For their opening night at Norwich’s Theatre Royal, the English Touring Opera delivered a refreshingly clear interpretation of Mozart’s much-loved opera, The Marriage of Figaro. As someone who was relatively new to the world of opera, I found the performance surprisingly accessible, as well as genuinely funny, at points leading me to laugh aloud. Fortunately,…
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Arts
Romeo and Juliet: “that the dancers were not overwhelmed by the music is a testament to their collective talent”
When Sergei Prokofiev set out to compose Romeo and Juliet he did so positively. Having been absent from Russia since 1918, he saw the opportunity to return and compose any ballet or opera that he wished as a triumphant homecoming. Prokofiev’s initial score reflected his joy at being back in homeland; composed over the course…
Arts
Woman in Black Performance: ‘captures the essence of Hill’s original tale’
Having not seen the stage production of The Woman in Black before, I am not ashamed to confess that I entered the theatre with great expectations. For those who don’t know, the play continues Arthur Kipps’ quest to lay his experiences at Eel Marsh House to rest. The original book, by Susan Hill, had Kipps…
Music
UEA Choir and Orchestra: Pictures of Russia
The conductor of an orchestra in which I used to play once told me that in order to play Russian music properly, one had to play their instrument ‘coldly’. Needless to say, this is easier said than done. Yet, I think that it is necessary in order to capture the unique character of a Romantic-era…
Music, OldVenue
Album review: ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’ – Radiohead
One of the most accurate assessments I have ever heard of a band described Elbow as like dust: impossible to have an opinion on, whether it be positive or negative. Sadly, music as a whole seems to be heading the same way: hired songwriters make it nigh-on impossible for an established artist to share an…