The play’s the thing
A US revival provides a fascinating glimpse of English opera's obscure past, writes James Fenton.
Fifty ways to sing about love
She's played everything from a water nymph to a murderess. As she comes to Covent Garden as Desdemona, Renée Fleming reveals the secrets of a soprano.
Rich pickings
James Fenton on an album of intimate songs written for an Elizabethan beauty.
In my lady’s chamber
James Fenton on an operatic version of Strindberg's Miss Julie.
Songs for seducers
James Fenton on words and music in Debussy.
The rivals
Donizetti based his opera Mary Queen of Scots on a dispute between Elizabeth I and her younger, prettier cousin. Who cares if the crucial meeting never happened, asks John Guy, Mary Stuart's biographer.
Elvis pumps it up by writing an opera about Hans Christian Andersen
Elvis Costello has made a career out of confounding his fans. Now he looks likely to baffle audiences again - by writing an opera based on the life of Hans Christian Andersen.
Enduring spirit
Jacqueline du Pré would have been 60 this week. Cellist Ralph Kirshbaum celebrates the legacy of a musician who inspired devotion from all who heard her play.
The hoot of the frozen owl
James Fenton on finding a place for Barber and Puccini.
Hell on Earth
The Divine Comedy is an epic meditation on the human condition. Can it ever be successfully turned into music? Tim Ashley on the composers who have dared.
‘One must have a chaos inside’
He was a philosopher at school, a prisoner in wartime, a hippie in old age - and an idiosyncratic conductor throughout his life. Michael Berkeley pays tribute to Michael Tippett.
Gods and monsters
Why do we have such a need for the operas of a deeply prejudiced man? Director Keith Warner on Wagner.
Up, up and away
James Fenton on Italian opera in the 20th century.
Force of nature
Born in Epping of Italian parents, Antonio Pappano moved to America in his teens. He was given piano lessons, but never attended music school, and worked as an accompanist from an early age. He switched to conducting and worked with the great names of the opera world. Now music director at Covent Garden he faces his next big challenge - the Ring cycle. Now music director at Covent Garden he faces his next biggest challenge - the Ring cycle.