National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain - Bach, Respighi, Elgar 9/12/15

[Flosshilde]

I don't know if it's because of the size of the orchestra, but the opening of the Respighi sounds like generic jaunty Hollywood musicfrom the 40s.

As far as the size of the orchetra is concerned, Alfred Hickling in the Guardian review of the concert in Leeds said of the Elgar - "Elgar stated that his intention ... 'was to show how gorgeous, great and brilliant Bach would have made himself sound if he had the means'. It's tempting to suppose that if Bach had had the means of four harps, a mammoth percussion section and an ocean of strings, he would have had the taste not to use them."

[BBMmk2]

I reckon JSB would have loved the used of a large symphony orchestra. He, after all, arranged other people's music as well.

[DracoM]

Might JSB have been the most innovative jazz player in history?

[BBMmk2]

Indeed, Draco!