March's Musical Round-Up

Welcome to the very first edition of Vialma’s musical monthly round up. As the head of music, I’m delighted to present just a small selection of the unmissable classical music coming to Vialma in March. With excellent new releases, historic hidden gems, remarkable musical collections and stunning video there is something for everyone to enjoy.

I also want to hear about the music that you love to listen to. Was there a concert that blew you away? Is there a recording that you listen to every day? Who is your favourite composer? Please leave a comment in the comment section at the bottom of the page. If you want more recommendations, I always have time to talk about music. So please send me an email at tim@vialma.com or find me on the instant messaging service on our homepage to chat! I look forward to hearing from you.

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The Composer of the Month

In March, Hector Berlioz is celebrating 150 years since his death and his works are being performed globally to mark the occasion. Opéra National de Paris recently paid tribute to Berlioz with the staging of his dramatic five act opera Les Troyens, written in 1863. The composer wrote the libretto, based on Virgil’s famous epic poem the “Aeneid”. The work tells of the siege of Troy by the Greeks, and a glistening romance between Aeneas and Dido.

To pay homage to the great composer, I have chosen to present the Grammy award winning album featuring the star soprano Joyce DiDonato and conductor John Nelson. Make sure to listen to the heart wrenching aria ‘Ah! Ah! Je vais mourir’, where Dido (sung by DiDonato) pre-empts her inevitable death.

To go further into the music of Berlioz, and to explore all the wonderful recordings we have of his music, make sure to listen to our Berlioz 150 Anniversary radio. Subscribe to listen.

To go further into the music of Berlioz, and to explore all the wonderful recordings we have of his music, make sure to listen to our Berlioz 150 Anniversary radio. Click to listen

The Musical Collection of the Month: Bach Cantatas

John Eliot Gardiner: Bach Cantatas

The striking album covers are portraits taken by photographer Stephen McCurry in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Rather than choosing images of churches or biblical scenes, the photos show that the music of Bach belongs to all nations.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s complete Bach Cantatas is an essential addition to the catalogue. These recordings are vitally important in the history of Bach interpretation in the modern day. Working at the Thomaskirche and the Nikolaikirche, it was Bach’s job to perform a church cantata every Sunday and Holy day, conducting soloists and orchestra as part of the service. Bach became director of the Thomaskirche in 1723 and early in his tenure would write a new work every day. We have included two cantatas recorded by Gardiner and his Monteverdi Choir, set for the Sunday before Lent (this coming Sunday) for you to enjoy on our playlist. To celebrate 250 years since Bach’s death on Christmas Day 1999 John Eliot Gardiner and the Monteverdi Choir set out to perform all of Bach’s cantatas throughout 2000. These performances coincided with the liturgical feasts.

To discover more of these beautiful cantatas, make sure to listen to our radio dedicated to Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s recordings. Click to listen

To discover more of these beautiful cantatas, make sure to listen to our radio dedicated to Sir John Eliot Gardiner’s recordings.. Subscribe to listen.

The Musical Duel of the Month

The comparison of the month features three Finnish musical maestros. Conductors Osmo Vänskä and John Storgårds take to the podium to perform two exhilarating versions of Jean Sibelius’ complete symphonies. Osmo Vänskä spent 20 years with the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in Finland, perfecting these symphonies to please his nation. Can John Storgårds match him?

Compare the two Finnish conductors in our comparison radio and decide which recording you prefer. Subscribe to listen.

Compare the two Finnish conductors in our comparison radio and decide which recording you prefer. Click to listen

The Hidden Gem of the Month

Britten and Rostropovich play Debussy’s Cello Sonata

Every month we look back in time to find a forgotten record that deserves recognition. This month I present an impressionistic masterpiece played by two towering figures of classical music. The composer Benjamin Britten accompanies the greatest cellist of the 20th Century, Mstislav Rostropovich to perform Debussy’s beautiful Cello Sonata. The great friendship the two men formed makes the interpretation so personal and in sync. This recording dates back to 1960 and was made a few weeks after its premiere at the Aldeburgh Music Festival. It is a great addition to anyone’s collection…

Click here to listen to the full recording

Subscribe to listen to the full recording.

Video of the Month

Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra

We take to the concert hall to watch the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela perform Beethoven’s 7th and 8th Symphonies under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel. This video gives an intimate perspective of a concert the orchestra gave in Barcelona. See the energy in the opening movement of the 7th Symphony an energy that never disappears for the whole performance. Here’s a small taste, if you want to experience the full performance have a look at our ‘Be Thrilled’ package that will give you unlimited access to all our videos.

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The Podcast of the Month

Classical Curiosities: Clara Schumann

Celebrate Clara Schumann’s 200th birthday with this podcast about her life as a composer and pianist. Discover her forbidden young love with Robert Schumann, whom she eventually married, and her romance with Johannes Brahms. Also, enjoy beautiful works of music composed by Clara and Robert Schumann and Brahms.

Click here to listen to the podcast

March’s Musical Round-Up