 |
|
PHILIP R BUTTALL - The Herald 's Classical Music Writer & Critic (1)
|
![]() |
|
|
|
|
PHILIP R BUTTALL has been the Classical Music Writer & Critic for Plymouth's Evening Herald, and now The Herald, since 1997. He writes a weekly column each Thursday, where he previews the forthcoming classical music events in the city and surrounding area
|
|
|
 |
|
|
CLASSICAL MUSIC with PHILIP R BUTTALL
|
|
|
Classical music has had to move on, in order to keep up, and with the advent of Classic FM, there is no doubt it has tried to cast aside its elitist nature. Love it or hate it, there can be no denying the overwhelming popularity of some of today’s ‘crossover’ artists. The secret, though, is simply to accept them at face value – ‘commercial classics’ for the masses, and something that was, in fact, happening years before Classic FM first went on air in 1992, as anyone who can remember pianists like Semprini or Liberace, or tenors like Mario Lanza could confirm.
Russell Watson has been dubbed ‘The People’s Tenor’, and his albums have definitely taken classical music, and especially opera, to a new audience. Russell shot to fame with his second album ‘Encore’ which followed his innovative trademark mix of popular Italian arias with pop classics. It went double Platinum in New Zealand, Platinum in Ireland, and Gold in Singapore with over 1.7 million albums sold. Additionally, Russell won two Classical Brit Awards for Best Classical Album and Male Artist of the Year. His latest album, ‘Outside In’, released back in November, sees him tackling iconic repertoire with a newly-invigorated love of life and a maturing singing voice. Recovering from a serious illness, he is now apparently living every day to the full, and has thrown everything into these new recordings, which include the whole gamut from classical tracks to old standards, and even a new 2007 version of ‘Nessun Dorma’, and dedicated to the late Pavarotti himself! As it says on the tin, ‘with all this and a voice now better than ever, Russell proves once again that he can imbue popular songs as well as classical with his own unique style and grace’. Come along and find out, when Russell appears at the Pavilions this Sunday, June 29 at 7.30pm! Tickets (£55, £37.50 & £25) are available from the Box Office (01752 146 1460).
But if you’re looking for something more traditional then, earlier the same day, the Dante Festival comes to a close with a recital by the Dante Quartet in Tavistock Parish Church at 3.00pm. The Dantes will be joined by Festival Voices, and Israeli pianist, Noam Greenberg, in a feast of English music, featuring Three Idylls by Frank Bridge, Tippett’s Second Quartet, and Elgar’s magnificent Piano Quintet. Tickets (£8 / £3 children) can be bought in advance or at the door, where they will cost £10 and £4 respectively. A free live-lecture on the English music heard, by singer/fiddler, Paul Wilson, takes place in the church at 2.00pm. For further details and booking, please contact the Box Office (01579 370589).
Tomorrow evening, Friday June 27, Rachel Stott (viola d’amore) and Jeremy Brooker (baryton), better known as the Ariosti Duo, play at Polperro Village Hall at 8.00pm, as part of the village’s 2008 Festival. Their programme includes works by Bach, Ariosti, Fiala, Bartok, Satie and Massenet, with Rachel’s own specially-composed ‘Had Bach Had Legal Aid. Formed in 1998, the Ariosti Duo brings together two of the more uncommon instruments of the baroque and classical periods. Tickets (£10 / £8 children) are available on the door, and there will be a licensed bar. For further information please contact Robert Chisman (01503 272250).
Finally, the Chagford Singers perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and Andrew Carter’s Horizons in Moretonhampstead Parish Church on Saturday June 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets in advance (reduction applies) and further details from 01647 440224, or full price at the door.
Thursday June 26, 2008
|
|
|
|
