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2012 |
Britten's got talent: The celebrations for the centenary of Benjamin Britten will span the globe
Jessica Duchen says it's the humanity of his works that gives this unlikely British hero a universal appeal |
Monteverdi gets the Silent Opera treatment
by Jessica Duchen,
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Liam Scarlett: Dance's hottest property
Liam Scarlett gave up dancing for choreography and won acclaim for works such as Asphodel Meadows. Now, at 26, the wunderkind is the Royal Ballet's first artist-in-residence |
Jessica Duchen: How I put the tale of music in a Nazi camp on the stage
The Independent's writer on her play about the Messiaen Quartet.
by Jessica Duchen
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Look out, Bolshoi, here we come
In his first interview, Kevin O'Hare, the Royal Ballet's new director, talks about poaching stars from Russian rivals, and his plans to take the company to places it has never been before |
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2012 |
Sexism with strings attached
With women in the classical world ignored or treated as objects, Jessica Duchen says it's time for a new prize solely for them. |
Triumph of the Spirit
Many artists were held in the Nazi show camp of Terezin. An opera written there is going on tour.
by Jessica Duchen
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Prom 18: Barenboim/West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall
A fitting crosstown curtain raiser to the Olympics opening night
by Jessica Duchen |
Plácido Domingo's Operalia Winners, Royal Opera House, London
by Jessica Duchen |
Prom 13: Daniel Barenboim/Michael Barenboim/West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall
by Jessica Duchen |
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2012 |
Prom 9: Barenboim/West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall, London ****
by Jessica Duchen
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Daniel and Michael Barenboim: The family that plays together...
As they prepare for a historic week of Proms, Daniel Barenboim and the leader of his orchestra, his son Michael, talk about discipline and dynasties |
Götterdammerung, Longborough Festival Opera ****
by Jessica Duchen
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The Proms think big: Can the world’s leading classical festival hold its own in an Olympic year?
As a vital part of the London 2012 Festival, the pressure's on the Proms this year – and, writes Jessica Duchen, they deliver on their own terms |
Bernard Haitink: A maestro passes on his baton to the next generation
It's tough to make it as a conductor – so when 20 young stars were asked to perform for the great Bernard Haitink, the pressure was on. |
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2012 |
Princess of the Pagodas: who can step into Darcey Bussell's shoes?
As the Royal Ballet prepares to revive Kenneth MacMillan's three-act ballet after a 13-year gap, its finest principals are hoping to emerge from the shadow of their famous predecessor, who made the lead role her own.
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The London 2012 Festival: The greatest show of a great year
It is about to happen all over the UK. It brings existing celebrations like the Proms together with one-off spectaculars on the Thames and in Edinburgh, and street dance everywhere, in a programme of 12,000 events. Jessica Duchen selects the best. |
Frederick Delius: How a great British musical myth was born
A BBC film will shed light on the enigma of Frederick Delius - by Jessica Duchen. |
Swan Lake: A leap into the future
Matthew Bourne's renowned reinterpretation of Swan Lake is now showing as a 3D film. This is how the project took flight, by Jessica Duchen. |
The legendary, and tragic, voice of a generation at war
Contralto Kathleen Ferrier was born 100 years ago. Jessica Duchen celebrates a very British love affair |
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2012 |
Brucknerphobia
by Jessica Duchen |
Champion of the Baroque: Sir Colin Davis speaks out
by Jessica Duchen |
No word from Tom... he has been sent to perdition by the devil in disguise. |
Women in operas can't resist a rake
by Jessica Duchen |
The wheel of fortune turns for new opera
The ROH's latest 'everyday' tale revolves around a lottery, its star and composer tell Jessica Duchen |
