The programme which Martin Helmchen devised for his recital at the 2011 Verbier Festival is like a statement of probity: a carefully constructed selection of works by three composers, Bach, Liszt and Beethoven. The chosen compositions place demands…

Lars Vogt’s performances at the 2011 Verbier Festival, in the Swiss Alps, offer a thoughtprovoking and varied programme. Works by some of the leading composers of the classical repertoire – Mozart, Schubert, Beethoven and Brahms – receive a…

One reviewer of Susan Graham's Verbier Festival recital praised her 'radiant voice' and marveled at her ability to convey the subtle nuances of what seems like 'her second native language'. Her programme offers a 'tasting menu' of the French mélodie…

If there is one genre of music which baritone Thomas Hampson is exceptionally passionate about, it is the lied. To Hampson, song and singing are "the diary of our existence" and he has invested a great amount of time, work and love to luring this…

Roman Zaslavsky understands how to contrast the two ingenious opposites Robert Schumann and Franz Liszt side by side, on one recording giving each one his due, thus offering a completely new approach to their music and also to two rather different…

Roman Zaslavsky is a master of piano technique that espouses nuance without resorting to arbitrary mannerisms. He first gained recognition by taking 1st prize - the Primer Gran Premio - at the José Iturbi International Music Competition in Valencia…

"I have devoted my life to the piano and to music-making. Whether you acquire public fame or not, devoting one’s existence to serving art provides a rich life and the healthiest form of fulfillment. I feel music is my religion, the hall is my temple…

Both come from Buenos Aires, both have made global careers for themselves. Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim are not only fellow countrymen; they also both began to give concerts in their youth, as soloists and with an orchestra. In addition, the…

Brahms’s Ein Deutsches Requiem, composed between 1861 and 1868, continues to inspire musicians and audiences to this day. His requiem is addressed to the living, who are to be offered comfort in this world and freed from fear of death. This…

Carl Maria Giulini was known for his unique way of interacting with an orchestra. He said of himself that it wasn’t his intention to enforce authority, but to “arrive at human contact” with the musicians.It is this very spirit that makes the present…