Ravel, Boulez; BBC Philharmonic, Wigglesworth, Chamayou. Bridgewater Hall.

[Nick Armstrong]

…We heard a Kenneth Hesketh orchestration of the 'Sites Auriculaires' which was fairly interesting but no more…

Having listened to this concert (broadcast on 11 March as Alison points out above)…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028lg8?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

… the most interesting aspect of this ‘world première’ was what wasn’t said in the presentation / interview with the orchestrator - that Ravel himself did the job on the first of the two pieces (‘Habanera’) when he reused it as the third movement of Rapsodie espagnole

Some superlative orchestral & piano playing on display in this concert, that’s for sure!

I enjoyed the prominence of the harp - I wonder if that was apparent in the hall, or a product of the sound engineering?

[kindofblue]

Having listened to this concert (broadcast on 11 March as Alison points out above)…

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0028lg8?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

… the most interesting aspect of this ‘world première’ was what wasn’t said in the presentation / interview with the orchestrator - that Ravel himself did the job on the first of the two pieces (‘Habanera’) when he reused it as the third movement of Rapsodie espagnole

Some superlative orchestral & piano playing on display in this concert, that’s for sure!

I enjoyed the prominence of the harp - I wonder if that was apparent in the hall, or a product of the sound engineering?

The harp, along with all other instruments, was perfectly audible. I have always enjoyed the quality of the sound in the Bridgwater Hall, and I would add that this was a particular feature of the Boulez with a wide variety of percussion instruments coming at you from all sides of the stage... and off!

[Nick Armstrong]

The harp, along with all other instruments, was perfectly audible. I have always enjoyed the quality of the sound in the Bridgwater Hall, and I would add that this was a particular feature of the Boulez with a wide variety of percussion instruments coming at you from all sides of the stage... and off!

Incidentally, did the Rapsodie espagnole connection get a mention in the concert programme (assuming you bought one)? One would hope so!