Monday July 11th
Schubert, Haydn and Mozart
With the BBC Philharmonic, my favourite orchestra conducted by Antonello Manacorda.
I was really looking forward to this.
Schubert: Overture Die Freunde von Salamanka
Started with a bang - literally. Did the conductor kick the music stand over?
Apparently not, because the same bang and clatter reappeared towards the restatement of the opening.
All that I can say about this work is that it explains why Schubert abandoned the idea of being an operatic composer. To me, it sounded like the composition of a five year old Mozart.
Haydn: Symphony Nº 84 in E flat
Well, it was flat all right. The first movement introduction was not slow and majestic - it was dull and pedantic, but the remainder of the symphony was accompanied by the incessant thumping of the conductor's rostrum - or was he beating time with his foot?
The interval, with some engaging piano solos by the evening's soloist, was a welcome relief.
W. A. Mozart: Piano concerto Nº 24 in C minor K.491
A scintillating performance by Llyr Williams, aided and abetted by some superb woodwind playing.
No banging or thumping here and as good as most I've heard of this popular concerto.
Haydn: Symphony Nº 47 in G
This non-work opened with some of the most attrocious horn playing that I have ever heard from a professional orchestra. For anyone who did not know the work, they could have been forgiven for thinking that they were listening to Mozart's "Musical Joke"
Difficult maybe, but that's what professionals are paid for.
Who chose this short symphony? In fact, who chose the entire programme?
The conductor, we were told has impeccable references. "Chief conductor of the Arnhem Philharmonic and Director of the Camera Academy of Potsdam"
Wow!
My profound sympathies are with the BBC Philharmonic, who were involved in this debacle.
Tuesday July 12th
Sibelius, Prokofiev and Dvorak
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Thomas Sondergard.
Sibelius: Symphonic Poem En Saga
A really authoritative and satisfying performance. Not surprising after being told that Thomas Sondergard learnt all about Sibelius from Paavo Bergland, who, as one who had spent his teenage years living in the Sibelius household, must be regarded as an authority on what Sibelius required of his music. This is one to keep.
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto in D
The Latvian violinist, Baiba Skride displayed a virtuosic technique, coupled with sensitive playing of this difficult work. Not my favourite of Prokofiev's works (I prefer his piano concertos) but, on this occasion, a superb rendition.
Dvorak: Symphony Nº 9 "From the New World
Too much exposure of this work can make it seem almost humdrum, but this was a measured performance, bringing out all of the best qualities of this popular symphony.
Maestro Sondergard is the latest appointment to the BBC NOW as chief conductor.
Following in the footsteps of Thierry Fischer, this orchestra, already vastly improved, can only get better and better.
BBC Philharmonic - watch your backs!
VH
Schubert, Haydn and Mozart
With the BBC Philharmonic, my favourite orchestra conducted by Antonello Manacorda.
I was really looking forward to this.
Schubert: Overture Die Freunde von Salamanka
Started with a bang - literally. Did the conductor kick the music stand over?
Apparently not, because the same bang and clatter reappeared towards the restatement of the opening.
All that I can say about this work is that it explains why Schubert abandoned the idea of being an operatic composer. To me, it sounded like the composition of a five year old Mozart.
Haydn: Symphony Nº 84 in E flat
Well, it was flat all right. The first movement introduction was not slow and majestic - it was dull and pedantic, but the remainder of the symphony was accompanied by the incessant thumping of the conductor's rostrum - or was he beating time with his foot?
The interval, with some engaging piano solos by the evening's soloist, was a welcome relief.
W. A. Mozart: Piano concerto Nº 24 in C minor K.491
A scintillating performance by Llyr Williams, aided and abetted by some superb woodwind playing.
No banging or thumping here and as good as most I've heard of this popular concerto.
Haydn: Symphony Nº 47 in G
This non-work opened with some of the most attrocious horn playing that I have ever heard from a professional orchestra. For anyone who did not know the work, they could have been forgiven for thinking that they were listening to Mozart's "Musical Joke"
Difficult maybe, but that's what professionals are paid for.
Who chose this short symphony? In fact, who chose the entire programme?
The conductor, we were told has impeccable references. "Chief conductor of the Arnhem Philharmonic and Director of the Camera Academy of Potsdam"
Wow!
My profound sympathies are with the BBC Philharmonic, who were involved in this debacle.
Tuesday July 12th
Sibelius, Prokofiev and Dvorak
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Thomas Sondergard.
Sibelius: Symphonic Poem En Saga
A really authoritative and satisfying performance. Not surprising after being told that Thomas Sondergard learnt all about Sibelius from Paavo Bergland, who, as one who had spent his teenage years living in the Sibelius household, must be regarded as an authority on what Sibelius required of his music. This is one to keep.
Prokofiev: Violin Concerto in D
The Latvian violinist, Baiba Skride displayed a virtuosic technique, coupled with sensitive playing of this difficult work. Not my favourite of Prokofiev's works (I prefer his piano concertos) but, on this occasion, a superb rendition.
Dvorak: Symphony Nº 9 "From the New World
Too much exposure of this work can make it seem almost humdrum, but this was a measured performance, bringing out all of the best qualities of this popular symphony.
Maestro Sondergard is the latest appointment to the BBC NOW as chief conductor.
Following in the footsteps of Thierry Fischer, this orchestra, already vastly improved, can only get better and better.
BBC Philharmonic - watch your backs!
VH
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