Image credit: Benjamin Ealovega

As music is so subjective, Frost Magazine is delighted to present the views of two of their reviewers on this concert – Paul Vates, yesterday, and now Michael Rowan . Enjoy.

Piano Concerto in A minor: Francesco Piemontesi, a native of Locarno, has gained a reputation as one of the leading interpreters of the German classical and romantic repertoire, little wonder that he was invited to perform here.

Francesco Piemontesi: image credit. Camille Blake

Schuman’s Piano Concerto is one of his finest large -scale creations and is one of his most daring and romantically delightful works. Undoubtedly challenging for the pianist, but Piemontesi was well up to the challenge. Grabbing the attention with an explosive start, then the piano comes in quietly to begin with, then the strings, blissfully swelling, demonstrating the skills of the full orchestra. Joyful and uplifting and finally the stunning piano solo transforming the Festival Hall into and intimate Salon, before returning us to the concert hall.

It is hard to describe the music, the nearest I came to it is, ‘gorgeous gorgeosity,’ a quote from an Anthony Burgess novel, that sums up this piece, joyful and all consuming. It is the music that could lead me into the best sleep that I could ever imagine, or if I could choose some music to listen to before the anaesthetic kicks in this would be it, and at the very end I cannot imagine a more beautiful piece to finally leave the planet.

The finale launches into an exhilarating waltz – the ending sounds like an outpouring of unbridled joy. Much of the audience were on their feet and everybody cheering demanding an encore. And what an encore, the orchestra and audience held its breath in rapt attention scared of missing a single note. More thunderous applause ensued, leaving no doubt how much we valued the talent of Francesco Piemontesi.

Following the interval, we sat back to enjoy Mahler’s Symphony No 5

It is impossible not to think of the film ‘Death in Venice’ when listening to Mahler’s Symphony No 5 and the scene with Dirk Bogarde as he views Venice from the Grand Canal.

Little wonder then that this music fits so perfectly with the film, which looks through the eyes of a lonely old man, towards the end of his life, appreciating fleeting beauty and mortality all of which can be drawn from the music.

Conductor Robin Ticciati (image credit Mark Allan) regularly collaborates with the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Ticciati was born in London and trained as a violinist, pianist, and percussionist. Receiving his OBE in 2019. As a conductor Mahler was a strict taskmaster and attracted plenty of adverse criticism and whilst Ticciati has to demand much of this orchestra, there is no denying that the musicians liked and respected him, and that the feeling was mutual. We were in very good hands.

The first part, Funeral March, opens with a trumpet fanfare, quiet to begin with but growing to a magnificent crescendo, at first brooding and finally ecstatic, sweeping the audience before it. The second movement plunged us into a turbulent, furious, and manic fray, broody and dark giving way to lighter moments.

And then the famous Adagietto forever linked to Death in Venice. Beautiful, haunting and filmic. Uplifting, rousing,, rhythmic comes to a frenzied end, which left the conductor, orchestra and the audience exhausted. It had been quite a journey, but so very worthwhile. A special mention to Robin Ticciati who had the unenviable task of keeping the energy up for an orchestra already giving their all.

Dirk Bogarde when on Desert Island Discs, told the story of taking the film, ‘Death in Venice,’ to Warner Brothers in Hollywood, hoping to sell the film to the American Market. The screening was attended by all the top executives, but the end of the film was met with total silence. Bogarde’s first thought was that they couldn’t move for emotion until one of them said ‘I think that the music was just great, who did the theme music?’ Visconti, the director, realised that the film had bombed and said ‘it’s by Gustave Mahler,’ at which point the Hollywood bigwig turned to the assembled audience and said, ‘I think that we should sign him.’

Upcoming Concerts

Alina Ibragimova plays Prokofiev Wednesday 26 March 2025, 6.30pm – Royal Festival Hall In a time of revolution, Prokofiev’s First Violin Concerto wove fairytale magic – and no-one makes it dance like Alina Ibragimova.

Repertoire Saariaho – Orion.  Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No. 1.  Nielsen – Symphony No. 5

Tan Dun’s Water Concerto Saturday 29 March 2025, 7.30pm – Queen Elizabeth Hall. Eva Ollikainen rediscovers two modern classics, and Colin Currie – in the words of one critic, ‘surely the world’s finest and most daring percussionist’ – explores new ways of listening, with the extraordinary, culture-crossing Water Concerto by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon composer Tan Dun.

Repertoire Pärt – Symphony No. 1 (Polyphonic). Tan Dun – Water Concerto. Lutosławski – Symphony No. 3

Re. Easter, these are the April events until the end of the season:

Jurowski conducts Lyatoshynsky Wed 2 April 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall ‘Peace Shall Defeat War’ wrote Boris Lyatoshynsky on the score of his Third Symphony, and the message of this great 20th-century Ukrainian composer has never felt more urgent or compelling. Vladimir Jurowski presents a programme of uncompromising emotional power.

