Vienna Philharmonic New Year's Concert 2019

[Prommer]

I thought it a real improvement on many of the last few years, though still not a patch on several of the classic concerts we have all mentioned. He is (as I said) wooden, and often not user- or player-friendly, but they seem to adore him and were following him very closely - always a rather key sign.

The disappointment was the slightly meh repertoire, in parts, and the lack of a more signature stamp on proceedings, whether personally or interpretatively. Again, spoken as a 'fan' of his work in the opera house at least.

[bluestateprommer]

Perhaps they should invite Jos van Immerseel one year - as long as they invite his AEB as well....(see listening thread...)....

No such thing, as it's Andris Nelsons for next year.

Per comment # 49, my guess is that because of Rolex's financial assistance with this concert, every broadcaster is obliged to mention this sponsorship somehow. The same has happened with the Metropolitan Opera's HD-casts recently.

Got up a bit late this morning (no, not for that reason - caught a throat bug over the holidays), so listening to the 2nd half via the NPR transmission now. I try to listen to 3 different presentations of this concert each year: (a) NPR, (b) ORF, (c) BBC. I'm probably the only person in the world who does this, though.

[Prommer]

No such thing, as it's Andris Nelsons for next year.

Per comment # 49, my guess is that because of Rolex's financial assistance with this concert, every broadcaster is obliged to mention this sponsorship somehow. The same has happened with the Metropolitan Opera's HD-casts recently.

Got up a bit late this morning (no, not for that reason - caught a throat bug over the holidays), so listening to the 2nd half via the NPR transmission now. I try to listen to 3 different presentations of this concert each year: (a) NPR, (b) ORF, (c) BBC. I'm probably the only person in the world who does this, though.

Interesting. Do any of the TV broadcasts omit the dancers?

[bluestateprommer]

Interesting. Do any of the TV broadcasts omit the dancers?

I doubt it. I'm assuming that everything on TV around the world, whether BBC, NHK, or PBS here in the US is tied to the ORF parent feed, and since they are from the host nation, after all (i.e. they who transmit the piper and such). PBS certainly doesn't cut out the dancers when they show the 2nd half alone for this side of the pond (Hugh Bonneville again as host, BTW, so it looks as though Julie Andrews has moved on from this duty).

Apparently, however, NHK was using some sort of hyped-up sound system in their transmission. But that has to do with the sound and not the visuals, AFAICT.

[Petrushka]

Interesting. Do any of the TV broadcasts omit the dancers?

The DVD/Blu-Ray discs usually carry the danced pieces as 'bonus' items with the main concert using the same items with orchestra alone. That's what most would prefer happened in the live relay, I'd guess, but as BSP points out, every broadcaster has to take the ORF feed so there's no option to offer a dance free alternative. Most of the ballet is beyond belief cheesy but the one in which the Vienna State Opera ballet performed live to the Emperor Waltz in Schönnbrun Palace in Karajan's 1987 concert was unexpectedly moving.

[Boilk]

I gave up before the Blue Danube - found it the dreariest NYC I have ever seen...

The clue for me is in the name "Johann Strauss". The added Groundhog Day-like effect of effectively the same repertoire every year doesn't help.

[pastoralguy]

If I'm really honest, I can take or leave the music presented on these occasions as well as the almost 'forced jollity'. What I love is watching those marvellous players in close up and marvelling at the apparent effortlessness of their abilities. The violin playing is absolutely incredible!

[Nevilevelis]

If I'm really honest, I can take or leave the music presented on these occasions as well as the almost 'forced jollity'. What I love is watching those marvelous players in close up and marveling at the apparent effortlessness of their abilities. The violin playing is absolutely incredible!

Agreed, which is why I watch along with the 'sport' of seeing how a guest conductor deals with them. They can, or could be, rather tricky with visiting conductors, as I discovered when reh. a Bruckner Mass (E-flat, I think) many years ago with a very well-known conductor and his choir in that very hall. The violins simply refused to come in until he gave a clear upbeat. His question "Was ist los?" after the second attempt was greeted with a shrug from the leader. Things went a little more smoothly after that.

Has a woman conducted this concert? I should know, I suppose...

I don't think the jollity is forced, although I would agree it is rather contrived and cringe-worthy. The patrons know what to expect and seem happy to go along with the tradition.

NVV

[kernelbogey]

Don’t expect to enjoy the visuals with Thieleman, as he is rather wooden

As far as I was able to observe his conducting, although he sometimes used body language, he did not use his face - eyes, mouth, general demeanour - as many conductors do; notably with soloists or sections coming in. That seemed, in my experience, unusual. Not exactly wooden, but certainly very reserved.

[hmvman]

...What I love is watching those marvellous players in close up and marvelling at the apparent effortlessness of their abilities. The violin playing is absolutely incredible!

This year we had a friend staying over and she watched the first part of the concert with us. She's not really a classical music listener and had never seen the NYD concert before. Her reaction was, "Wow, what precision".

As I think I said last year, I always enjoy the concert as it's a nice way of easing into the new year after the excesses of the previous evening. I thought this year's was a bit routine but there was much to enjoy, including marvelling at the precision!

Happy New Year to you all.

[ardcarp]

I regret that this annual occurrence triggers 'The Archers' reflex chez ardcarp.

A dive for the off button.

[Barbirollians]

I wasn’t overly impressed by Muti last year but I thought Thielemann was worse - precise but routine summed it up and it certainly was not a patch on Dudamel’s concert in 2017 which went with much more of a swing.

[LMcD]

Agreed, which is why I watch along with the 'sport' of seeing how a guest conductor deals with them. They can, or could be, rather tricky with visiting conductors, as I discovered when reh. a Bruckner Mass (E-flat, I think) many years ago with a very well-known conductor and his choir in that very hall. The violins simply refused to come in until he gave a clear upbeat. His question "Was ist los?" after the second attempt was greeted with a shrug from the leader. Things went a little more smoothly after that.

Has a woman conducted this concert? I should know, I suppose...

I don't think the jollity is forced, although I would agree it is rather contrived and cringe-worthy. The patrons know what to expect and seem happy to go along with the tradition.

NVV

Apparently not. I think Marin Alsop, for one, would be a great choice, but suspect that those who plan this event are not adventurous enough to take that particular plunge.

[Darkbloom]

As far as I was able to observe his conducting, although he sometimes used body language, he did not use his face - eyes, mouth, general demeanour - as many conductors do; notably with soloists or sections coming in. That seemed, in my experience, unusual. Not exactly wooden, but certainly very reserved.

Wasn't the late, and generally unlamented, Lorin Maazel like that too? Not forgetting the clips I've seen of Richard Strauss, who looked like he couldn't wait to be anywhere else.

[Nevilevelis]

Apparently not. I think Marin Alsop, for one, would be a great choice, but suspect that those who plan this event are not adventurous enough to take that particular plunge.

Agreed! I would add Kerri-Lyn Wilson to the list. I've worked with her twice in London opera productions. She's excellent. I hope the managemnet permafrost will thaw soon, but as you say... :rolleyes:

NVV