 |
| To
return to Jessica's website,
just
close - (x) - any PDF Files that you opened. Thanks. |
| Articles
published by kind permission from the editors of these publications. Click on
logos. |
| |
|
Archive
will be updated with new (PDF Files) as articles appear. Please check regularly. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nicola Benedetti interview: ‘It’s hard when you feel you’re doing your part, but others aren’t doing theirs’
by Jessica Duchen |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Georg Friedrich Haas on 'Morgen und Abend': 'I don't do melodies'
'Expect soundscapes, not harmonies', says the composer of his Covent Garden premiere.
|
Calixto Bieito interview: Opera director on the inspiration behind his bloody new take on Verdi's 'The Force of Destiny'
Bieito has been likened to radical film directors such as Quentin Tarantino or Pedro Almodovar
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Royal Ballet's star duo reveal how they've become the best pairing in years
The red-haired stars Steven McRae and Iana Salenko praise each other in an exclusive interview at their rehearsal |
Max Richter's 'Sleep': The longest continuous piece of music broadcast by the BBC
As Max Richter prepares to premiere his eight-hour 'lullaby for a frenetic world', before a live, if slumbering, audience, he tells Jessica Duchen why he dreamt up the experiment |
Chineke! Europe's first professional orchestra of black and minority ethnic musicians launches
Its founder double-bassist Chi-chi Nwanoku talks to Jessica Duchen
|
1984: Ballet based on George Orwell's dystopian nightmare is not 'too dark' for the theatre
by Jessica Duchen
|
The Proms 2015: Why this year's programme seems a bit 'meh'
The beloved festival of classical music runs courtesy of the BBC from 17 July to 12 September
by Jessica Duchen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andre Rieu: How the Waltz King's concerts have inspired a cult following
by Jessica Duchen
|
Gabriel Prokofiev on the BBC's Ten Pieces, Nonclassical, and a new Carnival of the Animals
The grandson of Sergei tells Jessica Duchen how he aims to break the status quo in classical music
by Jessica Duchen
|
British soprano Rachel Nicholls interview: How my local school helped me rise to the top
Nicholls explains how she was schooled to become an opera star
by Jessica Duchen
|
The Proms: How will new director David Pickard steer the event with the BBC at a crossroads?
The Proms’ position will demand maintenance in the programming and requires a fine balance between the new and risky and the tried and tested
by Jessica Duchen
|
Soprano Danielle de Niese: 'I'm not the first singer to go back to work after having a baby'
De Niese and her husband, the Glyndebourne owner, Gus Christie, are expecting their first child at the end of this month. But that isn't stopping her tackling the lead roles in two Ravel operas at the world-famous festival
by Jessica Duchen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wayne McGregor talks Woolf Works ballet: 'flamboyant, very virtuosic dance'
Inspired by the novelist Virginia Woolf, it is set to start at the Royal Opera House later this month
by Jessica Duchen
|
Karol Szymanowski's 'Król Roger': A forgotten classic set to rule
The Royal Opera House debut next month is long overdue, says Jessica Duchen
|
Carmen with a twist: From toreador to city boy
Simon Stephens' modern take on Bizet's opera makes Carmen a man and Escamillo a hedge-funder
by Jessica Duchen
|
How Tansy Davies turned 9/11 into her opera 'Between Worlds'
Tansy Davies makes her operatic debut with a work about the attack on the Twin Towers. Despite the topic, it is a life-affirming piece, she tells Jessica Duchen
|
Brecht has lost none of his bite:
How the message from a 1920s opera resonates today
by Jessica Duchen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As 'The Indian Queen' opens, can Peter Sellars save the ENO?
As Purcell's 'The Indian Queen' opens, Jessica Duchen meets the man on a mission to save an opera company in crisis |
Der fliegende Holländer, Royal Opera House, review: An immersive and immersing experience
****
It pulls you into its depths even if you don’t get splashed en route
|
Bryn Terfel interview: Britain's best-loved baritone looks back on his 'wonderful journey' through the world's greatest operas.
Bryn Terfel takes the lead in Wagner's 'Der Fliegende Holländer'
by Jessica Duchen
|
Will Simon Rattle take over at the LSO?
