Chillingly dark Ravel from the Philharmonia

By Katy Wright, 14 February 2015

Loading, please wait...

See full listing

“Sabine Devieilhe... her frothy coloratura passagework was flawless”

Reviewed at Royal Festival Hall, London on 12 February 2015

Dutilleux, Correspondances

Ravel, Piano Concerto in G major

Ravel, L'Enfant et les sortilèges

Philharmonia Orchestra

Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor

Dame Mitsuko Uchida, Piano

Barbara Hannigan, Soprano

Chloé Briot, Soprano

Elodie Méchain, Mezzo-soprano

Andrea Hill, Mezzo-soprano

Omo Bello, Soprano

Sabine Devieilhe, Soprano

François Piolino, Tenor

Nicolas Courjal, Bass

Jean-Sébastien Bou, Baritone

Philharmonia Voices

Irina Brown, Director

When time stands still: the Philharmonia revisits Strauss

Jessica Duchen, 4th June

The Philharmonia, Santtu-Matias Rouvali and Benjamin Grosvenor shine in the recreation of an all-Strauss extravaganza that was conducted in 1947 by the composer himself.

****1

Viennese splendour in Garsington’s Rosenkavalier revival

Roy Westbrook, 28th May

Bruno Ravella's splendid 2021 production of Strauss' opera of Viennese manners returns with a fine cast.

****1

Garsington’s new La traviata ticks every musical and dramatic box

David Karlin, 27th May

Music Director Douglas Boyd conducts a performance of exceptional musical quality, and Louisa Muller's uncontroversial but passionate direction makes this Traviata one for the ages.

*****

Classical grace and Romantic eloquence from the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 7th May

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

****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.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

More reviews...

Katy Wright

As News Editor at Rhinegold, Katy contributes news pieces and longer features to publications including Classical Music, Music Teacher and International Piano (both digital and print editions). She writes on a freelance basis for publications including Sinfini Music and TEMPO.

L'enfant et les sortilèges: Chillingly dark Ravel from Salonen and the Philharmonia