R3 in Concert, 17 Feb, Strauss; 4 Last Songs

[Stanley Stewart]

Fascinated to read in last weekend's press that Jonas Kaufmann's nine-day residency at London's Barbican will include a performance of Richard Strauss's, Four Last Songs, BBCSO/Jochen Rieder, and am delighted to add that this performance will also be broadcast on R3 at 1930 - the 'songs' will conclude the concert; part 2, starting with Elgar's, In the South, scheduled for 20.45 hrs, tonight, (17 Feb). Apparently, Kaufmann's absence from the concert platform for several months is due to a burst capillary on his vocal chords. I'm a fervent admirer of his work; his diction and intuitive response in lieder and the operatic field always refreshing. Recorder at the ready.

[Simon B]

Stanley, disappointment is on the menu as Kaufmann was indisposed and the concert was cancelled. I've not checked, but presumably a different concert will be aired instead this evening.

The Four Last Snogs may be a new departure, but Kaufmann has previously sung Strauss songs written for the female voice - I recall him singing several with the CBSO/Nelsons, some of which had been "arranged" specially, at least to the extent of being transposed into a different key for the purpose...

[Stanley Stewart]

Stanley, disappointment is on the menu as Kaufmann was indisposed and the concert was cancelled. I've not checked, but presumably a different concert will be aired instead this evening.

The Four Last Snogs may be a new departure, but Kaufmann has previously sung Strauss songs written for the female voice - I recall him singing several with the CBSO/Nelsons, some of which had been "arranged" specially, at least to the extent of being transposed into a different key for the purpose...

Thanks, Simon, albeit such disappointing news. I'll switch on at the starting time and see what options are on offer. Damn, damn, damn, damn!

[Serial_Apologist]

I too shall have recorder on standby. I wonder if Kaufmann's replacement will be another male.

[Pianorak]

No Kaufmann in sight: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08dnr53

[EnemyoftheStoat]

There was some talk of the concert being "rescheduled", but that will take forward planning. I wouldn't expect to see it happen anytime soon.

[bluestateprommer]

No Kaufmann in sight: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08dnr53

Nicola LeFanu has a blog write-up via the Grauniad on her new composition:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2017/feb/17/nicola-lefanu-the-crimson-bird-premiere-bbc-symphony-orchestra-barbican

Nice coincidence that The Guardian also has a featured interview with John Adams, nice salutes to 2 composers with 70th birthdays this year.

But back to the concert at hand: maybe the Franz Schreker is the closest substitute for R. Strauss for the evening.

[gurnemanz]

There was some talk of the concert being "rescheduled", but that will take forward planning. I wouldn't expect to see it happen anytime soon.

We had tickets and got an email the day before:

"Jonas deeply regrets that because he has bronchitis this concert is cancelled. In due course we hope to reschedule this concert to a future date.
Ticketholders will receive a full refund to the original payment method by returning their tickets."

We went to the cinema instead.

[Serial_Apologist]

Nicola LeFanu has a blog write-up via the Grauniad on her new composition:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2017/feb/17/nicola-lefanu-the-crimson-bird-premiere-bbc-symphony-orchestra-barbican

Nice coincidence that The Guardian also has a featured interview with John Adams, nice salutes to 2 composers with 70th birthdays this year.

But back to the concert at hand: maybe the Franz Schreker is the closest substitute for R. Strauss for the evening.

Aha! - complete change then, the BBC SO excepted - thanks. A very interesting programme: how long since we've heard anything by Ms LeFanu on R3 - 40 + years??

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Aha! - complete change then, the BBC SO excepted - thanks. A very interesting programme: how long since we've heard anything by Ms LeFanu on R3 - 40 + years??

Oh no - her opera Light Passing was broadcast on Hear & Now shortly after its 2004 premiere.

[Serial_Apologist]

Oh no - her opera Light Passing was broadcast on Hear & Now shortly after its 2004 premiere.

Huh - it must've passed me by then!

(Come to thnk of it, I was busy with relocating here during that year).

[bluestateprommer]

NL also spoke on "The Essay" last November:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b072j0qg