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2012 |
Dvorak's dark side set to light up the stage
by Jessica Duchen |
Music to snooze by for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee
The plans for the river pageant are an embarrassment |
In search of the spirit of Hoffmann
by Jessica Duchen
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The Tales of Hoffmann is fantasy stuff
by Jessica Duchen |
Fear and loathing in London: The Death of Klinghoffer is staged in the capital for the first time
It's a major risk for English National Opera, says Jessica Duchen |
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A great leap forward for male dancers
The venerated ballerina had better watch her step – a new programme at Sadler's Wells shows that men could be about to steal the limelight for good |
Debussy's bustin' out all over
by Jessica Duchen |
How Debussy keys into Japan
by Jessica Duchen |
Anthony Hopkins: Hannibal hits the high notes with a classic performance
The Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins has composed a collection of classical works. Many of the pieces are inspired by memories of his childhood in south Wales, he tells Jessica Duchen
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MEET DR ROLLO
Barry Manilow, Pixie Lott, Peter Kay – and a top opera star? What on earth is Rolando Villazón doing in the Royal Variety Performance? |
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Russell was always at top of my Liszt
The week in culture
by Jessica Duchen |
The Nutcracker: It's all going nuts at the ballet
You expect to see The Nutcracker staged at Christmas – but this year's snowstorm of productions is overwhelming. The trouble is there's not much else to take its place, says
Jessica Duchen |
Yes: From total discord to sweet harmony
Bonnie Greer's television run-in with Nick Griffin didn't just provoke feverish debate – it was also the catalyst for a new opera
by Jessica Duchen |
Requiem for an art form: Why modern composers are fighting a losing battle
War has always inspired great music, says Jessica Duchen, but since 9/11 classical has fallen behind pop in a world racked by conflict |
Why do critics get so hot under the collar when it comes to concert clothing?
Jessica Duchen says it's sartorial snobbery |
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Sergei Polunin: One giant leap for British ballet
Sergei Polunin makes his debut in Manon. The Ukrainian explains how he combines dance stardom with plans to open a celebrity tattoo parlour
by Jessica Duchen |
Steven Isserlis finds his voice
by Jessica Duchen
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Mr Popular keeps on striking the right notes
The tenor Andrea Bocelli will always be the voice of the people, says Jessica Duchen |
Electronic nightmares on Bluebeard's battlements
A new production of Béla Bartók's psychological masterpiece turns to multimedia to explore the minds of its protagonists. Jessica Duchen hears how it is being dones |
Arias and Austen in an ambitious mix
A new operatic version of Mansfield Park is setting off on a tour of the country's stately homes. Jessica Duchen reports |
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2011 |
A chorus straight from Auschwitz
As a lost major opera about Nazi death camps comes to London, Jessica Duchen welcomes its composer to the limelight at lastn |
Are there any requests from the floor?
Tonight's Prom will feature music chosen by the audience on the spot. Its conductor, Ivá* Fischer, tells Jessica Duchen about an invigorating leap into the unknown |
Lucerne is a classical festival of the first water
by Jessica Duchen |
The Guangdong Acrobatic Troupe's Swan Lake will thrill audiences and anger purists
by Jessica Duchen |
Arias and Austen in an ambitious mix
A new operatic version of Mansfield Park is setting off on a tour of the country's stately homes. Jessica Duchen reports |
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2011 |
First Night of the Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London
Proms' opening blast fails to hit the high notes Reviewed by Jessica Duchen |
A virtual seat for a galaxy of virtuosi
Top classical festivals are very expensive and difficult to get into. But, says Jessica Duchen, now a mouse-click may be all you need |
Proms mania: The 12 concerts you can't afford to miss
