Sala: Wiener Musikverein, Viena

Bychkov and his sterling Czech forces are joined by Renaud Capuçon for a contrasting all-Tchaikovsky programme on their second day at the Vienna Musikverein.

The distinctive sound of the orchestra that seems to encapsulate centuries of Central-European tradition – glowing violins, characterful winds and some of the most pregnant brass you can hear – bloomed in the marvellous acoustics of the Musikverein.

The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra triumphs under inspiring conducting in Vienna.

Excellent chamber orchestras are a true pleasure to behold. The Wiener Virtuosen were in their element in an evening of Mozart, Mahler and Dvořák. 

Whether one prefers more raw emotion and large-scale architecture or is thrilled by perfectly sculpted individual masterpieces, this was undeniably chamber music of the highest order.

The soul of the composer seems very much alive in her touch, particularly in his most retrospective moments.

Unlike the conucopia of duets Verdi wrote for soprano and baritone, his music for soprano and bass is much more limited and what exists is not exactly the acme of his output.

If Beethoven referred to his own compositional approach as “redend” (speaking), then Levit speaks him clearly, beautifully and fluently.