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What is truth?
THE big question, as posed by Richard Morrison earlier in the week, is if those in the audience at the Coliseum on Wednesday had a religious experience, whether they realised it or not. I should hate to have to define the words "religious experience", but have no hesitation in saying that those present realised that something out of the ordinary was going on. More than two thousand...
The English National Opera brings Bach to vivid dramatic life
Against a pale yellow background the chorus appears in silhouette, standing in rows. On the back wall of the stage is projected the face of a dying man. As the orchestra and chorus launch into the troubled opening music, one spotlight moves among the singers. It lingers on individuals, for this production of Bach's St. John Passion...
Throughout the disc, Graham Johnson's accompaniments are typically illuminating with numerous touches of detail glossed over by many pianists. And, as ever, his vastly comprehensive notes, amounting to no less than a book, are in a class of their own.
Throughout this year and through 10 concerts and lectures and a most readworthy book, the unique project Er Viborg Stift will draw a picture of how we became the people, the society and the church we are today. The concert part presents several "highs". The two with Polyphony were alpine peaks. The programme was formed as a musical church service. Stephen Layton had selected the works from the...
This disc is a must for any serious Schubert collector, its pleasures enhanced by Graham Johnson's observant accompaniments and his copious notes, dazzling as ever in their erudition, wit and range of illusion.
A feast of finely wrought, intelligent interpretations… the readings make an indelible impression.