The Proms begin next Friday with Stars, Night, Music, and Light, an apt opening for two months of imagination and grand vision. Jessica Duchen welcomes the festival and selects her highlights |
Amanda Roocroft - A singer with faith in her own approach
Amanda Roocroft was close to giving up till she found God, she tells Jessica Duchen |
L’elisir d’amore, Glyndebourne, Lewes
By Jessica Duchen |
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2011 |
When Scott Walker met Francis Poulenc
The Royal Opera is pushing boundaries in a new show which mixes music, dance and two very different composers. By Jessica Duchen |
Angelika Kirchschlager - An Austrian great arrives in Britten
Angelika Kirchschlager is one of the world's most celebrated and versatile opera singers. Now she's setting out to conquer Aldeburgh, she tells Jessica Duchen |
The Archers: join the virtual orchestra
By Jessica Duchen |
The classical star landing a blow for brass
Thanks to the glamorous Alison Balsom, trumpet playing is shedding its stereotype as a fusty male domain |
Hubert Parry - Royal appointment for a radical voice
Hubert Parry composed Jerusalem to support suffragettes not rouse patriots. Jessica Duchen uncovers a misunderstood man |
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2011 |
Pumeza Matshikiza - From the townships to the Royal Opera
Poverty, crime and violence dominated Pumeza Matshikiza's early life. Now she is a soprano in demand. By Jessica Duchen |
The Damnation of Faust, English National Opera
Jessica Duchen |
Goethe and Werther
by Jessica Duchen |
Nice aria,
shame about the film
Operas on screen bring expensive productions within general reach. But the results are disappointing, says Jessica Duchen |
Divine duet: when Lark Ascending met Bolero
When Ralph Vaughan Williams went to Paris to learn from the younger Maurice Ravel, it set British music on a new and exciting path. Jessica Duchen explains |
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2011 |
Horniman Museum
Horniman Museum gives a glimpse of music's past. By Jessica Duchen |
Gustav Holst - Brought down to earth
Gustav Holst was about much more than the Planets suite, as a new BBC4 documentary reveals. By Jessica Duchen |
Gypsy music - Mesmerised by Magyar melodies
Forget the stereotypical images of Gypsy culture – it's about time we acknowledged the lasting contribution that the Roma have made to classical music, says Jessica Duchen |
Joseph Joachim
New CD celebrates Joseph Joachim, lynchpin of music-making in the Romantic era By Jessica Duchen |
Baton charge: Valery Gergiev on being the world’s most prolific maestro
The world's busiest conductor is about to take on Mahler's last. Valery Gergiev tells Jessica Duchen about his drive, and his liking for Vladimir Putin |
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2011 |
First Night: Anna Nicole, Royal Opera House
Sex, drugs and rock'n'roll opera as the larger-than-life lady sings |
Aldeburgh Festival
A classical treat if you pay enough
Members increasingly get first shout for tickets at events such as the Aldeburgh Festival. Join or prepare to queue for returns, says Jessica Duchen, although the organisations rely on public money |
The relative beauty of the violin
Einstein sensed the secrets of the universe in music. A professor and a virtuoso are to explore the connection. By Jessica Duchen |
The cellist who wants to shake up London with a classical mystery tour
The South Bank Centre's new artist-in-residence aims to fill every corner of the venue with new music, he tells Jessica Duchen |
Alice in Wonderland:
the ballet
The Royal Ballet is taking a trip to Wonderland for its first brand new full-length work in 20 years. Jessica Duchen looks forward to a curious evening |
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Piano's new superstars hit the wrong notes – and gloriously
At last, says Jessica Duchen, the robotic sterility of recitals is being swept away by young artists for whom personality is as important than accuracy |
Bartók:
Extended play for a
magical Magyar
There's no special reason for the South Bank's year-long celebration of Bartók, says Jessica Duchen. But who needs one? |
Sophie Bevan - Born to sing
Fast-rising soprano Sophie Bevan comes from a family of eight musical children and an extended musical family of 60. Ahead of her landmark solo recital tonight, she talks to Jessica Duchen |
Maestro, please stop preaching at us
Beware orchestras with the word 'Peace' in their name, says Jessica Duchen – their misguided idealism devalues the term |
