
In the latest edition of Opera Now John Steane reviews recital series across the UK. The London section is dedicated to Lawrence Brownlee’s fabulous recital at St John’s, Smith Square, on 25th May last season. If you didn’t have the chance to attend it, below are some highlights from John Steane’s fantastic review.
“It would be rash to declare Lawrence Brownlee a great singer simply on account of his debut recital in London, but to describe that recital as anything less than the work of a great tenor would be just plain wrong.”
“St John’s, Smith Square, was full to capacity, – a rare event. (…) I have to say that, of the 60-odd concerts I have attended in all the rich provision of the Rosenblatt series, this was the best.”
“The voice (a lyric tenor of moderate volume) is compact and precise in definition but free and radiant in vibrancy. (…) The range is impressive, with plenty of body in the lower notes. The top Cs ring out and, at present, seem to be inexhaustible. (…) But what impressed most of all was his ability to do other things.”
“We must all hope he will return speedily and sing as well again. Then we will be able to speak of a great tenor instead of merely a great tenor recital.”
For the full article, please refer to the September/October edition of Opera Now.
The next Rosenblatt recital will welcome the Italian tenor Antonino Siragusa at St John’s, Smith Square, on 28th September. Click here to book your tickets to the first concert of a sought-after 2010/2011 season of Rosenblatt Recitals.