(3 / 5)

An all female driven programme is appealing with the build up to International Women’s Day around the corner. Cecilia Damström had a UK premiere with ICE. A fine little opener, the lone vibraphone and dense orchestral textures had a decent amount of unease. Blood curdling strings would offer severity to the pot, Damström clearly likes both worlds of music making: experimentation and more conventional forms. The addition of a bike bell is certainly unique!

It’s always a pleasure to see Clare Hammond back in Cardiff. A pianist of great renown, the chance to hear a world premiere should have been blockbuster. The Piano Concerto from Ninfea Cruttwell-Reade had smatterings of Ravel and Thomas Newman. Strangely, as the orchestra geared up to present the opening cadenza for Hammond, she played tutti with the orchestra. It was underwhelming, you could barely find her playing audible in the fray. These issues would continue throughout and as it went on, there was not a lot that stood out. A slow movement which went on too long, a fairly passable finale and an all round uncertainty over this being an actual concerto were the concerns.

Maestro Emilia Hoving offered up elbow flexing conducting. She is very watchable in charge, her endorsing of Grace William’s and her 1st Sympony had more allure. ‘Grace’ (as this concert has been titled) proved to be one of the finest composers from Wales in the last century. Also known as the Symphonic Impressions, this has promise (she would go on to write another symphony and plenty more orchestral work). Though…this is not really to my taste. A trumpet solo is extensive, the sense of alarm and clinging to Romantic sensibility are it features. It is very busy with its focus, never clear in mood nor pacing. A great amount of ‘searching’ seems to have gone into this, to create a symphony which for a first effort is fine, but needed more balance.

Listen on BBC Sounds

(4 / 5)

The new year in the Welsh capital saw concerns over the disarming of history, nursing and music studies at Cardiff University. The arts are becoming a deeply rooted concern, as well as further rug pulls, National Theatre Wales bows out as well. Still, St. David’s Hall the concert hall for Wales remains closed. This major hub for the BBC National Orchestra of Wales may not be in use for at least another year or two.

We’ve settled into Hoddinott Hall down the Bay, as have the orchestra for all Cardiff based concerts. Some of these events can boast sell outs, thanks to thrilling programmes and guest artists. Issues expressed before in reviews would prevail and need attention. I’m talking about the lack of physical programmes and tonight, a lack of a libretto for the French sung operatic outing (the equipped venue would fare well with a surtitle screen). No one really wants to read on their phone with a digital programme.

Jamie Martín is a natural conductor, who would herald the start of a fine concert thanks to Ravel’s ‘Mother Goose’. This being the full ballet version, as with the composer it is often light and mostly charming in execution. Typical tales of Beauty and the Beast, Sleeping Beauty and lesser-known stories are within these bars. The eloquence of the orchestration would go onto influence music inspired by fantasy and fairy tales in media, such as a standout it remains. Putting personal taste aside with Ravel, the whole work has hurrying, shimmering moments. I could see this being a nice intro to classical music for children, yet it doesn’t seem to be the first choice. The orchestra captured the fine bristle of all the movements, its grandeur mounting up to a sweet closing.

A rare opera arrival for Hoddinott, with that of soprano Danielle de Niese and Poulenc’s ‘La voix humaine’ or ‘The Human Voice’. One of the finest one-act operas from the 20th Century, this taking of Cocteau’s play sees an intimate scope. The only character is a lady who in a desperate flux, speaks to her lover on the phone, the conspiracy of a breakup the dramatic punch of the plot. With a sad send off, Poulenc and his full use of orchestra throughout is mighty. The pounding and plucking of the alert score become more engrossing as this woeful tableau goes on. The xylophone is the clever ringing of the dreaded telephone (who has a landline anymore?), as each call faces connection issues, wrongs numbers and flashes of this vanishing lover.

Ubiquitous to Glyndebourne audiences, this is de Niese’s first time with BBC NOW. I’d dare say it was a success, the French sounded perfect, the acting flustered, yet paced. Her voice holds truth and a graceful, unwavering flight, never a half measure in anything she does. It’s time we see her back again with Welsh National Opera. It must happen.

(4 / 5)

With the tenure of Antonio Pappano with the London Symphony Orchestra now under way, London will be treated to both concert and operatic offerings. The idea of these concert operas are mouth-watering, the first outing was Puccini’s La rondine.