Steven Isserlis, Viviane Hagner, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet,
Wigmore Hall, London
rated: 5 star
Reviewed by Jessica Duchen
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The complex harmonies of a classical triad
The lives of Fauré, Saint-Saëns and Ravel were heavily intertwined and interdependent. Jessica Duchen reveals how the three composers were key to each other's success |
Nicola Benedetti:
Still young, but now a proper star
The violinist won BBC Young Musician of the Year six years ago, aged 16. She tells Jessica Duchen about her new CD, her Stradivarius and why practice makes perfect |
The Aldens - Twin leads of opera's
ongoing revolution
David and Christopher Alden have both brought their challenging approach to
ENO this autumn. Jessica Duchen sees double |
Gabriela Montero - 'You don't hear 80 per cent of what goes on in my country'
The classical pianist Gabriela Montero is one of Venezuela's most gifted musicians. But she uses her albums to rail against the regime. Jessica Duchen meets a troubled talent |
Jessica Duchen: 'La Stupenda', a voice as
singular as Maria Callas
Covent Garden became Sutherland's artistic home and she was a key player in some of its biggest moments |
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2010 |
Benjamin Grosvenor:
a child prodigy set for the long haul
At 18, the pianist Benjamin Grosvenor is already hailed as a major talent. How
does he do it? Hard work, he tells Jessica Duchen. |
Mitsuko Uchida - The reluctant dame and her cup of joy
Mitsuko Uchida doesn't use her title, but the pianist is a stickler for preparation – especially of her tea. Jessica Duchen meets her |
A Monty Python approach to the father of opera
Claudio Monteverdi laid the template for an art-form but, says Jessica Duchen, now his own tragic life is taking centre-stage
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It's time to reassess Gilbert and Sullivan
They are musical geniuses, says Jessica Duchen, so why won't
the Royal Opera House or Glyndebourne touch them? |
Queen of the Met reigns at Last Night of the Proms
Renée Fleming will lead Rule, Brittania! at the Royal Albert Hall tomorrow night. It will be a carnival, she tells Jessica Duchen |
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2010 |
Is Ryanair taking musicians for a ride?
As a 12-year-old is told to pay £190 to take her violin on a flight, Jessica
Duchen bemoans the lot of the travelling player |
From ballads to
Rule, Britannia!
Sunday's Prom will replay the Last Night from 1910. Jessica Duchen looks at how the institution has changed
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How we learned to start worrying and love Mahler
The Austrian composer is more popular than ever, with a host of anniversary concerts planned. Yet at first his work was overlooked because his sense of doom was out of tune with the times.
By Jessica Duchen |
Sonya’s Story,
Riverside Studios, London
Review by Jessica Duchen |
Puccini - The maestro and a succès de scandale
Puccini's Wild West opera, La fanciulla del West, has a rare outing in Edinburgh. It is almost certainly based on his secret love affair that was
mired in tragedy. Jessica Duchen went to his house in Tuscany to find out more |
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No false modesty about Richard Strauss's
'Ein Heldenleben'
by Jessica Duchen |
Elgar's other,
dotty, enigma
The British composer's Violin Concerto has a strange dedication,
ending in five dots. A century after this romantic masterpiece's
premiere, Jessica Duchen investigates the object of the epigraph |
A family that plays together stays together
Dmitri Jurowski, who is set to make his Royal Opera House debut next
month, is another member of the world's premier conducting clan, says Jessica Duchen |
Classical music venues: Not for the faint-hearted
After passing out during the summer's hottest Prom, Jessica
Duchen wonders why Britain is so short of venues for classical
music that are comfortable.
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Paul Lewis to perform all five Beethoven piano concertos at the Proms.
by Jessica Duchen
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Prestigious commissions come with a health warning
by Jessica Duchen |
Placido Domingo -
If I rest I rust.
Placido Domingo is the best-known, and best-loved, tenor in the world.
