Monthly Archives: November 2015

Esa-Pekka Salonen peels the layers of Peer Gynt

Grieg: Esa-Pekka Salonen/Philharmonia *** Royal Festival Hall, 26th November 2015 “You’re not an emperor, you’re an onion!” muses Peer Gynt, looking back on his life. He peels back the layers of an onion, recounting his many different guises… a rogue … Continue reading

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Many strings to their bows: Rachel Podger and the OAE

Bach, Vivaldi, Telemann, Pisendel: Rachel Podger/OAE **** St John’s Smith Square, 24th November 2015 The closure of the Queen Elizabeth Hall for renovation is great news for St John’s Smith Square, with many recitals and period instrument bands being relocated … Continue reading

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Jonathan Miller’s stylish, spirited Mikado revived once again at ENO

Sullivan: The Mikado *** ENO, 21st November 2015 “I am an acquired taste – only the educated palate can appreciate me,” Katisha explains to Ko-Ko towards the end of The Mikado, just after the Lord High Executioner has declared his … Continue reading

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Battle lines drawn: bracing Haydn and Nielsen from Paavo Järvi and the Philharmonia

Nielsen, Haydn: Paavo Järvi Philharmonia **** Royal Festival Hall, 19th November 2015 It was the percussion which took the starring role as Haydn and Nielsen engaged in a lively skirmish at the Royal Festival Hall. In his “Military” Symphony, Haydn holds … Continue reading

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Baroque vocalise: Franco Fagioli celebrates Cafarelli at Wigmore Hall

Franco Fagioli: Arias for Caffarelli *** Wigmore Hall, 13th November 2015 “Prima la musica, o prima le parole?” is the question debated in Strauss’ opera about opera, Capriccio. Words definitely took second place to music in Franco Fagioli’s recital of Baroque … Continue reading

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