Today's pre-eminent British conductor would arrive with a reputation for championing better conditions for artists
by Jessica Duchen
|
Tom Piper and Orfeo: From poppies to opera.
The designer of the Tower of London installation, Tom Piper is glad to be working backstage again, he tells Jessica Duchen
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Edward Watson on playing a very different sort of balletic prince in Mayerling
The Royal Ballet Principal on MacMillan’s dark tale of sex and violence. |
George Benjamin's Written on Skin: Sex, death and unusual instruments
Jessica Duchen speaks to the composer about his new opera. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
2014 / 2015 |
|
|
|
Why the male domination of classical music might be coming to an end
For decades – no, make that centuries – the classical music world has sidelined women, if not ignored them completely. But the balance may be finally shifting |
Judith Weir as Master of the Queen's Music is a vital step for new composers
As a once aspiring composer myself I know how difficult it is for women to enter – never mind succeed in – this profession |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2006 |
|
|
|
|
Obituary:
Nina Milkina
Russian émigré
pianist at the
forefront of the
'Mozart gold rush'
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2004/2003 |
Obituary:
Boris Pergamenschikow |
Obituary:
John Bingham |
Obituary:
Eugene Istomin
|
Obituary:
Rosalyn
Tureck |
Obituary:
John
Browning
Piano virtuoso of the New World |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2001 |
Obituary:
Fei-Ping Hsu
Chinese-American pianist |
1741:
a space odyssey
... the Goldberg Variations? |
Beecham -
as we knew him
|
Some
of my best friends are pianos
Mitsuko Uchida |
The
name dropper
Pianist Stephen Kovacevich |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2000 |
Just
for the record-
What makes record collectors tick? |
Strings
attached...
Married to an orchestra - the London Philharmonic |
The
quiet riot.
Stories about
Mikhail Pletnev
|
Making
waves.
Amy Beach's piano concerto |
Are
you busy this evening?
If not, can you conduct our orchestra? |
| | | | | |
|
| 1999 |
Lest
we forget
Ernest Chausson |
Degenerate
Composer Number One
Kurt Weill's musical theatre |
Dutch
courage.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
|
Sex
and Chopin |
Kissin
tells...
Evgeny Kissin at the Proms |
|
| | | | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1999 |
This man isn't rattled - Sakari Oramo as the CBSO's
principal conductor
|
Rapt
pupil
-
Thalia Myers explains .... |
Man
for all the people
Sergei Rachmaninov
|
Plucky
chicken-
Francis Poulenc |
Sparkle
remains behind the mask:
L'amour masque in Edinburgh |
|
| | | | |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| Miscellaneous Publications |
|
2014/2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
A symphony awakens
Jessica's talk in Birmingham.
28-01-2015
Symphony in F sharp
by
Erich Wolfgang Korngold
|
A touch of glass
The Philip Glass Ensemble brings many decades of Philip Glass’ superb compositions
by Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
EDITOR’S LUNCH:
MAXIM RYSANOV
The Ukrainian viola star Maxim Rysanov, celebrated for his
sweet, powerful tone and his passion for commissioning new
works, enjoys a Turkish feast with Jessica Duchen during the
2015 Istanbul Festival… |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
REVIEW: Amati goes to…Gstaad
As Yehudi Menuhin’s centenary approaches, Jessica Duchen explores his legacy at the magical festival he founded in Gstaad, Switzerland |
EDITOR’S BRUNCH:
BENEDETTI AND LEONARD ELSCHENBROICH
Amati is delighted to present a substantial interview with Nicola Benedetti and her partner, cellist Leonard Elschenbroich – the first non-filmed one they have given together. Over a lavish West London brunch they tell Jessica Duchen about helping one another, finding your own pace, and practising in the bathroom |
EDITOR’S TEA:
ALINA IBRAGIMOVA
The young Russian-born violin star’s strongest appetite is for varied repertoire, solid partnerships and integrity both personal and musical – but she likes scones, too. Jessica Duchen took her to the English Tea Room at Brown’s Hotel, Mayfair…
|
COMMENT:
Berlin decides…
or doesn’t
After a lengthy meeting yesterday to elect their new music director, to replace Sir Simon Rattle in 2018, the members of the Berlin Philharmonic have left the post empty for now
|
EDITOR’S LUNCH: Raphael Wallfisch
His warm, powerful sound and generous-spirited musicianship make him a favourite soloist the world over.His restoration of repertoire rarities is a vibrant legacy. And he’s a great guy, too.