The music. Prokofiev – Selection from Semyon Kotko. Mussorgsky (arr. Denisov) – Songs and Dances of Death. Lyatoshynsky – Symphony No. 3

Tragedy to Triumph Sat 5 April 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Schubert’s unstoppable Ninth Symphony is known as ‘the Great’ – and with Vladimir Jurowski bringing all his insight and imagination, you’ll hear why.

The music Beethoven – Coriolan Overture. R Schumann – Violin Concerto. Schubert – Symphony No. 9 (The Great)

Jan Lisiecki plays Beethoven Sat 12 April 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. There are few experiences in classical music more invigorating, or more stirring than Sibelius’s Second Symphony. For the young Finnish conductor Tarmo Peltokoski, Sibelius is a national hero. There’s another tale about memory to be told here, as Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki takes centre stage to showcase the grandeur and glory of Beethoven’s mighty ‘Emperor’ Concerto.

The music Sibelius – Pohjola’s Daughter. Beethoven – Piano Concerto No. 5 (Emperor) Sibelius – Symphony No. 2

Daphnis and Chloé Wed 23 April 2025, 6.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Wed 23 April 2025, 8.30pm – Royal Festival Hall. Ravel’s orchestral masterpiece is a ballet that resists staging, rarely being performed as a ballet. Enter Circa’s powerful acrobatics and aerials.

The music Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé. Ravel – La valse

Mahler 8 Sat 26 April 2025, 7.30pm – Royal Festival Hall is sold out.

Gustav Mahler in 1907

A breath-taking evening at the Royal Festival Hall is quite normal for the eager audiences. It’s not that they are easily impressed – far from it. It’s the quality of musicianship on display that takes the breath away.

This evening’s highlight was Gustav Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Almost 100 musicians filled the stage and, under the flamboyant batonship of Robin Ticciati, the London Philharmonic Orchestra rose to the occasion. From the opening solo trumpet fanfare (take a bow Paul Beniston) to the ups and downs of the whole piece, I felt the musical journey was more than worth it.

Robin Ticciati – ⓒ LPO

Ticciati’s gusto and sheer force of character urged the orchestra through the funeral march, the drama, the waltz, the love-song and the vigorous climax of the symphony’s five movements. The whole work – written in 1901 and 1902 – has been labelled as ‘schizophrenic’ and the changes in rhythm and pace at times are a shock to the system. But I left feeling uplifted and enthralled by the sheer power of Mahler’s music.

Francesco Piemontesi – ⓒ Camille Blake

The evening began with Robert Schumann’s Piano Concerto in A minor (written between 1841 and 1845), played by special guest Francesco Piemontesi. The smaller chamber orchestra, still under Ticciati’s control, complemented Piemontesi’s wonderful interpretation – but, for me, the piece lacked any real cohesion. I am not sure why it was placed with Mahler’s symphony, which outshone it in almost all areas. It was good, but I wasn’t moved in the way some audience members were. But you can’t enjoy everything and it doesn’t stop me being enthralled by the skills on display.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details – https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 31st May 2025 Check with the LPO website for details

Instagram @londonphilharmonicorchestra X @LPOrchestra

Facebook @londonphilharmonicorchestra

As a keen ballroom and latin dancer I’m constantly scanning for the best makeups and applicators, all to make me look young and gorgeous in the dance competitions (always a challenge, frankly, and not getting any easier as the years take their toll). Good quality makeup products are a must – they should not only achieve aforementioned miracle, but also stay in place all day, despite repeated rounds of cha cha and jive and forced beaming at judges, and ideally they should provide the perfect mask, hiding the fact that the dancer is exhausted, has screaming quads and is wondering why she didn’t taken up a sensible hobby, like birdwatching.

However even the best makeup needs to be applied smoothly and evenly, and without good brushes, a Mona Lisa can descend all too quickly into Van Gogh’s Sunflowers – beautiful in their own way of course, but those thick brush strokes just won’t cut it when one is trying to win a nice shiny trophy.

So I’m super excited to discover Glow & Restore makeup brushes. They’re designed by beauty influencer and MUA Lucinka Hodnett (@bylucinka) and really are rather special. As a professional makeup artist, Lucinka understands exactly how to design the perfect, high quality brush for a beautiful finished look.

All the Glow & Restore brushes are 100% vegan, with bio-responsive, precision gradient bristles. The round and slightly curved angle of the bristles enables the brush head to get around the contours of the face for a professional flawless finish and they feel so soft on the skin it’s like a gentle caress. They’re advertised to work in harmony with the skin’s natural elasticity for seamless buffing, sculpting, and blending, reducing irritation and micro-damage while maximising all-important glow – and they really do. 

The range has a large range of brushes, of all shapes and sizes, for applying both cream/wet products and powder. A clever feature is the colour-coding – cream-coloured for wet products and cappuccino-coloured for powders, so it’s super easy to grab the right brush.

Having tried them I can confirm that the finish is so smooth – you can’t see any lines or flaws – just pure perfection. I tested the powder brush set – a large, a small and a blush brush, plus a really useful flat triangular powder puff and a sponge, worth £54 but currently on offer together at £40 the set which is excellent for such fabulous-quality brushes.

