Classic Czech narratives meet a modern American response to a universal theme.

Anthony Marwood and George Enescu co-star in an exquisitely conceived program.

Dawn Upshaw, Anthony Marwood and Yevgeny Sudbin are among the guests at the ACO’s pre-fortieth birthday party. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

“Too much beer and bread,” said Paul Dukas about the music of Johannes Brahms, and certainly there have been some who have found the contrapuntal density of the Viennese master an inhibition. It would be a churlish listener, however, who could apply this prejudice to the violin sonatas, packed as they are with gentle lyricism,
 memorable melody and plenty 
of fresh air between the notes.
These three works, written over 
a ten-year period, show Brahms
 at his sunniest and have attracted distinguished interpreters. This 
latest CD features British violinist
 Anthony Marwood and his Serbian
 partner, pianist Aleksandar Madžar, recorded live at London’s Wigmore Hall. The duo recently delighted Australian audiences on their national tour for Musica Viva and so this CD is doubly welcome. The G Major Sonata here receives one of
 the loveliest readings I can recall, Marwood’s silvery tone spinning a continuous line with numerous inspired touches. A violinist with 
a lighter touch yields riches and offers greater flexibility than those who opt for melody at the expense of a more engaging conversational tone. The outer movements capture Brahms’s magical Viennese lilt and the poignant Adagio is especially memorable, its mellow song wistfully tugging at the heart. Madžar here……

Music, wine and conversation flow freely at Mudgee’s Mecca of chamber music.

On the transformative power of music, whether played by professionals or underprivileged children. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in

Musica Viva and Limelight editor Francis Merson host an afternoon of intimate chamber music and conversation.