One of the Italian masters lesser known works, it owes a lot to La traviata and the glamour yesteryear of Paris. Though the story has a focus on comedy for the first two acts, the love story flutters about in the third act, not necessarily fulfilling the narrative structure. Musically, this is a sparkly affair: lots of fun and mirth from all involved. The sweeping melodies are met with Puccini’s modern harmonies, clever in many ways. There is the famous aria and absurdly soaring high notes, ensemble moments that hark back to Verdi, who’s shoulders Puccini rests on. 

Pappano and the orchestra were pristine, this was their second performance of La rondine this week. Everything was acute and perfect. Strangely out of all the instruments aside the strings, it was the marvellous glockenspiel and harp that stood out. The piano also featured, though is used less effectively in the pot. The chorus were also a triumph playing rowdy students and party goes, all that was missing was the champagne bottles in hand. The time was brief though they shone in the middle act, you couldn’t resist their impeccable charms.

The cast were also great. Carolina López Moreno as Magda de Civry was the stand out, our beloved diva with a voice working extremely well here. Her control and drive for these luxurious moments never waned, a real star. Michael Fabiano as Ruggero Lastouc is here love interest and is just as fine. His hefty role for tenor has a lot in it, vocally very intense and Fabiano pulls many things off to acclaim. The maid Lisette, Serena Gamberoni has her nose in the air, with a genuine dislike for Magda, a second soprano role that is not always noteworthy. She seemed to enjoy the fussy role anyway and sang well. Paul Appleby as Prunier who is in love with Lisette, gets curious, funny bars his tenor working really well in Puccini. He gets the most laughs and is not a bad actor either. There were several party going supporting roles that also shone, too many to mention, but some up and coming and established singers were in the fold.

It’s a short affair under two hours and musically is rather pleasing. The story may not grip like other Puccini, yet for its size and colour it’s a lovely thing to admire. 

(4 / 5)

It’s been on the bucket list for a while to see the emerging superstar pianist Khatia Buniatishvili. With her season at the Barbican, she is playing in an array of varied repertoire. This is all very exciting and the time to see her live was upon me. Before this, Academy of St Martin in the Fields set of with Mozart’s Don Giovanni Overture. Director Benjamin Marquise Gilmore lead as first violin, taking over conducting duties without ever needing to conduct. The energy between him and the players is magnetic, Mozart’s spiralling themes and punches hit the audience as they have done for centuries.

Khatia had planned to rather ambitiously perform the solo for two Mozart concerti, though this would fall through. Though her time spent with his Piano Concerto No. 23. This was in many ways perfection, Khatia arrived to the stage in a golden dress, one statement of many. Her playing is effortless (so glad I could see the keys and her hands) graceful yet also violent. Her little moments of conducting, clutching of fists in the air after dramatic passages and her swaying are poetry. This famous concerto has wide appeal and with Khatia playing, each of the three movements were a joy. Her playing of the stupendous Adagio was creamy and oh so right. It’s empowering seeing a musician on this scale. The encore was the very well known Debussy that delighted the audience and left us keen to see her in the new year.

The cancelled other Mozart concerto was replaced respectfully with Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture. The German composer vividly recounted his trip to Scotland with watery cleverness and a sweeping orchestration. Again, the players were were a resounding success, the balance calibrated to a fine set. Fittingly, Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 was the finale. Dubbed the ‘London’, this master of the craft gave thrills and laughs abound. Eccentric in nature, its four movements are curious and noteworthy for their almost ironic tone.

We were then gifted an encore of Sibelius’ Nocturne, the serene flute from Michael Cox the definition of pianissimo. I could not have found a better wrap up.  

(2 / 5)

It’s the wrap up for BBC NOW for the year. Those feeling festive can savour their upcoming Messiah and Christmas thrills, though for me it ends with a more formal offering.

Gabriella Smith started things off with a vivid seascape, that of Tumblebird Contrails. Here the eerie nature of the sea and its command over humans is displayed in a full throttle delivery. I noticed the strings and percussion as stand outs. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a cymbal struck on a timpani drum, so that’s a first. Fairly uneasy in the crescendo harmony, I still found it compelling even if it was brief and for me, the highlight of the night.

Simon Wills continued as both composer and methodical conductor (the rest of the concert was under the baton of a thrilled Geoffrey Paterson) in a sort of James Joyce inspired work. ‘Nora Barnacle Assumes Command’ is a new trumpet concerto and Wills claimed it is not necessarily inspired by the duo. Nora was lovers with Joyce for years and their first meeting is mirrored in his megalithic novel Ulysses. I’m sad to say, it was very conventional and might just be the most dull world premiere I’ve ever heard. Donal Bannister as soloist proves his talents, yet the piece never really shows him off, its greyscale never enchanced. We’ve seen Bannister in BBC NOW for years and his talks on Mahler were always bright and piffy. Aside from fun circus and ommpa passages, I was unmoved by this venture. Pity.

