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Tristan and Isolde: Should an opera production be changed if audiences dislike it?
The Royal Opera's 'Tristan and Isolde' alienated audiences with its high wall on stage. Now it has been changed. Thank goodness opera directors do listen sometimes, says Jessica Duchen
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Alice in Wonderland uncaged: ZooNation are giving Lewis Carroll the hip-hop treatment
by Jessica Duchen
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The Gospel According to the Other Mary
opera review: John Adams' triumphant
update of the Passion of the Christ
Five Stars *****
ENO |
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Paul Robeson: The story of how an
American icon was driven to death to
be told in film
Singer, actor, activist, athlete: Paul Robeson was a
cultural giant, and now his story is to be told in film |
Philip Glass: From Glassworks to Glassfest
With his latest opera and a retrospective of his work travelling the country, the world's best known classical composer tells Jessica Duchen why he’s still touring and performing at 77
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Choreographer Ludovic Ondiviela on making mental illness the subject of his new work
Royal Ballet dancer-turned-choreographer Ludovic Ondiviela's new ballet Cassandra focuses on the idea of psychosis and society’s attitude towards it |
Spira Mirabilis: the orchestra without a conductor
Jessica Duchen attends an odd rehearsal |
Melissa Hamilton: Royal Ballet star to tackle the role of Manon
Despite coming to dance late, the homegrown ballerina is a rising talent |
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Riccardo Muti's resignation: Does Italy have an opera problem?
Conductor Riccardo Muti's departure from the Rome Opera exposes the cultural crisis that Italy is in, says Jessica Duchen |
Stuart Skelton: rising to the challenge of Otello
by Jessica Duchen |
Composer of tragicomic tale of Anna Nicole Smith opera: How pop culture inspired me
As Mark-Anthony Turnage’s tragicomic tale of the late Anna Nicole Smith returns to Covent Garden, the composer reveals how pop culture, from celebrity gossip to Beyoncé, inspires his work |
A role worth dying for
Swedish soprano Nina Stemme tells Jessica Duchen that playing the tragic Salome is one of her biggest challenges yet"
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Errollyn Wallen's 'Anon': Manon Lescaut for the 21st century
Errollyn Wallen's compositions give a voice to the voiceless. Her latest is about female murder victims
by Jessica Duchen
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Proms 2014: Tasmin Little is preparing for her 20th Proms - but busking is her real passion
The chart-topping violinist tells Jessica Duchen that her real passion is for performing for people who never set foot in a concert hall
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Xander Parish: From Hull to the Mariinsky Ballet
As a youngster, Xander Parish dreamt of playing cricket for Yorkshire. But now he's found fame as the first British dancer to join the illustrious Mariinsky Ballet. He tells Jessica Duchen how it happened
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The "i" newspaper
All change: a new era at the Proms
Roger Wright is preparing to step aside. He shares his thoughts on the event's future with Jessica Duchen
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Sir Antonio Pappano: Conducting gave me Tennis elbow'
Covent Garden's musical director, Sir Antonio Pappano, tells Jessica Duchen about funding crises, new productions, cinema broadcasts, and the pain of wielding the baton by Jessica Duchen
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Classical cred: Apple turns to composers to give its brand a sophisticated boost
Shrugging off the usual tired clichés associated with classical composers, Apple is using them to promote cutting-edge technology in its new TV adverts by Jessica Duchen |
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Why critics who said opera singer was too heavy for role hit such a bum note
Belfast Telegraph
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Natalia Osipova: Up close with a superstar
No dancer leaps quite like Natalia Osipova. Jessica Duchen looks on in wonder as the Royal Ballet's feted signing rehearses with British choreographer Alastair Marriott |
Sally Matthews, the opera star who hates big egos
Soprano Sally Matthews sings the lead at Covent Garden next week, but she's no diva, discovers Jessica Duchen |
BBC Young Musician 2014: Forget the format, give us the music
The biennial competition showcasing the nation's finest young classical musicians is approaching its finale, but why the emphasis on looks over talent? by Jessica Duchen |
Glyndebourne: Hot tickets that don't go for a song
Glyndebourne is the ultimate summer night out for opera fans – but it can come at a high price, says Jessica Duchen |
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Juan Diego Flórez: the best tenor in the world?
Peruvian superstar tenor Juan Diego Flórez tells Jessica Duchen about being inspired by Pavarotti – and Roger Federer |
The composer and his muse: Richard Strass' tempestuous relationship with his wife Pauline de Ahna
Richard Strauss was inspired by his wife. Now, for the 150th anniversary of his birth, a new staging of his most magical opera is to open in London |
Under Milk Wood the opera: a new voice for Dylan Thomas
The composer John Metcalf tells Jessica Duchen how he has turned the poet's Under Milk Wood into an opera |
John Adams: A composer scavenging for his art
Having helped to revolutionise composition in the US, John Adams talks to Jessica Duchen about stealing from Beethoven to create his latest piece |
Where has the British classical music talent gone?
