Review: A Thousand Charms (Grace Davidson, Julian Perkins)
A stylish odyssey across two centuries of English song.
Rebecca Franks is a freelance classical music writer, journalist and editor. One of the classical music critics for The Times in the UK, she previously worked for BBC Music Magazine for over a decade, first as Reviews Editor and then Managing Editor.
A stylish odyssey across two centuries of English song.
Porpora’s battle of the castrati scrubs up nicely.
Rameau’s heavenly twins are restored to their former glories.
Savall transforms a pair of ugly ducklings into swans.
A Czech and one of his greatest fans make for a perfect pair.
Opera Rara restores Verdi’s first thoughts to stellar effect.
McVinnie puts contemporary cool into the pipe organ.
Mythology and tradition collide to create Fujikura’s distinctive musical worlds.
The completist’s Carousel get the John Wilson treatment.
Australian composer’s portrait album offers contemplative soul food.
Norwegian trumpeter and her girl (brass) band blaze a trail.
Bychkov embraces his inner Czech with a magisterial national masterpiece.
Infectious enthusiasm is a hallmark of these vibrant performances.