Gramophone Magazine October 2021

Last month’s editorial focused on the power of live performance. So this month I’ll swing right to the other end of the spectrum – back into the studio (or the myriad forms that a studio can take, from purpose-built venues, to cathedrals, town halls, concert halls or anywhere where a fine acoustic can be found). But not to focus on the artists this time, but on the people behind the scenes – or more accurately behind the microphones and desks. I hope a magazine like ours never neglects these possessors of brilliant minds and ears, but as we unveil our shortlist for this year’s Awards (see page 26), it’s worth highlighting once again that when it comes to the superb sound you hear in your living rooms, the experience and expertise…

‘Another interview made online,’ says LINDSAY KEMP of writing our cover story, ‘but, as I peered into my laptop, the long miles from Poland to England couldn’t prevent Jakub Józef Orliński’s amiable personality – bright, open and impressively self-knowing – from coming over loud and clear.’ ‘During lockdown, many artists have been returning to the music of their youth – one such is Imogen Cooper,’ reflects JEREMY NICHOLAS, who interviews the pianist this issue. ‘She is, however, the only one to do so who has also been honoured by a damehood. It was a delight to catch up with her.’ ‘Rigoletto was a real turning point in Verdi’s career,’ says MARK PULLINGER, author of this issue’s Collection. ‘It’s packed with melodies but has a gripping sense of drama, the title-role a demanding…

FARRENC Symphonies Nos 1 & 3 Insula Orchestra / Laurence Equilbey Erato A compelling piece of advocacy for 19th-century French composer Louise Farrenc, these two beautifully crafted symphonies are performed with passion and care. ▸ REVIEW ON PAGE 50 BRAHMS ‘Sonatas & Liebeslieder’ Emmanuelle Bertrand vc Pascal Amoyel pf Harmonia Mundi A delightful programme, sonatas and songs alike played by cellist Emmanuelle Bertrand and pianist Pascal Amoyel with an immediately engaging and superbly conveyed rapport. ▸ REVIEW ON PAGE 62 SCHNITTKE Choir Concerto Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir / Kaspars Putniņš BIS The profound spiritual depth of these settings by Pärt and Schnittke, caught here in superb performances from Estonia, is deeply moving. ▸ REVIEW ON PAGE 86 DVD/BLU-RAY VERDI Simon Boccanegra Sols; Zurich Opera / Fabio Luisi Accent Baritone Christian Gerhaher’s second appearance on this page this month, and only his second Verdi role,…

Warner Classics announced a trio of signings last month. Among them was South African cellis-singer-composer Abel Selaocoe, a rapidly rising star who moves seamlessly from world music to classical concertos, combining virtuosic performance with improvisation, singing and body percussion. He formed Chesaba, a trio specialising in music from Africa, in 2016, and they made their BBC Proms debut in August alongside the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. The Manchester-based musician’s debut recording will embrace jazz, world and Baroque music, and, he says, help us ‘to understand different ways we seek refuge, not always a place of comfort but one of empowerment that allows potential to live a fulfilled life’. Warner’s other new signings are Serbian-French violinist Nemanja Radulovic´ (well known from his recordings for DG) and the young Israeli-French pianist Yoav…

Following a four-year search, Gramophone Award-winning artist Vilde Frang has become the custodian of a new violin – the 1734 ‘Rode’ Guarneri del Gesu, loaned to her by a benefactor. The Norwegian violinist describes the instrument, whose previous players include Pierre Rode, Norbert Brainin and Kyung Wha Chung, as ‘the violin of my dreams’, adding ‘I feel truly blessed that I am able to keep on playing on it! My joy and gratitude are expanding every day.’ Her search was facilitated by Steven Smith of violin dealers J&A Beare and Stephan Jansen, co-founder of the Stretton Society, a private philanthropic club that supports classical music.…

Nicky Spence, winner of Gramophone’s 2020 Solo Vocal Award (for his album of Janaček songs for Hyperion), has joined Help Musicians as an Ambassador. Spence’s long relationship with the charity began when it supported his studies at Guildhall School of Music & Drama and The National Opera Studio. ‘It’s fair to say that I would simply not be enjoying a career if it weren’t for the support of Help Musicians,’ he said. ‘Coming from a working-class background, it was not the obvious choice for me to become a classical musician but their support endorsed me on my path and I’ve been compelled to give back ever since. They have been an extraordinary force for good during the pandemic.’ The tenor – whose past support includes raising £25k as part of a…