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.
Confronting the Modern Gods: John Psathas and Fabian Ziegler
The album Modern Gods, music by composer John Psathas performed by percussionist Fabian Ziegler and pianist Akvilė Šileikaitė, confronts the relationship between people and the “modern gods” of technology.
Michael Houstoun plays Brahms: miniature marvels
Pianist Michael Houstoun marks his 70th birthday with an album from Rattle of Brahms’ intermezzi. He says this introspective music “fits with an older player’s psyche.”
John Psathas: Voices at the End
John Psathas wrote Voices at the End for six grand pianos to communicate a heartfelt message about our world. For the premiere he had a “dream team”.
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.
RATTLE ECHO: re-discovering the past
Steve Garden is launching Rattle Echo, revisiting and re-imagining sounds recorded in the past.
Houstoun plays the seducer
Alfred Brendel called Beethoven's monumental Diabelli Variations "the greatest of all piano works". It may not yet be your favourite but be warned, you could be seduced by this persuasive release.
