Perth Festival’s Russian Soul: The Story of Rachmaninov in Song

By David Smythe, 28 May 2021

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“a fascinating and enlightening insight into another side of a composer we think we know”

Reviewed at Perth Theatre, Perth on 27 May 2021

Rachmaninov, Lilacs (Siren'), Op.21 no.5

Rachmaninov, At my window, Op.26 no.10

Rachmaninov, Sorrow in Springtime, Op.21 no.12

Rachmaninov, How fair this spot (Zdes' khorosho), Op.21 no.7

Rachmaninov, Do not believe me, friend (Ne ver'mne drug), Op.14 no.7

Rachmaninov, Let me not hear your sing, my beauty

Rachmaninov, Do not believe me, friend (Ne ver'mne drug), Op.14 no.7

Rachmaninov, The Dream (Son), Op.38 no.5

Rachmaninov, The pied piper, Op.38 no.4

Rachmaninov, Vocalise, Op.34 no.14

Ilona Domnich, Soprano

Sholto Kynoch, Piano

Michael White, Spoken word

Henschel and Kynoch deliver a haunting Winterreise at Oxford Lieder

Mark Valencia, 27th February

Oxford Lieder's theme may be 'Winter into Spring', but in Schubert’s Winterreise, snow lies deep throughout with nary a glimpse of warmer prospects.

****1

In the footsteps of Hafez: exploring Persian poetry at Oxford Lieder

Mark Pullinger, 11th October

A deep-dive into the world of 14th-century Persian poet, Hafez, and his influence on song across the centuries.

****1

Dangerous Liaisons and Magic Horns close Oxford Lieder

Mark Pullinger, 26th October

The final day of Oxford Lieder's 80-event festival was framed by two recitals taking us from the world of German folklore andDes Knaben Wunderhorn, to the pain and drama of romantic entanglements.

****1

A Russian journey of the spirit at King's Place

John Johnston, 12th May

Joan Rodger's idiomatic soprano and the surging cello obbligato were revelatory in this symbolist paean.

****1

A Schumann rarity at the Oxford Lieder Festival

Roy Westbrook, 26th October

An old instrument, a veteran star singer, and a late rose all bloom at Oxford's annual songfest.

****1

Franz Schubert in 1824

Emily Owen, 4th October

Players from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment play Schubert's Octet in F major alongside Lieder from 1824 sung by Roderick Williams, Mary Bevan, Robert Murray and Rozanna Madylus, accompanied by Sholto Kynoch.

***11

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David Smythe

David the farmer was drawn into music through choirs, orchestras, taking part in and directing 'serious' opera as a student. Passionate about live classical music, particularly chamber opera, unusual pieces and events and giving the next generation the tools to engage with the classical world.