I really love that the Glow & Restore website has great information and advice on each of the different brushes – how and when to use them, so if you’re new to makeup, or even if you’re not, do take a look.

With Mother’s Day around the corner, these would make a fantastic treat for Mum. But don’t forget to treat yourself too – you deserve it – do head to the website.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

With rising temperatures and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, book collectors are facing new challenges in preserving their treasured special editions. Rare books and limited editions are particularly vulnerable to environmental damage, with elements like humidity, heat, and insects posing serious threats to their condition and value.

“Collectors often don’t realise how quickly environmental factors can permanently damage special edition books,” explains Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, “The materials used in premium editions—from leather bindings to specialty papers—usually require more careful protection than standard books.”

So let’s move on to the Why and How of it: Why Special Editions Need Extra Protection against insects, humidity, and extreme weather conditions.

Unlike mass-produced paperbacks, special edition books typically contain materials that are particularly susceptible to damage. 

“Limited editions frequently include elements like handmade paper, leather bindings, specialty inks, and sometimes even fabric components,” Ahmed explains. “These materials can be magnets for various insects and are more sensitive to humidity and temperature fluctuations.”

The value of special editions can decrease significantly with even minor damage. Small insect holes, water stains, or warped covers can reduce a collector’s item from mint condition to fair or poor, potentially decreasing its value by 50% or more.

And now the How: Ahmed’s Tips For Protecting Your Special Editions

1. Control Temperature and Humidity. “The ideal environment for storing valuable books is cool, dry, and stable,” says Ahmed. “Aim for temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C) and relative humidity between 30-50%.” Fluctuations in temperature and humidity cause paper and binding materials to expand and contract, leading to warping and deterioration over time. Consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas or a humidifier in overly dry environments to maintain optimal conditions.

2. Shield From Direct Light. UV light causes fading and deterioration of book covers and pages, particularly affecting colorful dust jackets and illustrated pages. “Never display your valuable books in direct sunlight,” Ahmed advises. “Even artificial light can cause damage over time, so consider UV-filtering glass for display cases or protective book covers for items on open shelves.”

3. Use Acid-Free Materials. Regular cardboard boxes and standard plastic bags can release chemicals that damage books over time. “Always store special editions with acid-free materials,” recommends Ahmed. “Acid-free boxes, archival sleeves, and unbleached cotton or linen cloths are best for wrapping or storing valuable books. Avoid plastic containers, which can trap moisture and accelerate mould growth.”

4. Implement Pest Prevention Strategies. Insects like silverfish, booklice, and carpet beetles are attracted to the starch in book bindings and the protein in leather covers. “Regular inspection is your first line of defense,” Ahmed notes. “Look for small holes, tiny droppings, or shed insect skins. Keep food away from your collection area and consider natural deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets, which many insects dislike but won’t damage your books.”

5. Create Air Circulation. Stagnant air creates conditions where mould can thrive, particularly in closed bookcases pushed against walls. “Position bookcases a few inches from walls and avoid overcrowding books on shelves,” says Ahmed. “This simple step improves air circulation and reduces the risk of mould growth, which can quickly spread through an entire collection.”

6. Use Proper Shelving Techniques. How books are positioned on shelves impacts their structural integrity over time. “Store books of similar size together and use bookends to keep them upright without leaning,” Ahmed advises. “Very large or heavy books should lie flat, but don’t stack too many on top of each other as this creates pressure on the bottom books. For particularly valuable editions, consider individual archival boxes that protect from light, dust, and physical damage.”

7. Prepare For Weather Emergencies. With extreme weather events becoming more common, collectors need emergency plans to protect their investments. “Keep valuable books on higher shelves to protect from potential flooding, and consider waterproof containers for your most precious items during storm seasons,” says Ahmed. “If you live in an area prone to extreme humidity or temperature fluctuations, investing in climate control equipment isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential protection for your collection.”

Taskeen Ahmed, Founder of Awesome Books, continued: “The preservation challenges facing book collectors are increasing as our climate changes. Higher average temperatures create more favourable conditions for book-damaging insects, while extreme weather events put collections at greater risk of water damage and humidity fluctuations. Taking preventative steps now is much more effective than trying to restore damaged books later.

“What many collectors don’t realise is that prevention doesn’t need to be complex or expensive. Simple measures like keeping books away from external walls, using proper shelving techniques, and implementing basic pest monitoring can dramatically extend the life of special editions. The key is consistency—regularly checking your collection for early signs of problems and maintaining stable environmental conditions.

“For those with particularly valuable collections, I recommend creating a preservation plan that includes both everyday care and emergency procedures. Knowing exactly what to do if you spot insect activity or face a sudden climate event can mean the difference between preserving your literary treasures and losing them forever.”

As the author of over 25 books, your editor should know these facts. Trust me, she didn’t, and thanks to Taskeen Ahmed (https://www.awesomebooks.com/) for tips that will serve for looking after books in general, but your precious collections in particular.