In Vienna, Heady Mix of Messiaen, Boulez, Schubert
By Matthew Gurewitsch
VIENNA — Leading the opening programs of the Vienna Philharmonic’s season at the Musikverein, Ingo Metzmacher and Daniel Barenboim followed the same template, to strikingly dissimilar effect.In Berlin, ‘Hélène’ Not So Belle And ‘Tosca’ Is Teutonic
By Rebecca Schmid
BERLIN - The Komische Oper and Staatsoper opened the season with new productions that fell flat. Barrie Kosky's La belle Hélène offered strangely little Offenbach, and 'Tosca,' led by Daniel Barenboim, veered toward Wagner.Pianist Or Artistic Chief, Buchbinder Is Purist At Heart
By Rebecca Schmid
VIENNA – Rudolf Buchbinder, who will play Stateside with the Boston Symphony under Thierry Fisher Oct. 16-21, is not a man of compromises. For several years, he has made only live recordings and usually travels without scores.Da Vinci’s Design For Gamba-Organ Voiced At Festival
By Rebecca Schmid
WROCŁAW - Leonardo da Vinci sketched a wheel-bowed keyboard instrument that he never built. At Poland's festival Wratislavia Cantans, Sławomir Zubrzycki performed on his realization of the viola organista, completed at last.Updating Strauss: Daphne In Denim, Up A Wall St. Tree
By Susan Brodie
BRUSSELS - In Guy Joosten’s high-concept production, Daphne's a dreamy heroine, quite literally a tree hugger, protesting against the technology-obsessed world of her parents, dissolute one-percenters in evening dress.Rossini Festival Revives ‘Aureliano’ In Vocal Splendor
By Rebecca Schmid
PESARO – In the seaside town where Gioachino Rossini was born, opera has persevered with an unrivaled standard of authenticity. All productions this year, including Aureliano in Palmira, were based on recent critical editions.Schubert Rarity ‘Fierrabras’ Is Star Of Salzburg Fest
By Rebecca Schmid
SALZBURG -- In today's fierce competition, when one can view a world of arts on the computer screen, Salzburg must prove its offerings are not only a cut above but available nowhere else. A new 'Fierrabras' does that.Keyed For Europe, Toronto Symphony Crowns A Festival
By Colin Eatock
TORONTO – Kicking off a European tour for the city back home, maestro Peter Oundjian and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra performed a festival concert for Toronto Summer Music, now in its ninth season. Next stop, Vienna.MCANA Reports: Strauss Leads The Way At 2014 Dresden Music Festival
DRESDEN - It was to this magical city on the Elbe that five members of the Music Critics Association of North America were drawn for the Dresden Music Festival June 7-10. Their reviews and impressions are gathered here.