Five Lines is a collection of writings about music in Aotearoa New Zealand by Elizabeth Kerr. It features short articles, artist profiles and reviews of concerts, operas and albums. You can subscribe - it’s free - at the bottom of any story.
Brahms, Hristova and Houstoun: magical unanimity
Pianist Michael Houstoun and violinist Bella Hristova bring their effortless rapport to a new album of Brahms Violin Sonatas.
Barley and De Pledge: Dream team
Matthew Barley and Stephen de Pledge are currently touring Aotearoa for Chamber Music New Zealand with a programme of Beethoven, Brahms and other “interesting stuff”.
Hilary Hahn with the NZSO - taking time
Celebrated American violinist Hilary Hahn talks about her early influences, JS Bach and her upcoming concertos with the NZSO.
At the World’s Edge Festival: intimacy, awe and connection
This week violinists Justine Cormack and Ben Baker will realise their dream of a new chamber music festival in Central Otago.
Violinist Wilma Smith - chamber music with friends
Violinist Wilma Smith is in New Zealand for a chamber music tour and the annual Martinborough Music Festival. The Delta outbreak has her plans in flux but she’s still smiling.
Sweet indulgence
A new CD of Romantic song transcriptions, Morgen shares the pleasures of beautiful and emotional music. Performed by Andrew Joyce, cello and Rae de Lisle, piano.
Johannes Brahms: Clarinet Sonatas and Trio
What does historically informed performance mean for late Brahms? A review of the recent release of Brahms’ Clarinet Sonatas and Trio, by Marie Ross (clarinet), Petra Somlai (piano) and Claire-Lise Démettre (cello) (Centaur).
