Tag Archives: Decca

Round Britten: the operas on disc

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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Dazzling technique, psychedelic cover: Rossini from Aleksandra Kurzak

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

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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A whiff of greasepaint: Verdi crackling with theatricality from Chailly at La Scala

Viva Verdi! Filarmonica della Scala/ Riccardo Chailly (Decca 478 3559) Riccardo Chailly conducts Verdi at La Scala all too infrequently. In the past decade, there has been a 2006 Rigoletto, followed by the Franco Zeffirelli production of Aida, where Roberto … Continue reading

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