BBC Proms: Clein, Britten Sinfonia, BBC Singers, Hill

This final Proms Saturday Matinee left us with a musical meditation on faith

by Alexandra CoghlanSaturday, 03 September 2011

Sofia Gubaidulina: a composer whose 'mistaken path' is as colourful as it is complex

Dominated by a focus on contemporary music, this year’s Proms’ Saturday Matinees have also developed something of a heavenward glance as the series has progressed. Last weekend it was the Christian mysticism of Hildegard of Bingen at the fore, with Britten’s Sacred and Profane providing a slippery foothold in the earthly. Yesterday we cast off worldly shackles entirely, gazing beyond the limits of our own humanity in the musical visions of Tippett, Tavener and Sofia Gubaidulina.

Explore topics

Share this article

more Classical music

Grosvenor, Park, Ridout, Soltani, Wigmore Hall review - chamber music supergroup in perfect accord Thoughtful programming puts quirky novelty alongside big beasts

Dariescu, BBC Philharmonic, Storgårds, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester review - sounds of unquenchable optimism Conductor is his own violin soloist in one of two UK premieres

MacMillan's Christmas Oratorio, Lois, Williams, RSNO, MacMillan, Usher Hall, Edinburgh – a great composer at the top of his game Scottish premiere of a recent masterwork

Louise Alder & Friends, Wigmore Hall review - magic carpet rides with soprano, strings and woodwind Levitational joy in an all-French programme, with modified rapture over two arrangements

Aurora Orchestra, Kings Place review - experimental work in an immersive setting A conceptually elegant evening that transported you to a different dimension

Morison, Immler, BBCSO, Bychkov, Barbican review - a Kafka journey and a mighty landmark Multi-tasking maestro shines with new songs and old forms

Classical CDs: Microphones, mazurkas and mad scenes Piano concertos, operatic intermezzi and a striking collection of songs

Grosvenor, SCO, Emelyanychev, Usher Hall, Edinburgh review - lightness of touch and a sprinkling of humour Romantic music played with period style, and the pianist finds the wit in Mendelssohn

Hallé, Elder, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester review - championing the rich and rare Solo qualities and thunderous climaxes in Rossini’s 'Stabat Mater'

Accentus, Insula orchestra, Equilbey, Barbican review - radiant French choral masterpieces A familiar warhorse alongside a neglected curiosity

Classical CDs: Drawing rooms, timpani strokes and domestic fiddling Vintage recording techniques, partsongs and Soviet orchestral music

Selaocoe, Schimpelsberger, LSO, Ward, Barbican review - force of nature crowns dance jamboree Cellist, composer and singer is one in a million – and the whole programme zings

Follow @theartsdesk