Celebrating his 150th birthday, Charles Ives saw a smattering of performance of his work this year. Ryan Bancroft (pictured) was meant to take over this night for Ives’ Symphony No. 1, the American maestro has excelled in the past with his other symphonies and tone poems. This is early Ives, prior to his plunge into wealth (thanks to a lucrative insurance firm) and his famous experimentation within music. He would create pieces decades before their time, even with some academics claiming he wrote this work much later. His 1st, is extremely safe and again, a bit boring. Inspiration from hymns and marching bands feel present yet never developed into anything really note worthy. Even the rich ‘American sound’ is not here and made me crave much more wild work such as his 4th Symphony or Three Pieces in New England. Aside from the Three Page Sonata, this was the only Ives I heard live in this birthday year…I was hoping to hear heaps more.

It also has to be noted that even with this live on the radio, some audience members choose to talk and thumble about during the music. We’ve had issues before and we can dream that these get ironed out. We’re all here to listen and make discoveries. Let’s respectfully share the joy together in quietness. Also, with the plea for physical programmes to come back to the space, there are improvements to be made. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the new year’s concerts much more: Poulenc, Boulez and Messiaen prove promising.

Listen on BBC Sounds now. 

(4 / 5)

A new ensemble to discover. Some familiar faces along the way. New work and experimental master abound. Helen Grime and her Seven Pierrot Miniatures took fitting poetry not used in the later Schoenberg as the bedrock for this. Pierrot being the clown icon of the Commedia dell’arte character from Italian culture is the foundation for half the programme. Grime’s music here is fluffy, strange, almost evocative. A premiere from Piers Hellawell…Woodsmoke. This would be Robert Plane on clarinet, best know to Welsh (and BBC Proms) audiences as leader of the instrument for BBC NOW and Tim Horton on piano. A harsh work, still very much in a rigid form, though alert and heightened with fine furies from both players.

It would be Brahms to cleanse the pallet, that of his Trio for Clarinet, Cello & Piano in A minor. Unlike his other pieces, Brahms has an effortless idea after idea in this trio. The melodies flow and are at ease with the three players. Whilst Plane lead in many ways, cellist Gemma Rosefield also found alluring offerings, the writing for her instrument she seemed to truly savour. Those of you who know me might scoff at Brahms, yet when he does it right (in such instances like a piece like this) there can be magic and an accessible scope.

Lastly for what I was here for: Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire. Soprano Claire Booth has recorded this with the Ensemble to glowing reviews, so expectations were high. This is Schoenberg before the tight Twelve-tone technique he would be most famous for. What this is however is a bizarre, vivid, uncompromised set of songs with a singer who talks, as opposed to singing proper. This ‘sprechgezane’ changes little over it’s more than twenty movements, only altering in temperament, volume and enunciation. For the early years of the 20th Century, its bonkers and a thrill to those willing to respect it. The ensemble play with expressive density and allure, Booth savouring this peculiar piece with sharp set of performative skills throughout. A plus one not akin to this as much asked me during: “Why is everything in German so intense??” That cannot be denied.

(4 / 5)

It’s been over a decade I’d say since last seeing the great Sarah Connolly. Now a Dame, one of England’s finest mezzos spent an evening at Wigmore with a inspired programme. Whilst Imogen Cooper could not make it on piano (a decision apparently made months ago), Joseph Middleton gave the honours.

In an all German first half, it was everything I’d ever need. In Schumann’s 6 Gedichte von N Lenau und Requiem (bare with me, this is correct), we got a splendid account from Connolly. Her German sounds great and is a lovely actor too, the sensuality and aching in the verse bleeds out. Her voice never overbears at all. The mezzo is finely crafted, the gusto she brings but a thrill to all. These German themes would continue with Huge Wolf and a fine selection of his songs. These too were superb, dare I say even more thrilling than the prior. A rich evocative nature was the aura of these, Middleton also as strong in these allusive bars which never gave away all their secrets.