Next week he makes his Covent Garden debut as a baritone. He may sound different but he's still the hottest ticket in town,
by Jessica Duchen |
Pretty Useful Poison for American Pianist Leon Fleisher
by Jessica Duchen |
Prognosis is much better for Janina Fialkowska
by Jessica Duchen
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Opera's superstar:
Why Juan Diego Flórez is the heir to Pavarotti
by Jessica Duchen
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2010 |
The Big Question: Why is Wagner's legacy
proving so bitter both to music and to his family?
by Jessica Duchen |
Don't worry,
Hitler
preferred Lehar
by Jessica Duchen |
Fauré - Requiem for a dream
by Jessica Duchen |
Maurizio Pollini: Chopin Birthday Recital,
Royal Festival Hall, London
by Jessica Duchen |
Observations:
Suk's Angel of Death is not for the faint-hearted
by Jessica Duchen |
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Daniel Barenboim: How the maestro made classical music the hottest ticket in town
Daniel Barenboim is back, and tickets for his Beethoven piano concertos are like gold dust. Jessica Duchen is dazzled by the charisma of a man whose personal life, philosophy and quest for peace are woven into his music
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A glass ceiling
for women in the
orchestra pit
Next week, Julia Jones takes the baton at the Royal Opera House.
But a woman on the podium remains a rare event. And that is absurd, says
Jessica Duchen
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Don't roll over Beethoven
The Roundhouse is more famous for rock than symphonies, but it could be just the venue to build up a young classical fanbase, says Jessica Duchen
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Frédéric Chopin - A very tainted genius
Next year is the bicentenary of Frédéric Chopin's birth, and major celebrations of his life are planned. But, says Jessica Duchen, while the composer's music was sublime, his personality was another matter entirely
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Ballet and Opera -
The odd couple
To many ballet fans, opera is all about melodrama and inappropriate vocalising. Yet, to opera aficionados, ballet can seem limited and dull. But, Jessica Duchen says, they do work together ...
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2009 |
Opera sheds new light on Tchaikovsky's gay lifestyle
Tchaikovsky is thought of as a gloomy fatalist, but a rarely staged humorous opera and a book about his gay lifestyle will make us think again
by
Jessica Duchen
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Life in the fast lane: Steven McRae
Steven McRae grew up in the world of motor racing but now he is one of the Royal Ballet's brightest stars
by
Jessica Duchen |
Observations:
Thomas Arne is due a revival after 166 years
by
Jessica Duchen
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Haunting: ENO revive 'The Turn of the Screw'
A revival of Benjamin Britten's spine-chilling adaptation of Henry James's novel, Jessica is haunted by the power of ghost stories set to music
by
Jessica Duchen |
Observations:
Martinu benefits from BBC Symphony Orchestra's championship
by
Jessica Duchen |
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2009 |
- Joyce DiDonato -
A diva with joie de vivre
by
Jessica Duchen |
Observations:
Hitler at the heart of Wagner
by
Jessica Duchen
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Still playing the rebel:
Nigel Kennedy
is back and he's showing no signs of mellowing
Jessica Duchen met him, and then partied... |
PROM 60:
RPO - Charles Dutoit/ Martha Argerich, Royal Albert Hall, London.
A sublime solo in a night of stars
Reviewed by
Jessica Duchen |
PROMS:
Observations:
Proms brings Israeli and Arab musicians together in perfect harmony
by
Jessica Duchen |
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2009 |
Prom 5:
LSO/Haitink,
Royal Albert Hall, London
by
Jessica Duchen |
Valery Gergiev:
The Ring Master
It's the musical event of the summer. As the Mariinsky brings the Ring Cycle to London, Jessica Duchen meets the maestro in charge.
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Power of the Proms: The diverse 115th season features many highlights from Stravinsky and Purcell to...Goldie
by
Jessica Duchen |
Observations:
You can't keep a good diva down
by
Jessica Duchen |
Nikolaj Znaider adds another string to his bow
by
Jessica Duchen |
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2009 |
Classical music: It's a concert, not a catwalk
by Jessica Duchen
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The murky music prize
Our classical music competitions can be corrupt, says Jessica Duchen
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Britain's own National Youth Orchestra can compete with the best
by
Jessica Duchen
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Faryl Smith: Too much, too young?
She's music's latest teen sensation – but life isn't easy for child prodigies, warns Jessica Duchen
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Angela Gheorghiu: 'Difficult? No, I seek perfection'
Melba, Callas, Norman – Angela Gheorghiu, the operatic soprano of the age, can out-diva them all. But behind the no-shows and spats is a singer passionate about her art.