Jessica Duchen gets Raphael Wallfisch to put his cello in the cloakroom and sample some of London’s best Italian cuisine
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
COMMENT:
Dinosaurs, brainwashing and bunkum
Jessica Duchen has seen the phrase “Music shouldn’t be a Museum Culture” a few times too many…
|
FEATURE:
Softer, sweeter, finer
As Amati gears up for a special evening next weekend with Roby Lakatos at the Amati Exhibition, Barnabás Kelemen, the brilliant violin star whose grandfather was a great Gypsy ‘primás’, tells Jessica Duchen all about the cross-currents between classical playing and the Gypsy style
|
INTERVIEW:
Bravo, Lakatos!
Roby Lakatos is a living legend, a grand violin virtuoso in the Gypsy tradition that dates back to his own ancestor, Janos Bihari. Ahead of an exceptional London performance, he tells Jessica Duchen why this music has required radical reinvention for a new century .
|
COMMENT:
Hall of Mirrors?
When is a concert hall not a concert hall? When it’s a political football. Jessica Duchen ponders the principles at stake in the mooted new London venue
|
Editor’s Lunch:
STEVEN ISSERLIS
For the Amati Magazine’s inaugural Editor’s Lunch, who better to entertain than the man who is arguably Britain’s greatest living cellist? Steven Isserlis joins Jessica Duchen for a Baltic feast
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
2015/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Sounds and Sweet Airs: The Forgotten Women of Classical Music by Anna Beer
The lives of eight
remarkable women who dared to compose music
by
Jessica Duchen |
Conducting a triumphant festival debut
by Jessica Duchen |
Schubert Sonatas 1, Barenboim
The new instrument sounds sublime, but is the player on this occasion?
by Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2014 / 2015 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Stephen Hough, RFH
Bewitching pianism with powers of transformation make this an evening to remember
by Jessica Duchen |
Between Worlds, ENO, Barbican
Tansy Davies's 9/11 opera is deeply moving, yet
needs to bridge more than worlds
by Jessica Duchen |
Kožena, Royal, Berliner Philharmoniker, Rattle, RFH
Rattle's London residency closes more or less on a high
by Jessica Duchen |
10 Questions for Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor
The young British pianist talks about rare repertoire and his suspicion of major competitions
by Jessica Duchen
|
L'Elisir d'Amore, Royal Opera
The sun shines out of Vittorio Grigolo's behind in a strong revival of Laurent Pelly's production
by Jessica Duchen
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Arcadi Volodos, Royal Festival Hall
Sublime sounds from the high peaks of pianism
by Jessica Duchen
|
Daniil Trifonov, Royal Festival Hall
Plenty to treasure in the prizewinning young Russian pianist's colossal programme
by Jessica Duchen
|
10 Questions for Conductor Vladimir Jurowski
LPO maestro on the ins and outs of Rachmaninov, focus of this season's celebration
by Jessica Duchen,
|
Prom 53: Brahms Symphonies, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Fischer
Exceptional control and finesse allow Brahms’s masterpieces to shine supreme
by Jessica Duchen
|
A Bayreuth Virgin
The Afterglow
Jessica Duchen returns from Wagner HQ elated by the music, but frustrated by grumblings over 'controversial' Bayreuth productions
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
A Bayreuth Virgin The Prelude
Jessica Duchen has scored a pair of the hottest opera tickets in existence. In the first of two Bayreuth-themed blog posts, she explores why the festival dedicated to Wagnerian opera continues to both attract and repel music lovers... |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2012/13 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2011/12 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Michael Tilson Thomas: The maestro inspired by Yiddishkeit
The acclaimed conductor reveals how the adventure and activism of Yiddish theatre influences his work. |
'UN MAUVAIS CARACTÈRE'
Having evaded the Gestapo in occupied Paris, violinist Devy Erlih defied convention to champion contemporary French music. On the eve of his 80th birthday, he tells JESSICA DUCHEN his extraordinary story. |
