Anna Fedorova compelling in Chopin

By Mark Thomas, 18 January 2018

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“a fiery determination that pierced through the music in whirls of spiralling frenzy”

Reviewed at Smith Square Hall, London on 17 January 2018

Chopin, Ballade no. 1 in G minor, Op.23

Chopin, Ballade no. 2 in F major, Op.38

Chopin, Ballade no. 3 in A flat major, Op.47

Chopin, Ballade no. 4 in F minor, Op.52

Chopin, Waltz no. 1 in E flat major "Grande Valse Brillante", Op.18

Chopin, Grandes Valses Brillantes, Op.34

Chopin, Waltz no. 5 in A flat major, Op.42

Chopin, 3 Waltzes, Op.64

Anna Fedorova, Piano

Karabits flies the flag for Ukraine at the Barbican

Mark Pullinger, 15th January

“Peace Shall Defeat War” is the apposite subtitle of the finale to Boris Lyatoshynsky's Third Symphony, a work championed by Kirill Karabits in a concert featuring his fellow Ukrainian Anna Fedorova playing Rachmaninov.

****1

Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra debuts at the BBC Proms

Leighton Jones, 31st July

Bringing a programme of music from their homeland and works with resonance to the people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Freedom Orchestra make a strong impression.

****1

A dream of a Gerontius from Pappano, the LSO and Chorus

Roy Westbrook, 21st April

Giving their 27th performance of the oratorio, the London Symphony Chorus excel as angelic angels and demonic demons.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

Nicholas McGegan brings delicacy and elegance to Mendelssohn

Erica Miner, 18th April

The Seattle Symphony offers an enchanting evening immersed in the joy and brilliance of both the young and the mature genius of Felix Mendelssohn.

****1

Picture postcard Spain from the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia

Phil Parker, 17th April

Vibrant, colourful music is played with every last ounce of enthusiasm as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Galicia rounds off its UK tour at Sheffield City Hall.

****1

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Mark Thomas

A lifelong devotee of classical music, Mark caught the bug after listening to The Planets, The Rite of Spring and Beethoven’s Fifth when he was knee-high to a grasshopper. He has degrees in non-musical subjects and currently works as a Chartered Governance Professional, but these have proved to be mere distractions from the wonders of sonatas, concertos and symphonies. He has been reviewing for Bachtrack since 2016, plays viola and violin (very shakily) and used to sing a bit (even more shakily).

Laments and sparkles: Anna Fedorova compelling in Chopin