There are no homegrown soloists at this year's Yehudi Menuhin Violin Competition. Jessica Duchen on a worrying trend |
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Wayne McGregor: ballet meets maths
Wayne McGregor mixes dance, art... and maths in his new Royal Ballet piece. Jessica Duchen meets him
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The destructive allure of Don Giovanni
As the Royal Opera opens its new Don Giovanni, Jessica Duchen argues that its theme of moral vacuity is as relevant now as in Mozart's day |
The other Lloyd Webber: Andrew's father William has always been overshadowed by his son's musical blockbusters
by Jessica Duchen. |
Don't always let male composers call the tune
Thirteen composers won awards last week. All were male. Jessica Duchen is furious. |
Sir John Tavener: Pioneer of ‘new’ classical music dies at the age of 69
The composer’s work breathed new life into the popular genre by Jessica Duchen |
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My tricky waltz with Wagner
The German composer was a confirmed anti-Semite – but that didn't deter our correspondent, who loves his music, from wanting to write a play to celebrate his bicentenary |
Opera review: Die Fledermaus - English National Opera, London Coliseum **
by Jessica Duchen |
Arts observations: From Calixto Bieito to the The Moomins' maker Bad boy Bieito's back to tackle Beethoven
by Jessica Duchen |
It's time to pass the baton on to our female maestros There are more women conductors than recent media stories imply – they just don't get the top jobs
by Jessica Duchen |
Classical review: Turandot, Royal Opera House, London ***
by Jessica Duchen |
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A spellbinding soundtrack to love, life and loss Nessun Dorma's appeal extends far beyond opera, says Jessica Duchen
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Classical review: British conductors bring the sounds of revolution to the Lucerne Festival
by Jessica Duchen |
Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev: a passionate pas de deux - in life and art
by Jessica Duchen |
Where a naked diva hides her mic
by Jessica Duchen |
Royal Albert Hall, London Classical review: Prom 15, Die Walküre, Daniel Barenboim, Berlin Staatskapelle *****
by Jessica Duchen |
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On your feet for the
2013 Proms
by Jessica Duchen |
Opera's 'dream couple' in domestic violence claim: Soprano Angel Gheorghiu says tenor husband subjected her to years of beatings
by Jessica Duchen |
Classica review:
Die Walküre, Longborough Festival Opera
by Jessica Duchen |
Britten's Coronation tribute at last? A crowning moment for Gloriana at the Royal Opera House
by Jessica Duchen |
Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes, live on the Aldeburgh beach
by Jessica Duchen |
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The Perfect American: The dark side of Walt Disney's world
He gave the world Mickey Mouse, but Walt Disney was a racist megalomaniac who couldn't draw – according to Philip Glass's explosive new opera |
How to follow The Time Traveller's Wife – a ballet
Bestselling author Audrey Niffenegger talks to Jessica about having her dark fable Raven Girl brought to life by Royal Ballet choreographer Wayne McGregor |
La Donna del Lago at the Royal Opera House: Starry cast all set to make waves
by Jessica Duchen
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Glyndebourne survived the Second World War by opening its doors to evacuees from east London
The opera venue's act will be honoured at this year's festival reports Jessica Duchen. |
Mitsuko Uchida: The plight of the music prodigy pushed too far, too fast
Young musicians need time to develop, the world famous pianist tells Jessica Duchen |
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Michael Haas
Michael Haas tells the tragic tale of a lost musical generation |
Music Lessons
The man who co-created Tate Modern is moving to the Royal Opera House. It's a chance for the classical world to learn a few new tricks, says Jessica Duchen |
The Royal Ballet's Alice - coming to a big screen near you
The company's brightest stars are back in Wonderland – and this time it's hitting the cinemas |
Opera: Written on Skin at The Royal Opera House
A heavenly tale that gets under the skin, says Jessica Duchen |
Audiences, beware: Keith Jarrett is the wild man of jazz
Jarrett has overcome illness to become one of the most influential musicians of modern times. He's also renowned for haranguing his fans, says Jessica Duchen. |
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The Rite of Spring: Happy birthday to music's most famous flop
Century-old Rite of Spring couldn't be more popular – now, says Jessica Duchen |
Lend us a tenor: What can be done about the ENO's lack of cash?
