David

I was privileged to be present last night in the Barbican for a five star performance of more or less the best the classical music world can offer in the form of violinists and conductors: Nikolaj Znaider  playing Beethoven's violin concerto which was followed by Elgar's second symphony, both conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano.   I was there in the company of David Nice, music critic; great pal and the most frequent commentator on my meanderings  in this journal. 

I would like to give  his review for the Arts Desk  a five star rating too, reading as it does more like a inspired review of an exciting  thriller than a performance of  what some would describe as two old war horses of the classical repertory:

 "The opening lightness of the Rondo, Elgar’s most progressive and fascinating movement, proved deceptive: woodwind shrieked and the ghost from earlier in the symphony, now all hammering juggernaut, came upon us unawares." 

Today I am not really writing myself but would like to give the stage to him. Please look in on his magisterial and  luminous  tribute to these marvellous performers and this glorious concert:

http://www.theartsdesk.com/classical-music/znaider-lso-pappano-barbican