March 1: Do3 - As You Like It

[french frank]

For one week only - or what?

A new Shakespeare production: As You Like it - with the drama slot brought forward to 7.30 (sorry, folks - for those who would prefer a concert). Since the play is 2 hours 20 mins long it would have been a bit much to have started it at 10pm anyway - but is this a permanent change?

Make the most of it while it lasts ...

[mercia]

oh well, there will still be a live St David's Day concert that afternoon, so ...... all's well that ends well

[french frank]

oh well, there will still be a live St David's Day concert that afternoon, so ...... all's well that ends well

Yes, celebrating Wales and Welsh music:

St David's Day 2015 promises to be a remarkable occasion as the orchestra and chorus are joined in St David's Hall by acclaimed Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel, to celebrate the music of Wales through song. Bryn performs some of the music closest to his heart. He will be joined by some of the stars of the future, bringing a joyful ‘hwyl’ to the festivities.

Hope it's not much ado about nothing

[aeolium]

For one week only - or what?

A new Shakespeare production: As You Like it - with the drama slot brought forward to 7.30 (sorry, folks - for those who would prefer a concert). Since the play is 2 hours 20 mins long it would have been a bit much to have started it at 10pm anyway - but is this a permanent change?

Make the most of it while it lasts ...

I must say that for the last few weeks I've noticed a definite improvement in R3 in several areas. AYLI will be the second new drama production in 3 weeks, and as you say at a more convenient time. There have been some really high quality evening concerts, with Rattle's archive Beethoven series and the live Sibelius series with the Berlin Philharmonic. Even this week's Lunchtime Concert has departed from the usual pick-and-mix to have proper complete recitals (even though these are repeats of concerts). And Through the Night has had some very good concerts, including a lovely fortepiano recital by Kristian Bezuidenhout. Weekday mornings are still lost beyond all hope but credit to the schedulers for some really good programmes.

It must be down to your survey.....

[french frank]

It must be down to your survey.....

Mind you, I had just this instant finished reading the love-in with Spiral 5 and was reflecting that the news of R3's shaky steps in the 'right direction' dramatically counted for little in light of the competition ...

I don't know about the survey, but I did mention the David Rudkin play in my accompanying letter (and the appearance of Lachenmann in the evening concert!) - which I have recorded but not yet listened to. In fact, I heard the opening which sounded a bit Shakspearean: I think it will need some concentration.

[french frank]

Had to record it for later, but nice short 'promo' by Pippa Nixon at the beginning. May not be able to listen for a while.

[DracoM]

On stage, the visuals will have sorted out characters.
On AIR, quite a lot of the younger voices were so similar it was pretty tricky to sort out who was whom.
Interpolated songs OK.

Might repay a second hearing.

[french frank]

On stage, the visuals will have sorted out characters.
On AIR, quite a lot of the younger voices were so similar it was pretty tricky to sort out who was whom.
Interpolated songs OK.

Might repay a second hearing.

I like to settle down with the text when its Shakespeare (always a bit of an art keeping up with the cuts!). The voices sounded good.

[aeolium]

I thought this was an enjoyable production, well performed by all the speakers and with an especial mention for Pippa Nixon as Rosalind (a part she must have relished) and Adrian Scarborough as Touchstone. The music was aptly set and a sylvan atmosphere was created for the Arden scenes. For me it is a cappucino of a play, light and frothy, without any real tension and with a rather tame and disappointing ending (not in the way all are united but in the disappearance of the earlier threat from Duke Frederick), but it is Rosalind, the courtier Touchstone and the melancholy Jaques who sustain it. I can't help thinking Roger Allam would be a fine Touchstone.

I like that word 'thrasonical' which Rosalind uses in the last act. I'm sure there will be plenty of thrasonical electioneering in the next couple of months....