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Handel loved Britain – but that doesn't mean we have to love him back
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Observations:
Music made for Holywood
Korngold's 'Die tote Stadt' opens at the Royal Opera House |
Carmina Burana,
O2 Arena,
London
A funny way to perform opera's sexiest romp. |
Conspiracy of silence:
Could the release of secret documents shatter Felix
Mendelssohn's reputation?
Secret documents revealing a dark tale of adultery and suicide could
shatter Felix Mendelssohn's reputation. |
Dark heart of a masterpiece:
Carmina Burana's famous chorus hides a murky Nazi past
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2008 |
Magdalena Kozena's motherly love
Her new CD has a maternal theme – just right for Magdalena Kozena's new role as a family woman |
Style notes: Classical conductors get a makeover
by Jessica Duchen |
Beijing falls into Three Tenors trap
by Jessica Duchen
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The new
Three Tenors
With record-breaking tours and multi-platinum albums, Pavarotti, Domingo and Carrerastook opera to the masses. Now a younger trio is vying to take their place. |
BBC Proms:
Everything you wanted to know (but were afraid to ask)
The BBC Proms, which start tonight, are the world's greatest music festival. But they can seem forbidding. Jessica Duchen tells you how to be an instant expert
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2008 |
Patricia Rozario:
Indian summer
The Mumbai-born soprano Patricia Rozario tells Jessica Duchen how she rediscovered her heritage – and why she's bringing Eastern folk songs to a London music festival |
A svelter belter: Soprano Deborah Voigt has slimmed down but that fabulous voice is as big as ever
Deborah Voigt has shed more than 100 pounds since her gastric bypass surgery |
Is Julian Lloyd Webber trying to grab the headlines with his improvised BBC broadcast?
Next week, the cellist will improvise classical music in the background of a live BBC bulletin.
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There's something in the aria:
Behind the scenes at Glyndebourne
Glyndebourne's opera festival opens this weekend with a rich display of talent on offer. Jessica Duchen has been watching the stars prepare |
Danielle de Niese:
The slim lady sings
She's playing Poppea at Glyndebourne – and she's dating the boss. Danielle de Niese has the talent and looks to turn heads, says Jessica Duchen
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2008 |
'Christine Rice:The unlikely Opera Star'
Christine Rice swapped her physics degree for a singing career - and now she takes the centre stage at Covent Garden. Jessica meets the unlikely opera star
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Mind the Bach:
Classical music on the underground
As classical music is piped into 40 Tube stations to reduce antisocial behaviour, Jessica Duchen asks if we really want rush hour symphonies |
'Book
of a Lifetime'
Dodie Smith -
I Capture the Castle |
Marina Poplavskaya: At full throttle
Covent Garden calls her 'turbocharged' – and the Russian soprano Marina Poplavskaya certainly lives life in the fast lane, discovers Jessica Duchen |
Daniel Barenboim:
The big picture
The extraordinary response to Daniel Barenboim's Beethoven sonata cycle
reveals that what audiences really want is to immerse themselves in the work of great artists
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Music's boy wonder: Composer, conductor, singer... and he's only fifteen
Alex Prior is in Moscow conducting his own ballet score – the latest in a series of amazing feats. But, as Jessica Duchen reports, the stories of child prodigies do not always have a happy ending |
Olivier Messiaen:
A force of nature
From its birth in a Nazi PoW camp, Olivier Messiaen's work changed the course of classical music. Jessica Duchen hails a new festival of his greatest hits |
Virtuoso violinist Tasmin Little is coming to a PC near you
The musician reveals how her experience of busking for The Independent sowed the seeds of Little's latest project, The Naked Violin |
-TANNHÄUSER-
Opéra Bastille,
Paris - fivestar
Reviewed
by Jessica Duchen
and here is:
UNEDITED
version
as supplied by Jessica |
Natalie Dessay: Comedienne dell’arte
The French soprano Natalie Dessay dazzles in comic roles. But she's deadly serious about the business of opera, she tells Jessica Duchen |
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2007 |
Soul sisters:
The lost requiem
The soprano
Cecilia Bartoli
is so passionate
about Maria Malibran that she's taking her music on the road. |
Composer
JOHN FOULDS:
The lost requiem
Branded a coward, labelled a communist, dismissed by his peers, forgotten by the critics. Now, finally rediscovered, the genius of John Foulds |
ERICH KORNGOLD:
The last romantic
Erich Korngold's lush film scores were an instant hit in 1930s Hollywood. But he could never win over the critics – even his father. Now, his 'serious' music is taking centre stage. |
Ring Cycle:
Legend reborn
From Bugs Bunny to magic lanterns, the Royal Opera House has enlisted some unusual helpers in promoting its latest Ring Cycle. |
Natalie Clein :
Battle of the hands
The young British cellist Natalie Clein is about to release her own version of the Elgar concerto made famous by Jacqueline du Pré. But can it be bettered? |
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2007 |
WAGNER's
Götterdämmerung:
The greatest test in opera for singers, conductor, orchestra – and audience
Jessica gets ready for Sunday's epic Prom
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Jessica Duchen:
TALKING CLASSICAL
What is it about the Welsh and singing?...
