BBC SO / Storgards. 13/02/15. Beethoven /Brett Dean

[teamsaint]

Interesting looking programme, with the Beethoven programmed in the first half.

[kernelbogey]

Interesting looking programme, with the Beethoven programmed in the first half.

Are you protesting against the BBCwebsite, ts?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b051d09m

[teamsaint]

Are you protesting against the BBCwebsite, ts?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b051d09m

oh let them find their own links KB,, we can't be expected to do it all !!

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I'm not sure whether the BBCSO website is better or worse than the iPlayer thing:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/ecwbj5#p02jtw

[bluestateprommer]

Gave this BBC SO concert a go on iPlayer. I found Storgards' interpretation of LvB 8 rather refreshingly "old school", in the senses that it sounded like a pretty full size band, with definitely (but not defiantly; not the same thing) not HIPP-style tempi and pacing, but what felt like a very natural sense of pace that allowed the music to breathe freely, yet without sounding "heavy". JS nudged the 3rd movement pace a shade faster and closer to HIPP relative to the other movements, if that makes sense. Some scrambling at moments in the finale, but nothing to hinder enjoyment.

The Brett Dean work was a mixed bag, no surprise there. Even through the limiting sonic prism of iPlayer, in the full-bore tutti moments, I can understand why Erica Jeal in her Guardian review used the adjective "ear-splitting" to describe the music at times. Some parts did feel quite compelling, while others were sort of 'generalized modern music'. The real main debit, which I realize is probably heresy on this board, for listening was the wobbly sound from Sir John Tomlinson as Socrates. People here may remember his frequently tremulous wobble during the Parsifal Prom 2 summers back. It hasn't gotten better with age. The BBC SO & SC, and JS, all did great work, and Sir John certainly gave it a strong effort, but he was a trial (sorry, pun semi-intended) to listen to too often for me.

[edashtav]

Gave this BBC SO concert a go on iPlayer. I found Storgards' interpretation of LvB 8 rather refreshingly "old school", in the senses that it sounded like a pretty full size band, with definitely (but not defiantly; not the same thing) not HIPP-style tempi and pacing, but what felt like a very natural sense of pace that allowed the music to breathe freely, yet without sounding "heavy". JS nudged the 3rd movement pace a shade faster and closer to HIPP relative to the other movements, if that makes sense. Some scrambling at moments in the finale, but nothing to hinder enjoyment.

The Brett Dean work was a mixed bag, no surprise there. Even through the limiting sonic prism of iPlayer, in the full-bore tutti moments, I can understand why Erica Jeal in her Guardian review used the adjective "ear-splitting" to describe the music at times. Some parts did feel quite compelling, while others were sort of 'generalized modern music'. The real main debit, which I realize is probably heresy on this board, for listening was the wobbly sound from Sir John Tomlinson as Socrates. People here may remember his frequently tremulous wobble during the Parsifal Prom 2 summers back. It hasn't gotten better with age. The BBC SO & SC, and JS, all did great work, and Sir John certainly gave it a strong effort, but he was a trial (sorry, pun semi-intended) to listen to too often for me.

A useful and perceptive review, with which I agree including your heretical comments about Sir JT.
It's fascinating to learn from the Guardian review that Brett Dean joined the viola section before the premiere of his piece in the second half. He really is "Mr Cool" despite his music sounding over-excitable.