Reynaldo Hahn — the Venezuelan-born prodigy-turned-quintessential Parisian salonista — is fondly remembered for his gorgeous art songs. Almost unknown are his solo piano pieces, which are, to put it simply, exquisite songs without words, miniatures to savour like fine truffles.

RCM showcases five prodigiously gifted musicians that demonstrate that they’re ready, willing, and able to leave their marks on the musical world.

 

ANDRAS SCHIFF
J.S. Bach, the Well Tempered Clavier (ECM)

Opera de Montreal are ending their season with Kevin Puts’s Silent Night, a cinematically efficient opera about the Christmas truce of 1914.

Saturday night’s opening performance was also colourful, dynamic, beautifully sung and engrossing.

"This isn’t just a concert; it is an experience" — Toronto Consort close season with an "exalted" Monteverdi Vespers at Jeanne Lamon Hall.

For music and visual arts fans, one of the most interesting happenings in Toronto this fall is the initiative by the Art Gallery of Ontario to bring music back to within its confines, by way of AGO Friday Nights.

"If you have even the slightest interest in Russian civilisation, you will need to experience this music without delay."

There are so many factors that go into a great performance of such an iconic work.