The BBC NOW performs Schubert, Sibelius and Brahms at St Davids Cathedral

[Guest]

Sounds pretty good to me so far. I'm just waiting for the Brahms Violin Concerto to add the final pleasure.

I think the BBCNOW has improved beyond measure over the past twelve months and their Principal Guest Conductor certainly gets some accomplished playing from them.

It's all down to the violin soloist now to cap a most enjoyable evening's listening.

VH

[Ventilhorn]

Sounds pretty good to me so far. I'm just waiting for the Brahms Violin Concerto to add the final pleasure.

It's all down to the violin soloist now to cap a most enjoyable evening's listening.

VH

Well Isabelle Faust did not disappoint. Fine technique and sensitive playing. Anyone who finds Brahms' music "dull" should listen to this example of his genius.

There was also some fine solo playing by the oboe and horn in the slow movement. I felt from the outset that Jac van Steen achieved a perfect rapport between orchestra and soloist.

A memorable concert. Do listen to it on iPlayer if you have the opportunity. (I recommend that you skip the totally out-of-place organ music during the concert interval).

Ventilhorn

[antongould]

Thanks for the recommendation just booting it up now!

[Ventilhorn]

Thanks for the recommendation just booting it up now!

Anton,

Do tell us all what your opinion is of this concert.

VH

[Osborn]

I'd have missed this if you hadn't flagged it, Ventilhorn! My real interest was in Isabelle Faust; I listened today on iplayer & think she's now nearly unassailable in this concerto - unless you want majesty, big sound and ostentatious virtuosity. It's a very lyrical interpretation, beautifully thought out & brilliantly executed. That gorgeous 'Sleeping Beauty' violin gives her a wonderfiul dynamic range & colour palette to work with. I thought the BBC NOW a bit bumpy & lumpy sometimes - she likes to draw back into the orchestra & play with other instruments. it was perhaps more difficult than on her recent CD with the velvety sound of the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under a v alert Daniel Harding. I liked the Busoni 1st mov. cadenza with timpani - the handback to the orchestra was lovely. Much enjoyed!

[antongould]

I thoroughly enjoyed the concert - shamefully I started off listening on just my laptop - but then moved to better if not ideal speakers. I felt the performances of all 3 pieces were good but especially liked the Brahms which I hadn't heard for ages and felt this the best I have heard. As I think someone has already said a Dull Composer indeed!
I have sadly never been to the cathedral but would have loved to be there for this - thanks again Ventilhorn.

[Chris Newman]

I have just caught up with the first half of the concert. Jac van Steen is a conductor I admire. I thought the Schubert took a while to take fire (I cannot say "warm up" in such a chilling work). The second movement was terrific. The Sibelius was excellent. i first met the Seventh in Alex Gibson's wonderful old Saga recording...now on Chandos. Like Gibson van Steen opened at quite a lick and kept it moving. So many conductors almost grind to a halt in the middle. Lovely stuff. Perhaps the bottle of whisky which the announcer told us caused a temporary rift between Sibelius and his wife did inspire him.