Jessica interviews:
Elin Manahan Thomas
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Power of the Proms: How the world's greatest classical music festival is changing
A West End star, a Soweto ensemble and Nitin Sawhney are appearing at the 2007 Proms. Classical snobs may sneer ... |
Bosnian Opera:
The music of war
A remarkable project in Mostar aims to bring about reconciliation in Bosnia through the country's shared cultural heritage. |
'Kismet' at the ENO: An exercise in very poor taste
In these straitened times, opera houses need to bring in the crowds. But with its bangles, baubles and belly-dancing, 'Kismet' is the worst choice for the ENO.
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2007 |
What inspired Benjamin Britten?
Before Benjamin Britten's Aldeburgh Festival
gets underway again, Jessica Duchen takes a trip to the Suffolk coast to work out what so inspired the composer |
Saint-Georges: Marie-Antoinette's pop idol
How come the composer who inspired jealousy in Mozart, was adored by the French queen and banned by Napoleon, has been forgotten? |
Angelika Kirchschlager: This diva's got balls
The mezzo-soprano Angelika Kirchschlager is currently flaunting her femininity in 'Pélléas et Mélisande'. But she won't give up the trouser roles... |
Sir Henry Wood:
The first knight of the Proms
Sir Henry Wood dreamed of bringing classical music to the masses - and did just that. But a new history of the concerts reveals what the effort cost him personally. |
Tasmin Little :
Playing great music in unexpected locations
To see if the British can recognise great music in an unexpected setting - Tasmin Little and her Strad went on to the streets.(with pics pdf)
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2007 |
Sibelius -
A hostage to history
Sibelius was once the world's favourite composer but, thanks to German fascist admirers, his star waned after his death.
Fifty years later, it's time to rediscover his genius, says Jessica
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Edward Elgar:
A maestro you can bank on
Edward Elgar's face may have been removed from the £20 note, but in the year of his 150th anniversary he remains one of this country's most popular classical music draws |
Simon Keenlyside:
The sound
and the fury
Some singers might be daunted by the part of Prospero in Thomas Adès’ challenging ‘The Tempest’, but not baritone Simon Keenlyside |
Joyce Hatto:
Notes on a scandal
Turning her back on the classical music world she despised, the pianist Joyce Hatto released a vast body of work. Trouble is, it seems she didn't play all of it. |
Marcelo Alvarez :
Living the High Life
As Marcelo Alvarez attempts to rival Pavarotti as 'king of the high Cs' at Covent Garden, Jessica Duchen explains why hitting the top notes can make or break a singer's career
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| 2006/2007 |
Valery Gergiev: Light
the red touchpaper, stand back:
Ticket sales boom when Valery Gergiev is in town - and the fiery Russian now heads the LSO. Jessica Duchen salutes a conductor who can galvanise the concert business - if he chooses to
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Everything in the Garden looks lovely
Passion, conflict, drama... and that's before the curtain rises. After six magnificent and stormy decades, the Royal Opera still hits the high notes.
