 15

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Balakirev, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich: LSO/Gergiev ***** Barbican Hall, 12th May 2015 “A riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” That description could apply to Shostakovich’s Fifteenth Symphony, with its impish musical quotations punctuating its dark brooding character. It would also … Continue reading →

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That sinking feeling: ENO’s Pirates of Penzance scuppered at the Coliseum

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance ** English National Opera, 9th May 2015 In many ways, it seemed a natural choice. Mike Leigh has long been a champion of Gilbert and Sullivan, his love for the Savoy Operas epitomised in his … Continue reading →

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Glowing Brahms and fiery Tchaikovsky from Bychkov and the LSO

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Brahms, Tchaikovsky: LSO/Bychkov **** Barbican Hall, 7th May 2015 While Britain was still at the polls, birthday boys Brahms and Tchaikovsky slugged it out in friendly battle at the Barbican. In the event, it was an uneven contest. Isabelle Faust … Continue reading →

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Sun worship: ecstatic playing from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Ravel, Chausson, Bernstein, Scriabin: Orchestra of the Royal Opera House/Pappano **** Royal Opera House, 4th May 2015 “O welche Lust in freier Luft” sing the prisoners in Fidelio, released from their cells to enjoy a few moments of fresh air. … Continue reading →

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The Czech Fidelio: Bělohlávek leads a fine account of Smetana’s Dalibor

Posted on May 3, 2015 by Mark Pullinger

Smetana: Dalibor **** Jiří Bělohlávek/BBC Symphony Orchestra, Barbican, 2nd May 2015 “What Czech does not like music?” declares Beneš, the jailor in Smetana’s opera Dalibor. Certainly not Jiří Bělohlávek, who is as superb an advocate for Czech music as any … Continue reading →

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