Tag Archives: Schumann

Glimmers of light: Stephen Hough brings Wigmore Hall back to life

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Stephen Hough Wigmore Hall, 1st June 2020 It would usually be every performer’s nightmare, walking onto the stage and peering out into the audience… to see every single seat unoccupied. Yet when Stephen Hough strode out onto Wigmore’s Hall’s hallowed … Continue reading →

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Passionate, ebullient Rachmaninov from Paavo Jarvi and the NHK

Posted on February 25, 2020 by Mark Pullinger

Paavo Järvi/ NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo Royal Festival Hall, 24th February 2020 After his self-imposed exile from Russia in 1918, Sergei Rachmaninov never conducted his Second Symphony. Perhaps it was too painful a reminder of home – there’s something so … Continue reading →

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Tales of Hoffmann and the Hammerklavier: Yuja Wang scales summits in Verbier

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Verbier Festival: Yuja Wang *** Salle des Combins, 27th July 2016 Chinese pianist Yuja Wang has forged a stellar reputation thus far founded on flashy repertoire. Her Rachmaninov is dazzling, as is her Ravel. Recently though, she has taken steps … Continue reading →

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Worshipping at the shrine of Grigory Sokolov in Verbier

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Verbier Festival: Grigory Sokolov ***** L’Église de Verbier, 26th July 2016 It was apt that Grigory Sokolov gave this recital in Verbier’s church. The cult Russian pianist, who refuses to play in the UK due to visa regulations, only gives a … Continue reading →

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Flights of fancy: Niquet and the Brussels Phil soar in César Franck

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Mark Pullinger

Fauré, Schumann, Franck *** Brussels Philharmonic/Niquet, Cadogan Hall, 27th May 2016 Fledglings nervously poised for take-off will perch on the edge of their nest, flexing gangly legs, bobbing heads, stretching their wings before launching into the air. Perhaps Hervé Niquet … Continue reading →

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