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Online Concerts:
Pick of the Clicks
There are superb concerts amid bloopers and home videos on YouTube.
But musicians are unhappy about having their mistakes broadcast - for free
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Performing Handel:
Messianic delusions
As ever, Christmas is heralded with generous servings of Handel's 'Messiah', but Jessica Duchen warns that what we hear isn't always what the composer intended
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Carmen: Under
the gypsy's spell
She's back, as feisty, sexy and indomitable as ever. As the curtain rises on a new Royal Opera staging, Jessica Duchen tells how Bizet's heroine sings to us all |
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| 2006 |
Anna Netrebko
A Rare Jewel from the East
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Anna Netrebko
A Rare Jewel from the East
(pdf with photos)
(Please scale up to 200% for reading) |
Hooked on Classics
Rockstars who attempt the crossover
| Gounod: Sympathy for the devil
Gounod's life paralleled that
of his own Faust. |
Music in literature
Many writers have tried to capture the intangible power of music in words.
Jessica chooses her favourites
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| 2006 |
Salzburg:
A festival
faces up
to its past |
Small
wonder:
Opera
in Wexford |
Preview:
Grigory Sokolov,
Barbican,
Soviet
Russia's best-kept secret is out |
Placido
Domingo:
Placido
Domingo to open in a little-known version of Cyrano de Bergerac. He tells Jessica
why, at 65, he sings on |
Preview:
Throw Of The Dice
Barbican, London
Nitin
Sawhney score for "Throw Of The Dice" - 1929 |
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| 2006/2005 |
Elgar:
Have
we been
hearing what he
really wrote?
| Clara Schumann:
The troubled career of the pianist.
Devoted wife
or damaged prodigy? |
Pauline
Viardot:
The forgotten diva.
Pauline inspired Brahms, Berlioz and Turgenev, so why is she forgotten? |
Don't
you dare knock Mozart.
David McVicar's take on The Marriage of Figaro for the Royal Opera |
Meet
Mozart Jnr -
Franz Xaver Mozart
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| 2005 |
Cecilia
Bartoli: Bringing
operas back to life
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Playing for peanuts-
London Orchestras |
"Playing for Time: Arthur
Miller's play hits the stage"...
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The
Who
- It's only rock' n' roll
| (Read abridged version from Andante with pics here 170k)
Lisa
Gasteen:
Brünnhilde of Oz |
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| 2005 |
José
Cura:
Let's get physical |
Verbier
Festival, Various
Venues, Verbier **** |
Preview:
Leonidas Kavakos
Prom 55: Royal Albert Hall
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Talking
Classical
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor |
The
return of the original Ring lord-
Wagnermania |
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| 2005 |
Razumovsky Ensemble,
Flexible friends set for
lift-off
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Woman with a mission-
Soprano
Susan Graham
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Talking
Classical
Ivan Turgenev |
The women in Wagner
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Stories
that make music.
Hans Christian Andersen |
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| 2005/2004 |
Tippett divides and conquers
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String when you're winning-
Violinist Nicola Benedetti |
Still
striking a chord
Jacqueline du Pré |
The
priest of love
Antonio Vivaldi |
The
young and the restless
A new generation of conductors |
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2004
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The classic way to stay young
The Nash Ensemble
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A requiem for the fallen.
Elgar's choral work
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Born to be wild
A new study of Dvorak's musical
sketches
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Homage
to a misfit -
Sir Malcolm Arnold's extaordinary life story |
A
hard act to follow. Clive
Gillinson, director of the LSO, is off to New York. |
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| 2004 |
The
music speaks. As
the pianist plays Brahms, the composer's love letters are read aloud. |
The
enigma of Elgar |
Maurice's
Minor Mysteries
-
Ravel and his secrets |
Saint-Saëns-
The composer who disappeared (twice)
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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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2012 |
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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
|
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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a reader for PDF files?
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