Tag Archives: Christopher Purves

Shadows among the organ pipes: an enigmatic Pelléas et Mélisande on location in Glyndebourne

Posted on July 1, 2018 by Mark Pullinger

Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande *** Glyndebourne, 30th June 2018 Claude Debussy was no stranger to Sussex. In 1905, he corrected the proofs of La Mer while staying at the Grand Hotel, Eastbourne. But did he ever make it to Lewes or call … Continue reading →

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Rattle leads the LSO on a thrilling ride into the abyss

Posted on September 20, 2017 by Mark Pullinger

Berlioz: La Damnation de Faust **** Barbican Hall, 19th September 2017 “Diff! Diff! Belzébuth, Belphégor, Astaroth, Méphisto!” Once the hissing demons had greeted Méphistophélès, Faust’s soul successfully delivered after their Ride into the Abyss, calm was restored to the Barbican … Continue reading →

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Circle of Life: Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen returns to Glyndebourne

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Janáček: The Cunning Little Vixen **** Glyndebourne Festival Opera, 12th June 2016 Seventy years before Elton John’s “The Circle of Life” graced The Lion King, Leoš Janáček celebrated nature’s cycle in The Cunning Little Vixen. His inspiration was drawn from … Continue reading →

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Signed off with an orchestral flourish: Written on Skin at the Barbican

Posted on March 20, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Benjamin: Written on Skin ***** Mahler CO/Benjamin, Barbican, 19th March 2016 There is no doubt that George Benjamin’s opera Written on Skin is a modern masterpiece. Since its 2012 première at Aix-en-Provence, it has conquered the world. Shorn of Katie Mitchell’s … Continue reading →

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