Tenebrae has clearly reached that point in its timeline when it could build a roster of virtually unknown pieces and still attract an audience, safe in the knowledge that its…
Author: David Truslove
The Tree: themed tribute disc from the Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge
This celebrated choir occupies the lion’s share of an album shared with Yale Schola Cantorum and former members and friends of the college. It comprises live performances drawn from chapel…
Stylish performances in Handel’s The Choice of Hercules and Dettingen Te Deum
This disc of concert recordings made during the 2018 Göttingen International Handel Festival comprises a pair of late choral works from the German-born composer. One secular, the other sacred, each…
In the Bleak Midwinter: Christmas Carols from King’s
For those who like a physical recording of a world-renowned Christmas broadcast, this recent disc from the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge will provide a timely reminder of exceptional circumstances.…
Passion: operatic mix ‘n’ match from Véronique Gens
Passion is an imaginary opera built around the music of Jean-Baptiste Lully, and three of his pupils and contemporaries. It’s the result of discussions between Baroque specialist Véronique Gens and…
Lucy Crowe & Anna Tilbrook venture into new musical territory
Emotionally charged songs by Richard Strauss interleaved with youthful offerings by Alban Berg and Arnold Schoenberg form the basis for Lucy Crowe’s first disc with Linn under the title Longing.…
Philip Glass’s Satyagraha still captivates at English National Opera
After an eighteen-month absence, at least at the Coliseum, English National Opera is back on home turf and marking its return to live performance with a reboot of Philip Glass’s…
Mid Wales Opera tour Puccini’s dark-hued Il tabarro
Mid Wales Opera is back! Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this enterprising touring company launched its autumn season with Puccini’s one act tragedy Il tabarro. It was given at Brecon’s Theatr…
Mixed delights from The King’s Consort in Purcell’s Birthday Odes for Queen Mary
Between the years 1689 and 1694 Henry Purcell conceived six successive Birthday Odes for Queen Mary who, until her death in 1694, ruled jointly with her husband William of Orange.…
Ruby Hughes in spellbinding form in Songs for New Life and Love
At first glance Charles Ives and Gustav Mahler make unusual bed fellows. But on this excellent CD from BIS they flank a song cycle by Helen Grime to form a…