Music for a Great City: The Outcry Ensemble at Smith Square – Review
Even though I have been to plenty of superb performances this year there are a few good ‘uns that I’ve missed. Work, the Olympics and a family holiday have scuppered John Wilson at the...
The Dean and the Greatest: Aaron Copland and Muhammad Ali
I bet you didn’t realise there was a link between Aaron Copland and Muhammad Ali? Neither did I, but sometimes the stuff I turn up seems to be like buried treasure that is just...
Who has recorded the most Copland? You may be surprised!
I bet you if I asked 100 people the question “Who has recorded the most pieces by Aaron Copland?” the most common answer by a very long way would be the New York Philharmonic...
Copland’s Piano Concerto – A masterclass by Paul Lewis, Domingo Hindoyan & the Liverpool Philharmonic – Review
Liverpool Philharmonic with conductor Domingo Hindoyan started their season this week with a double header masterclass of 20th century classics. The crowning glory was surely Copland’s Piano Concerto played with seemingly effortless mastery by...
Copland at the Proms 2: “The Earth” with the National Youth Orchestra
When you’ve had a riveting “short ride in a fast machine” usually the first thing you want to do is get back in the vehicle and have another go! And that’s what I did....
Copland at the Proms 1: Clarinet Concerto played by the BBC NOW
I was at the Oval in London on Monday. Not the Kennington Oval to see Stuart Broad’s amazing fairytail swansong as a test cricketer. I was 3.5 miles north west inside the oval of...
Soto/Scholz/Schröder – Copland’s Clarinet Concerto – Ballet Premiere – Review
It was with a great deal of anticipation and just a little bit of trepidation that I travelled to Leipzig last weekend to see a new ballet version of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. The well-loved...
A Tale of Two Cities, A Tale of Two Great American Symphonies
Programmers at the City of Birmingham Symphony and Hallé Orchestra served up a late birthday treat for me this week! Two concerts on consecutive nights with lots of Copland and his 20th century contemporaries....
Lincoln Portrait and In the Beginning – recent livestreams reviewed
There are some Copland pieces that tend to take a lot longer for me to get to know, to appreciate and to love. I think this is down to a number of reasons. Prior...
Preamble for a Solemn Occasion – watch the EUYO and Marin Alsop
I love it when I find rare Copland pieces on YouTube especially when the production values are really good! It really helps me pinpoint the sounds of different instruments and gives me a new...