Connolly, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bělohlávek, Barbican

Poise and dignity in Wagner, Lieberson and Dvořák

by David NiceSaturday, 02 October 2010

Sarah Connolly: Poised in emotional Lieberson lovesongsPeter Warren

As experienced Wagnerian Jiří Bělohlávek came on to launch the BBCSO's new season in mid-air with the Tristan Prelude, I wondered whether the world's finest interpreter of Isolde's serving maid Brangäne, lustrous mezzo Sarah Connolly, was waiting to up her game, and her range, and tackle the Liebestod. Sadly not: that remained, as often in concert, Music Minus One. Connolly was there for a different kind of game-upping - a noble attempt to enter the charmed circle that's developed around the memory of the great Lorraine Hunt Lieberson with husband Peter Lieberson's Neruda Songs.

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'You are my hero, dear Jiří': Karita Mattila and others remember Jiří Bělohlávek

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