Roll up - roll up for
Rolando Villazón
Back from the brink of vocal catastrophe after career-saving surgery, RolandoVillazón made a triumphant return to the international stage this summer. Jessica Duchen talks to the charismatic Mexican tenor. |
Interview:
András Schiff
The pianist is reviled by government supporters in his homeland - all because he spoke out against the rising tide of racism. |
It's Auschwitz the opera
by Jessica Duchen
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The pianist who wants you to laugh at his playing
Danny Driver is performing at the first ever 'Comedy Prom' this week
by Jessica Duchen
|
'How making music helped me fight Tourette's'
Composer Tobias Picker speaks about his new opera and his battle against a debilitating and misunderstood condition |
Prima Donna Autentica
Anna Caterina Antonacci's powerful performances have made her one of opera's most admired sopranos, but the singular nature of her repertory makes her almost impossible to classify. JESSICA DUCHEN reports. |
Seriously crazy about Israel's modern music
by Jessica Duchen |
The cellist who loves chazanut
Sonia Wieder-Atherton says Chasidic singers know how to put emotion into music
by Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2010/11 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Death's March
by Jessica Duchen
STANDPOINT
Magazine
March 2011 |
Interview: Ivan Fischer
The far-right is increasingly popular in Hungary. The country’s premier conductor believes that music can help stem the tide |
Unwanted Liszt
by Jessica Duchen
STANDPOINT
Magazine
Jan/Feb 2011
|
Interview: Carl Davis
From period dramas to big-screen epics, he has provided the music that make the movies memorable |
A Spot of Brahms in the Balkans...
STANDPOINT Blog
entry
by Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Interview: Nikolaj Znaider
The Danish-born musician on his move into conducting, and how his Jewishness shapes his view of performing |
Burnt Out?
Try Improvisation
by Jessica Duchen
|
The new Jacqueline du Pré? Barenboim might just agree
For Alisa Weilerstein is the cellist trusted by Daniel Barenboim to play
the music closely associated with his late wife |
If only this was unbelievable...
The arts world, including music and book publishing, has been so full of people behaving badly, stupidly or arrogantly for so long ...
(read on)
by Jessica Duchen |
Conducting a personal relationship with Mahler
For acclaimed baton-wielder Vladimir Jurowski, the music of the Jewish-born composer goes to the heart of his identity.
by Jessica Duchen
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The shopping channel virtuoso
Acclaimed pianist Katya Apekisheva played Brahms on QVC. She
tells Jessica Duchen why |
Interview:
Steven Isserlis
The virtuoso believes his instrument is superior to all others, but wants more pieces to play.
by Jessica Duchen |
Coming to the Proms: MidEast's rivers of blood
Betty Olivero’s music mixes the avant-garde with Sephardi folk - and was inspired by the pain of conflict
by Jessica Duchen |
A boy called Alex. EXCLUSIVE!
by Jessica Duchen |
The music the Nazi's couldn't destroy
The composers of the Terezin Ghetto perished in the Holocaust, but their work lives on. Now it can be heard at a special tribute in London. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Music on the West Bank
Amid the devastation and daily struggle of life, music brings a shred of hope to the children on the West Bank.
Jessica Duchen reports |
Celbrating Fanny Hensel
by Jessica Duchen |
Interview: David Greilsammer
The virtuoso Israeli pianist and conductor has a radical
new approach to classical music
|
Schumann
The Malady Lingers On
by Jessica Duchen |
Interview: Gil Shaham
The Israeli virtuoso violinist performs concerts with his
sister, hires his wife to make records, and considers his
Stradivarius a close relative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2009/2010 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Interview:
Semyon Bychkov
He was a professional sportsman in his native Soviet Union. But he fled oppression to become one of the world’s best conductors.
