The Furtwangler Problem

The Furtwangler Problem

I’ve recently been following a lively discussion of the fascist beliefs of the conductor Reginald Goodall, which has, predictably, spilled over to discussion of Karajan and Furtwangler. After writing this about Furtwangler, I thought it was interesting enough to...

In orbit around Jupiter….

It’s often said that conducting is a lonely profession…. This week, I’m conducting the Surrey Mozart Players in (among other things), Mozart’s Symphony no. 41. Digging out a piece this well known when you’ve done it before imposes a certain extra degree of discipline...

NQHO- the latest in the papers

Since my last NQHO post has generated so many emails and comments, I forward on a review of their most recent concert. No- I don’t work for them. However, having heard them live, and having felt it was one of the most revelatory concerts I’d heard in ages,...

On my desk- Messiah

One of the many scores on my desk this week is Handel’s Messiah, which I suppose is no surprise to anyone given the time of year. Actually, it has been a few years since I last conducted Messiah. The last time I did it was one of those rather rare occasions when one...

NQHO Sampler

I’ve written here before about the unique sonic qualities of the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra. The NQHO have updated their website, and have now created a podcast highlighting the the timbres of the individual instruments as used in the band, complete with...

Back to Oxford

I’ve come across an interesting blog that is new to me, Michael Monroe’s MMmusings. A recent post called “Saving the Best for First,” caught my attention because it alluded to a post of mine about Haydn’s Symphony no. 92, the “Oxford.” Thanks to Michael...