Sibelius
Sibelius: Symphonies 3&5 (Alpha-Classics)
There’s a new burst of steam from the sauna
Jean Sibelius: Orchestral songs (LAWO)
The themes are cruel and cold
Sibelius: 7 symphonies and Tapiola (Decca)
A fresh, ambitious and daring approach to the familiar Finn
Sometimes it’s best to shoot the messenger
Ordinary citizens feel a greater claim than ever before to what goes on in public institutions
The 300 Years’ War
How conflict over land ownership shaped conflict over Ireland
The grim quasi-religious doctrine of “unconscious bias training”
Baroness Royall’s commitment to the idea should concern Oxford students, academics and administrators
Let’s start a cat flap
Why do cute predators get a pass from conservationists?
Choosing enemies wisely
China manifestly wishes to avenge her past humiliation at Western hands
The dark underbelly of the sex industry
Advocacy for the idea of sex work has not been matched by advocacy for the exploited
Don’t let it go
Communal singing is good for the soul
Centre for a vassal state
Why is a think tank dedicated to “Inclusive Trade” trying to tie the UK to EU imports?
What’s wrong with the Human Rights Act?
It makes judges the arbiter of moral and political as well as legal decisions
Rouvali’s subtle genius
Santtu-Matias Rouvali delivers a masterclass in restraint and resonance in Shostakovich’s 6 and 9
Charli’s carefree bratitude
This is music for people who are tired of being careful
