Ramblings | Colin's Column

Today is World Arthritis Day. Byron Janis plays Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninov.

Oct 12, 2026 | News, Ramblings, Unexpected, Videos

As some of you know, I suffer from arthritis – ironically, given this website, sometimes badly in the wrists and fingers. Nevertheless I shall continue to be stoical. The pianist Byron Janis (1928-2024) “overcame debilitating arthritis”, so...

Four recordings of Brahms’s Violin Concerto – Heifetz/Reiner (1955); both of David Oistrakh’s stereo versions: with Klemperer (1960) & Szell (1969); and Milstein/Jochum (1974).

Aug 31, 2026 | Ramblings, Videos

Brahms (seated) & Joseph Joachim (the dedicatee of the Violin Concerto) First release credited French National Radio...

Last night a friend was ‘In London Town’ and took these photos of Tower Bridge and The Shard.

Aug 17, 2026 | Ramblings, Videos

Philharmonia Orchestra*/Barbirolli. Released 1963/HMV ASD 548 c/w Enigma Variations. *The YT poster mistakenly credits the...

Many Happy Returns to Edward, 80+1 today. For him, Elgar’s Cello Concerto with Yo-Yo Ma & Baltimore SO/David Zinman. November 11, 1994; Japan.

Aug 9, 2026 | Ramblings, Videos

Salvete in mense anni octavo, Augusto.

Aug 1, 2026 | Guest Contributors, Insights, Ramblings, Videos

Ancient Roman partying: Respighi’s Feste Romane. Sinfonia of London/John Wilson. July 24, 2026; BBC Proms. Edward Johnson writes… It’s the 1st of the month again and, as is traditional in the Column, the day is marked with some musical offerings. As...

Many Happy Returns to my good friend Chris Caspell, co-founder & MD of The Classical Source. Life’s a Carousel and then you turn Sixty. When partying is over you can recover in the Appalachian Mountains, but time will still go by, even in Casablanca.

Jul 25, 2026 | Ramblings, Videos

Conducted by Alfred Newman. Berlin Radio SO/Gerard...