We've been exhorted to comment more on Radio 3 programmes so I thought I'd have a go at this concert comprising Messiaen's Et expecto resurrectionem mortuorum and Bruckner Symphony no.9 given 'live' at Royal Festival Hall last week and broadcast last evening.
Rattle is well-known for his inventive programming and this was no exception. There's an interesting conversation before the concert proper between presenter Catherine Bott (one of my faviourites - intelligent, good voice, excellent pronunciation particularly of Italian & all round good egg) and Sir Simon Rattle, in which he speaks intelligently about the links between the two pieces and the different ways in which the two very different composers sought to express aspects of their faith through their music and in particular through these pieces. I'm not a religious person but Rattle spoke well, intelligently and interestingly.He also spoke with enthusiasm about what remains of Bruckner's finale for the ninth symphony - I wonder if he will ever perform a completion?
The Messiaen is a piece I've only heard on CD so it was good to hear it 'live' and it is a tremendously impressive sound world. The gongs and tam tams sounded superb and it must have been a wonderful event to attend purely for the visual aspect. Rattle is well-known for his aversion to the RFH's acoustic and perhaps it was a little naughty of him to programme this piece but it certainly got my living room shaking - sorry neighbours!
The LSO percussion section were on fine form, making this a great occasion and at the end .... silence! Followed by enthusiastic applause but none of the usual 'horray'ing Henries.
Bruckner symphony no 9 is more familiar ground for me and I have heard Rattle conduct it several times, once with BPO for certain. In the interview Rattle spoke about the last complete movement being a forebear of Berg and Mahler symphony no 10 and he certainly brought out these aspects, which I had not articulated in this way before. It was a typical Rattle performance, full of energy when required, and lots of by-ways brought out so that I was hearing things that I felt that I hadn't heard before. Many people hate this approach (micro-management they call it) but I love it in Shura Cherkassky's Chopin playing and I loved it in this performance too.
There was some great brass playing and the LSO did themselves proud. And at the end? Silence once again: the hoorays sat on their hands, thank goodness.
As a person of limited means, I would not have been able to attend this concert and I'm very grateful to the BBc for letting me hear great concert-making at home.
It's available as usual for another 6 days on the link above.
Rattle is well-known for his inventive programming and this was no exception. There's an interesting conversation before the concert proper between presenter Catherine Bott (one of my faviourites - intelligent, good voice, excellent pronunciation particularly of Italian & all round good egg) and Sir Simon Rattle, in which he speaks intelligently about the links between the two pieces and the different ways in which the two very different composers sought to express aspects of their faith through their music and in particular through these pieces. I'm not a religious person but Rattle spoke well, intelligently and interestingly.He also spoke with enthusiasm about what remains of Bruckner's finale for the ninth symphony - I wonder if he will ever perform a completion?
The Messiaen is a piece I've only heard on CD so it was good to hear it 'live' and it is a tremendously impressive sound world. The gongs and tam tams sounded superb and it must have been a wonderful event to attend purely for the visual aspect. Rattle is well-known for his aversion to the RFH's acoustic and perhaps it was a little naughty of him to programme this piece but it certainly got my living room shaking - sorry neighbours!
The LSO percussion section were on fine form, making this a great occasion and at the end .... silence! Followed by enthusiastic applause but none of the usual 'horray'ing Henries.Bruckner symphony no 9 is more familiar ground for me and I have heard Rattle conduct it several times, once with BPO for certain. In the interview Rattle spoke about the last complete movement being a forebear of Berg and Mahler symphony no 10 and he certainly brought out these aspects, which I had not articulated in this way before. It was a typical Rattle performance, full of energy when required, and lots of by-ways brought out so that I was hearing things that I felt that I hadn't heard before. Many people hate this approach (micro-management they call it) but I love it in Shura Cherkassky's Chopin playing and I loved it in this performance too.
There was some great brass playing and the LSO did themselves proud. And at the end? Silence once again: the hoorays sat on their hands, thank goodness.
As a person of limited means, I would not have been able to attend this concert and I'm very grateful to the BBc for letting me hear great concert-making at home.
It's available as usual for another 6 days on the link above.
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