Live, Video: Kritiken zu klassischen Konzerten, Opern, Ballett und Tanz finden | Piano Sonata no. 2, “Concord, Mass., 1840–60”

Revolutionary music, a century on: Pierre-Laurent Aimard excels in Schoenberg and Ives.

Marc-André Hamelin opens his recital with the uncompromising demands of Ives’ Concord Sonata, followed by suites of Schumann and Ravel.

Although Michael Tilson Thomas's reading of Mahler's First Symphony left a little to be desired, Jeremy Denk joined them for an utterly convincing reading of Cowell's Piano Concerto. 

Concerts by Canadian pianist Marc-André Hamelin are always challenging and exciting: a fearless approach to repertoire and unusual programme juxtapositions, combined with insightful musicianship, all underpinned by formidable technique create some of the most compelling musical experiences, and Hamelin’s latest Wigmore Hall offering was no exception.Opening with Charles Ives’ Piano Sonata no.

“It’s a contra-alto clarinet,” explained Ben Goldberg to an audience puzzled at the first sight of this long, coiled silver instrument. “But it can be used to clean your sink in an emergency.