Despite a consistently rewarding programme, the ENO ran up a £2.2m deficit in the last financial year. But there is a way forward, its artistic director, John Berry, tells Jessica Duchen: |
Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philarmonic: Is this great relationship ending on a sour note?
The rumour mill turning but Jessica Duchen finds out what really drove him to leave |
When a wet tenor wowed Woody Allen
The director made him sing in the shower, Fabio Armiliato tells Jessica Duchen |
Lend us a tenor: What can be done about the ENO's lack of cash?
Despite a consistently rewarding programme, the ENO ran up a £2.2m deficit in the last financial year. But there is a way forward, its artistic director, John Berry, tells Jessica Duchen: international collaboration |
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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. |
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2014 |
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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 |
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| 2006 |
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Obituary:
Nina Milkina
Russian émigré
pianist at the
forefront of the
'Mozart gold rush'
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| 2004/2003 |
Obituary:
Boris Pergamenschikow |
Obituary:
John Bingham |
Obituary:
Eugene Istomin
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Obituary:
Rosalyn
Tureck |
Obituary:
John
Browning
Piano virtuoso of the New World |
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| 2001 |
Obituary:
Fei-Ping Hsu
Chinese-American pianist |
1741:
a space odyssey
... the Goldberg Variations? |
Beecham -
as we knew him
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Some
of my best friends are pianos
Mitsuko Uchida |
The
name dropper
Pianist Stephen Kovacevich |
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| 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
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Making
waves.
Amy Beach's piano concerto |
Are
you busy this evening?
If not, can you conduct our orchestra? |
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| 1999 |
Lest
we forget
Ernest Chausson |
Degenerate
Composer Number One
Kurt Weill's musical theatre |
Dutch
courage.
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
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Sex
and Chopin |
Kissin
tells...
Evgeny Kissin at the Proms |
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| 1999 |
This man isn't rattled - Sakari Oramo as the CBSO's
principal conductor
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Rapt
pupil
-
Thalia Myers explains .... |
Man
for all the people
Sergei Rachmaninov
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Plucky
chicken-
Francis Poulenc |
Sparkle
remains behind the mask:
L'amour masque in Edinburgh |
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| Miscellaneous Publications |
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2014 |
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A touch of glass
The Philip Glass Ensemble brings many decades of Philip Glass’ superb compositions
by Jessica Duchen |
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2014 |
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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
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2014 |
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Arcadi Volodos, Royal Festival Hall
Sublime sounds from the high peaks of pianism
by Jessica Duchen
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Daniil Trifonov, Royal Festival Hall
Plenty to treasure in the prizewinning young Russian pianist's colossal programme
by Jessica Duchen
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10 Questions for Conductor Vladimir Jurowski
LPO maestro on the ins and outs of Rachmaninov, focus of this season's celebration
by Jessica Duchen,
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Prom 53: Brahms Symphonies, Budapest Festival Orchestra, Fischer
Exceptional control and finesse allow Brahms’s masterpieces to shine supreme
by Jessica Duchen
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A Bayreuth Virgin
The Afterglow
Jessica Duchen returns from Wagner HQ elated by the music, but frustrated by grumblings over 'controversial' Bayreuth productions
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2014 |
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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... |
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2012/13 |
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2012 |
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2011/12 |
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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
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2011 |
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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
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'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 |
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2010/11 |
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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
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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 |
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2010 |
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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
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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
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2010 |
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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. |
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2010 |
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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
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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 |
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2009/2010 |
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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 |
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2008/2009 |
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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. |
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2006/07/08 |
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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.
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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%)
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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 |
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2006/07 |
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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
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Sweet Smell of Success
The Fine Arts Quartet on its 60th birthday |
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| 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 ...
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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 |
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| 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
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Bach
to School
The Back half -
Daniel Barenboim
| Love
triumphant...
Is there a link between Chausson's Poeme and ...
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Michael
Tippett
A man of our time
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| 2004 |
Musician-
heal thyself.
Music's power to deal with grief
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Man, Monster and Myth.
Extremes of Love and Hate
- Responses to Wagner's Music.
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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.
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2003 & 1986 |
Maxim Vengerov
Take a last look at the
violin hero
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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 |
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Pletnev
plays
Schumann
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Samuel
Coleridge-Taylor
and Dvorak Violin Concertos
| Conversation
with
Gil Shaham |
Lonquich's
Plainte Calme
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Krystian
Zimerman
and the BSO
Rachmaninov
Piano Concertos |
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Lekeu Violin Sonata & Chausson Concert for
Elmar Oliveira & co's recording (Artek Recordings) |
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The Last Arabesque
by Jessica Duchen |
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