By Jessica Duchen |
I played Chopin
as they sent my family to their deaths
Alice Sommer Herz survived the Holocaust with the help of the piano. She tells us how, at 106, she has kept faith in music and humanity
By Jessica Duchen |
Interview: Menahem Pressler
The legend plays on
The celebrated piano virtuoso Menahem Pressler is 86. So is it time to retire to the golf course? Not likely |
Krystian Zimerman
Take it to the Limit
by
Jessica Duchen |
John Copley
is interviewed by
Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2008/2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Interview: Lilian and Victor Hochhauser
The impresarios have spent years bringing the finest musicians, dancers and composers to the UK. |
EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED
Fresh from recording the complete Beethoven piano sonatas, Andras Schiff talks to Jessica Duchen |
Remembering Terence:
tragedy of a prodigy |
Jessic Duchen's
top 10 literary Gypsies |
Pinkas Zuckerman turns 60 this year. As he admits to Jessica Duchen, he's more interested his playing goes sszz, whuh, and pa-pa-pa-PUM. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2006/07/08 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
ABOVE IT ALL
Krystian Zimerman's
reputation for perfectionism may explain why he is one of the world's most admired and in-demand musicians. Jessica Duchen talks with the great Polish pianist.
|
FRANZ LISZT
Brilliant but enigmatic virtuoso.
Although Liszt was a showman whose legacy consists of terrifyingly difficult, impressive piano works, there was a lot more depth and variety to him than that argues Jessica Duchen
|
BBC
Music Magazine
Erich Korngold
Post Romantic
Film Music Pioneer
(View at 150%)
|
From: Pianist Magazine October 2007
Piers Lane:
Eyes Wide Open
by Jessica Duchen |
From: The Royal Opera House website
JOHN TOMLINSON:
Discussing the roles of Wotan and Hagen with Jessica Duchen |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
2006/07 |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
From: The Royal Opera House website
LISA GASTEEN
(BRÜNNHILDE) |
From: The Royal Opera House website
John Treleaven:
Siegfried |
LENNY: The cat that shook an orchestra
A short story in two parts, printed in CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE,
23 Dec 2006 & 6 Jan 2007 - Part I |
LENNY: The cat that shook an orchestra
A short story in two parts, printed in CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE,
23 Dec 2006 and 6 Jan 2007 - Part II
|
Sweet Smell of Success
The Fine Arts Quartet on its 60th birthday |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2006 | Short but sweet
Pianist Clive Williamson's project of commissioning composers to write works that last just 60 seconds |
Grigory Sokolov
Last of the Titans
For many he is the greatest pianist alive ...
|
Playbill
Arts Website
Lang Lang
Memories in Music
| BBC
Music Magazine
Robert Schumann
Tortured
Genius of the Romantic Age |
BBC
Music Magazine
Digging for Gould
A
new BBC Film
by Bruno Monsaingeon |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| 2005 |
Simon the Great.
26 year old Simon Trpceski is on his way to conquer
the musical world.
| Lucky
Charm
The 50-year history of the
Beaux Arts Trio
|
Bach
to School
The Back half -
Daniel Barenboim
| Love
triumphant...
Is there a link between Chausson's Poeme and ...
|
Michael
Tippett
A man of our time
|
| |
| |
| | |
| |
|
|
| |
|
| 2004 |
Musician-
heal thyself.
Music's power to deal with grief
|
Man, Monster and Myth.
Extremes of Love and Hate
- Responses to Wagner's Music.
|
Team
Spirit
The Belcea Quartet |
Going for broke
Making a
life in music is never easy, but it's a bit more difficult if you are penniless. Jessica meets three musicians who didn't let lack of cash stand in their way.
| |
|
| | | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
2003 & 1986 |
Maxim Vengerov
Take a last look at the
violin hero
|
Philippe
Graffin-
Wandering Minstrel |
In Vito Veritas
Jessica Duchen examines the distinguished career of violinist Gioconda de Vito
| HANDLED
WITH CARE
Ida Haendel who celebrates 50 years of performing in London speaks to Jessica Duchen |
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
Pletnev
plays
Schumann
|
Samuel
Coleridge-Taylor
and Dvorak Violin Concertos
| Conversation
with
Gil Shaham |
Lonquich's
Plainte Calme
|
Krystian
Zimerman
and the BSO
Rachmaninov
Piano Concertos |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
| |
Lekeu Violin Sonata & Chausson Concert for
Elmar Oliveira & co's recording (Artek Recordings) |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The Last Arabesque
by Jessica Duchen |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| Need
a reader for PDF files?
Download it Here. It's Free. | |
| |
