Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert 2019

[Alison]

Not my cuppa.

Plenty for the brass enthusiast to enjoy, Maestro!

[Prommer]

I have attended a number of concerts by Christian Thielemann and I can't agree with your rather negative assessment and health warnings. I greatly admire Thielemann's conducting of Richard Strauss' orchestral works and operas.

Erm, in case it wasn't already clear to those who have read the thread, I am a fan of his music-making... just not of every aspect of the package. Couldn't care less about his politics, but he is not really a great watch (just saying). However, he may allow himself to relax a little on NYD.

[Prommer]

It is also (I have found) a rather good way to blow away any cobwebs that might be lingering.

One is reminded of the earliest encounter between Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, when the latter is feeling a little hung over. He is presented with Jeeves's pick-me-up...

"I swallowed the stuff. For a moment it felt as if somebody had touched off a bomb inside the old bean and was strolling down my throat with a lighted torch, and then everything seemed suddenly to get all right. The sun shone in through the window; birds twittered in the tree-tops; and, generally speaking, hope dawned once more."

This describes the course and effect of a New Year's Concert (at its best) to me.

[Alison]

It is also (I have found) a rather good way to blow away any cobwebs that might be lingering.

One is reminded of the earliest encounter between Jeeves and Bertie Wooster, when the latter is feeling a little hung over. He is presented with Jeeves's pick-me-up...

"I swallowed the stuff. For a moment it felt as if somebody had touched off a bomb inside the old bean and was strolling down my throat with a lighted torch, and then everything seemed suddenly to get all right. The sun shone in through the window; birds twittered in the tree-tops; and, generally speaking, hope dawned once more."

This describes the course and effect of a New Year's Concert (at its best) to me.

[Darkbloom]

My last experience with Thielemann was on YT, where the Dresden Staatskapelle were performing Walkure. I've never heard a blander account of the Act 2 prelude, it almost sounded like background music in his hands. I'm sure this one will be perfectly fine but don't expect anyone to come away feeling they've heard anything particularly striking.

[Prommer]

Seem to be the whole concert on BBC2 from 10.15am... an innovation?

[kernelbogey]

Listening to a bit of pre-concert chat on ORF

https://oe1.orf.at/programm/20190101/539089

[pastoralguy]

Is that Anne-Sophie Mutter's younger red haired sister playing first Flute!

[oddoneout]

Is that Anne-Sophie Mutter's younger red haired sister playing first Flute!

Was I imagining things or was it originally a very talented duster doing the honours a few minutes ago......?

[kernelbogey]

Significantly more women playing compared with last year, I think.

[pastoralguy]

Was I imagining things or was it originally a very talented duster doing the honours a few minutes ago......?

Bloody autocorrect!

She's not mentioned on the Orchestra's player roster.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Sylvia Careddu (formerly Principal Flute in the Vienna Symphony Orchestra)

https://www.silviacareddu.net/

[Ein Heldenleben]

Blimey the VPO cello section is good....

[Ein Heldenleben]

Almost as good as this Fledermaus is excruciating ....

[pastoralguy]

Sylvia Careddu (formerly Principal Flute in the Vienna Symphony Orchestra)

https://www.silviacareddu.net/

Many thanks for that, ferney.