Author Archives: Mark Pullinger

Top ten Beethoven releases of 2020

Posted on December 16, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

After a February symphony cycle at the Barbican, most of my Beethoven this year – understandably – has been either streamed or on disc, so I thought I’d mark the great man’s 250th with a round-up of my favourite recordings … Continue reading →

Posted in CD | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sun-kissed idylls and sinewy Shostakovich in Singapore

Posted on September 27, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Kahchun Wong/Singapore Symphony Orchestra Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore, 26th September 2020 What goes through the mind of an orchestral musician when they only have a few notes to play? Are they compiling a mental shopping list for the homeward supermarket … Continue reading →

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Breaking the silence: an Orchestre Métropolitain thanksgiving after the Corona-storm

Posted on September 18, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Yannick Nézet-Séguin/Orchestre Métropolitain Bourgie Hall, Montréal, 18th September 2020 For obvious reasons, very few orchestras have (yet) to complete a Beethoven symphony cycle in this 250th anniversary year. And so it’s natural, in the words of Yannick Nézet-Séguin, to “break … Continue reading →

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A thrilling Waldstein caps Igor Levit’s return to Wigmore Hall

Posted on September 17, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Igor Levit Wigmore Hall, 16th September 2020 Considering this was my first time seeing Igor Levit play “in the flesh”, his Wigmore Hall recital was just like meeting an old friend. The Russian-born German pianist has been on my screens … Continue reading →

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Delicious French morsels launch the ECO’s Teatime Music

Posted on September 13, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

English Chamber Orchestra: Teatime Music Beckenham Place Mansion, 13th September 2020 Here’s a tasty concept. Instead of streaming full evening concerts, the English Chamber Orchestra has gone after the Sunday matinee audience with a four-week series entitled Teatime Music. Its … Continue reading →

Posted in Concert | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment