Monthly Archives: February 2016

The value of Nothing: a dark operatic thriller at Glyndebourne

Bruce: Nothing ***** Glyndebourne, 27th February 2016 It’s not uncommon for television adaptations to inspire viewers to pick up the original novel. Across the country, sales of Tolstoy and Dickens are surely up this winter following the BBC serialisation of … Continue reading

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Sound and fury: boisterous performances from Orozco-Estrada and the LPO

Khachaturian, Stravinsky et al: Baráti, LPO/Orozco-Estrada *** Royal Festival Hall, 26th February 2016 “Full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” Macbeth’s cold view of life doubles as a good analysis of Richard Strauss’ first tone poem – brassy fanfares and empty … Continue reading

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Elfin magic, Russian restraint: a charming Ashton double bill at BRB

The Dream; A Month in the Country **** Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Hippodrome, 20th February 2016 “Sing and dance it trippingly,” Oberon commands his fairies at the end of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sir Frederick Ashton’s choreography for The … Continue reading

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The tongs and the bones: Vivid Mendelssohn from Gardiner and the LSO

Mendelssohn: LSO/Gardiner **** Barbican Hall, 16th February 2016 Recapturing one’s youth is a favourite preoccupation of thirty-somethings. Few recaptured it quite as vivaciously as Felix Mendelssohn. Sixteen years after composing his A Midsummer Night’s Dream Overture – all gossamer wings … Continue reading

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Russian Roulette: Pappano’s spin through the Mighty Handful

Orchestra of the ROH/Pappano *** Royal Opera House, 8th February 2016 Exploring the music of Russia’s “Mighty Handful” would seem a useful limber up for the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Sir Antonio Pappano ahead of the upcoming … Continue reading

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