★★★★½ Forceful renditions of Debussy, Bach and Beethoven reveal inspired insights. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 24, 2016
Competitions are mad, bad and dangerous for musicians, right? Not always, explains the AD of SIPCA.
June 22, 2016
★★★★☆ A programme of new music with emotional punch to defy the expectations of contemporary haters. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 15, 2016
★★★★½ Gavrylyuk stuns in knife-edged journey to Austria, France and Russia. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 14, 2016
As a teen, a chance encounter with Isaac Stern set the Isreali violinist on the road to greatness. He shares his story. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 9, 2016
There's substance aplenty in the Chinese superstar's mercurial Chopin.
June 8, 2016
★★★★★ The superstar pianist dazzles Brisbane in an unforgettable concert. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 8, 2016
From the concerts to the clothes, he’s never been just your average pianist. We catch up with the classical celebrity. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
June 3, 2016
Imagine the archaeological thrill of tracking down musical manuscripts and finding works which have been unheard for centuries. In 2011, the Morgan Library in New York acquired a manuscript which alternates sonatas by Soler and Domenico Scarlatti (who influenced Soler’s writing deeply). Of Soler’s works in the collection, 29 were previously unknown and are recorded here for the first time. With a treasure trove of new music before him, harpsichordist Diego Ares can enjoy the interpretive freedom afforded by works without the weight of expectation. While he was composing in Spain in what is ostensibly the late Baroque, to my ears Soler’s style is more similar to that of style galant composers like CPE Bach, with an emphasis on the melodic line and musical twists aplenty. Ares’ playful style perfectly suits this music, which often breaks into a spirited flurry of semiquavers or dashes away with another fresh melody just when it is least expected. Soler’s improvisatory compositional style is reflected in some clever programming. Ares’ notes discuss Soler’s publication of rules for improvising modulations to remote keys, and indeed Ares uses a similar method to insert a few linking passages in between sonatas. Though brief, these… Continue reading Get…
June 2, 2016
Lang Lang may have made the grade, but would a young Sokolov pick up a recording contract today?
June 2, 2016
The fourth in our series of interviews with the jurors for the Sydney International Piano Competition of Australia.
June 1, 2016
Bluegrass masters and Spanish virtuosi on offer at this year’s four-day Festival in the South Australian capital. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in
May 30, 2016