Celebrating the art of live performance in Vienna

By Peter Reynolds, 14 April 2016

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Reviewed at Musikverein: Brahms-Saal, Vienna on 12 April 2016

Bach, Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue in D minor, BWV903

Beethoven, Piano Sonata no. 21 in C major "Waldstein", Op.53

Strauss II, Other (Polkas)

Schubert, Piano Sonata no. 17 in D major "Gasteiner", D.850

Paul Badura-Skoda, Piano

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

Alexandre Kantorow in recital: a pianophile’s dream

Sam Jacobson, 16th April

A daring mix of rarities and late masterpieces at Severance Music Center confirms Alexandre Kantorow as a pianist of both staggering technique and uncommon depth.

*****

Dependable Mozart and Mendelssohn from the RLPO

Glyn Mon Hughes, 16th April

Aurel Dawidziuk and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra explore darkness and light, although the drama does not always bringing the audience to the edge of its collective seat.

***11

Tarmo Peltokoski conducts the Hallé in Mahler and Vaughan Williams

Leighton Jones, 16th April

Mahler’s Rückert-Lieder provide an apt, if somewhat unexpected, partner to Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony in Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.

****1

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Peter Reynolds

Peter Reynolds was a composer and writer on music living in Cardiff. He was a part-time member of staff at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and, in 2009, published a history of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Very sadly he passed away on 11th October 2016.

Paul Badura-Skoda celebrates the art of live performance in Vienna