After the break, a breakneck voyage to France, England and the United States. Debussy’s Chansons de Bilitis, was a deeply allusive set of three magical songs filled with merriment. Henri Duparc (who usually crops up at French recital’s) had the Extase in this continuation of the Gallic themes. Not as perceptive as the Debussy, though light and bright, filled with smiles. A selection of Benjamin Britten folk arrangements charmed, even with his stuffy ironies. ‘Sephestia’s Lullaby’ from A Charm of Lullabies was a stand out, a whiplash delivery in a nursery rhyme patter, so fetching the audience lapped it up. An end with songs of Samuel Barber was a more solemn turn, the solemn words of James Joyce ringing true. ‘Sleep now’ one of a few surprises, it was just a bit dreary to end with. Still the musicianship was razor-sharp, as expected.

The encore was Tangoes by Richard Rodney Bennett, what finer way to send us off?

(3 / 5)

After two concerts over the space of a day, I was not quite yet done with Wigmore Hall.  The next afternoon, we got an afternoon dubbed ‘Au cimetière de Montmarte’, a tribute to the cultural district in Paris. Though this was mostly a French programme, we started in German with Robert Schumann. His Dichterliebe were a delightful collection of songs. These little pieces oozed with love, and more love, nature and landscapes and a passion for the heroic. So brief, over in a few bars and they delighted in every sense. Tender listening.

Julien is a fine baritone  but my one reservation are the high notes. They go into a realm of the almost uneasy, an enforcement not pleasing at all. Though the middle register is great, the low notes wonderous pools of depth. On to France with Berlioz and Lili Boulanger, the later being much more intriguing. The former’s extracts from Les nuits d’ete were witty and sombre, though with Lili we gets lots of ideas and impressionisms. Her Attente is new to me, though anytime we hear her it’s quite special, her tragically early death snubbed out a composer of real talent.

Poulenc and his Banalités are cheeky portions of froth and nostalgia in equal measure. The cabaret is very much the setting, the mood is sultry and fun. Pianist Alphonse Cemi looks like he enjoys the material just as much as our singer, playing with an abandon little seen today, fast and truly tight when needed. Further merry treats from Guilbert and Trenet ended this Parisian voyage. It was one of light humour, conversational insights and of moody illusions. An English classic as an encore: A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square was musically just about right, bringing us back to our current local. 

(4 / 5)

The BBC Singers remain one of many musical institutions who have been compromised by politics and funding. We’ve seen all the dismal activity in Wales with some of our groups, we really feel all this is happening at the wrong time.

This wonderful concert in a perfect venue had all the right features. Condensed down to 70 minutes and with the loss of conductor Sofi Jeannin, it would be Nicholas Chalmers who would take the plucky reins. This John Taverner heavy concert was filled with light, beauty and hope. Samuel Barber’s Angus Dei, better known as the Adagio for Strings in its quartet arrangement is famous and remains as powerful as when it was written. The Singers excel here, brooding harmonies and gentle harmonics are their powerhouse. Kristina Arakelyan’s Evening Prayer has few tricks nor frills, though was a miniature of grace, a subtlety not heard for some time.

Tavener’s Funeral Ikos is taken from the Greek Orthodox Church for when one of their priests dies. With stirring vocals and the sharing of the passages between the gendered singing groups, it could only be moving. The “Alleluias” are particularly strong, warm and golden as they stretch out between all. A return from Arakelyan, this time her Holocaust Memorial Day Hymn. This smooth writing comes from a composer in her youth, filled with promise. I’d like her to push the envelope and try out more experimental things.

Repurposed for Princess Diana’s funeral, Song for Athene was heard by over a billion people that day. It never loses its footing, the pacing is perfect too. Grabbing slices of Hamlet and more Orthodox wording, the chorus had moments of sheer wonder here. You are always pleased when it’s on the programme and it should leave many eyes teary. A more recent outing from 2014 with Tavener’s Requiem Fragments was the end this night. Having died the year prior, this send off saw its premiere at the Proms in London. Inspired by Renaissance master Josquin des Pres, these fragments also feature a string quartet and three trombones.

It’s odd in many ways, though filled with bracing, pretty moments you’d always expect. The quartet add a lot of power in the blend with the singers. The trombones are used sparingly, if little more then plodding and brief declarations. With Hindu texts melding with Latin, it felt like one of many latter offerings of Tavener and his fascination with faiths of the world. Even the opening words are a zen like “Ommmmm”. The solo for soprano stood behind us in her lush choral is then mirrored by the chrous, a standout of the piece and then done again for good measure. I think I may have preferred this upon its first outing, listening on the radio a decade ago.