What the classical world has been listening to this month
Rakhi Singh
Violinist and composer There are so many different recordings of Vivaldi’s concertos, and whether I like something or not can vary depending on the interpretation. Sometimes, he is performed in quite a Romantic way, but I tend to lean towards performances where there’s a real focus on the rhythm. And for that reason, I’ve been really enjoying the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin’s recording of the Concerto Grosso in G minor RV 156 – their playing here has so much energy and groove to it.
We are surrounded by birds all the time and usually hardly notice them, but if you do take time to listen to them, it’s very special. Each movement in Cassandra Miller’s Warblework is influenced by birdsong, and I particularly like the opening movement, ‘Swainson’s Thrush’, played by the Quatuor Bozzini. The music transports me to the forest, and the way the composer uses the instruments to create outdoor textures is incredible writing – it’s so evocative.
I really want to listen to different types of music but don’t always know where to start, so sometimes go onto the Best Music lists on pitchfork.com. It’s there that I discovered several hits by Eminem, which I find fascinating. I really like his sense of rhythm – how it is somehow held and the way the beats land – and I also like music that has drive and that you feel its going somewhere. I don’t have the coolest terms to describe it, but I think I’d call it funk.
And also…
I crave the outdoors. As I am travelling so much for my job, sometimes I just like to get outside into nature – to go for a hike, or perhaps jump into lakes or rivers. I find that simply being out doing these things is such a good reset for both the body and mind and, the older I get, the more I realise that I have to look after myself in this way. Walking, in particular, is not just good for your body – it’s good for your headspace too.
Rakhi Singh’s Manchester Collective begins its season on 14 September at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
Edgar Moreau Cellist
My next recording will be Weinberg’s Cello Concerto, so I’ve been investigating this composer’s music. I’m really enjoying his Suite for Orchestra. It’s a wonderful piece and it feels special because, like me, Weinberg – though originally from Poland – was Jewish. The Suite itself is very accessible, but also very sophisticated – you can hear Jewish, Russian and Slavic elements, all fascinatingly combi
