Category Archives: CD

Heart’s desire: a gallery of new roles from Aleksandra Kurzak

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Desire: Aleksandra Kurzak Morphing Chamber Orchestra, Vienna/ Frédéric Chaslin (Sony) The last operatic performance I saw before lockdown was La traviata at Covent Garden, the first time Aleksandra Kurzak sang Violetta in Richard Eyre’s celebrated London production. And, as it … Continue reading →

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Swans, severed heads and a deerstalker: 2018 in review

Posted on December 30, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

“Wow! That’s some year you’ve had!” was a message written in one of this year’s Christmas cards. “Aiming to top it in 2019?” I’m not sure I have the energy! My outstanding operatic experience of the year was easily Salome at … Continue reading →

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From Butterfly to Ice Princess: Netrebko scales spinto heights

Posted on September 15, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Verismo: Anna Netrebko (DG 479 5015) Anna Netrebko’s clearly game for a laugh. Some time in 2015, the Russian soprano wrested control of her social media from the PRs. Her selfies reveal someone who doesn’t take life – or herself … Continue reading →

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The peasants are revolting! Lalo and Coquard’s La Jacquerie revived by Palazzetto Bru Zane

Posted on August 27, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Lalo/Coquard: La Jacquerie  Radio France/Palazzetto Bru Zane (ES 1023) Édouard Lalo wasn’t averse to a bit of recycling. He raided his 1868 opera Fiesque for both his Symphony in G minor and his most famous opera, Le Roi d’Ys. He … Continue reading →

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London in Liverpool: Manze and RLPO launch new Vaughan Williams cycle in style

Posted on July 13, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Vaughan Williams: Symphonies 2 & 8 RLPO/Andrew Manze (Onyx 4155) One of the most memorable of Proms concerts in recent years was a trio of Vaughan Williams’ symphonies conducted by Andrew Manze in 2012. He led the BBC Scottish quite … Continue reading →

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