Category Archives: CD

Round Britten: the operas on disc

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Mark Pullinger

Last week, I finally got my hands on the new 50 pence piece the Royal Mint issued to commemorate Britten’s centenary, inscribed with lyrics from his ‘Serenade for tenor, horn and strings’. It’s appearance in my sticky paws is nearly … Continue reading →

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“One that lov’d not wisely but too well”: Antonenko a thrilling Otello

Posted on October 11, 2013 by Mark Pullinger

Verdi: Otello Riccardo Muti/Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO Resound) As destiny would have it, the latest disc to land on the review pile following my final report on the gigantic Tutto Verdi box was this concert recording of Otello from Chicago. … Continue reading →

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Dazzling technique, psychedelic cover: Rossini from Aleksandra Kurzak

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Mark Pullinger

Rossini: Bel raggio; Aleksandra Kurzak (Decca) ***** Singer cancellations, though greeted by some with groans of disappointment, frequently offer opportunities for less garlanded singers to step in and make a name for themselves. In 2008, Polish soprano Aleksandra Kurzak replaced … Continue reading →

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Poème d’un jour: Ailyn Pérez

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Mark Pullinger

Poème d’un jour: Songs by Hahn, Fauré, Obradors, Turina and de Falla; Massenet – Manon (arias); Ailyn Pérez, Iain Burnside (Rosenblatt Recitals/ Opus Arte OA CD9013 D, 68 minutes) Every so often, a singer comes along who completely bowls you … Continue reading →

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Virtuosity for virtuosity’s sake: Valentina Lisitsa’s Rachmaninov disappoints

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Mark Pullinger

Rachmaninov: Piano Concertos Nos. 1-4; Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini Valentina Lisitsa; London Symphony Orchestra/ Michael Francis (Decca) The tale of Ukrainian-born Valentina Lisitsa’s unconventional rise to fame through internet clips on Youtube is now relatively well-known. I was … Continue reading →

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