Last night at the Usher Hall the BBCSSO, The Edinburgh Festival Chorus, Meagan Miller, soprano, Karen Cargill, mezzo, and Donald Runnicles performed Mahler's "Resurrection" Symphony to a packed and enthusiastic audience. The concert was recorded by the BBC for future transmission as "Live in Concert" on R3. That much was apparent from the 38 microphones in view, not counting whatever was provided for the off-stage band. Doubtless the broadcast sound will therefore differ from that experienced in the hall.
It was a performance in which all concerned aquitted themselves well, particularly the Festival Chorus which, under Christopher Bell, has transformed itself into what is possibly the best symphony chorus in the country today. The attention to detail throughout was exemplary but, for me, and I was undoubtedly in a minority in that audience, it was a performance that was all trees and no wood. I don't imply that DR did not have a clear overview, just that it didn't work for me. Where were those spine tingling moments that characterise my response to this work, most recently felt during the broadcast of the Dudamel Prom? Sadly missing.
I would describe it as a very clinical reading, which is a perfectly valid view, but it didn't take flight for me until the entry of the chorus. It was marred, to an extent, by over-loud brass, which is a failing of this particular orchestra. I have yet to meet the brass player who doesn't think louder is better. I expect that the mixing desk will alter the balance for broadcast but, in the hall, that should have been DR's job.
This symphony can cope with a wide variety of interpretation and many of you will find more in this performance than I did. The above is just my personal response on the night. Who knows, I might find the eventual broadcast more moving. Actually, that sums it up. For the first time ever, I was unmoved by a performance of this remarkable work.
It was a performance in which all concerned aquitted themselves well, particularly the Festival Chorus which, under Christopher Bell, has transformed itself into what is possibly the best symphony chorus in the country today. The attention to detail throughout was exemplary but, for me, and I was undoubtedly in a minority in that audience, it was a performance that was all trees and no wood. I don't imply that DR did not have a clear overview, just that it didn't work for me. Where were those spine tingling moments that characterise my response to this work, most recently felt during the broadcast of the Dudamel Prom? Sadly missing.
I would describe it as a very clinical reading, which is a perfectly valid view, but it didn't take flight for me until the entry of the chorus. It was marred, to an extent, by over-loud brass, which is a failing of this particular orchestra. I have yet to meet the brass player who doesn't think louder is better. I expect that the mixing desk will alter the balance for broadcast but, in the hall, that should have been DR's job.
This symphony can cope with a wide variety of interpretation and many of you will find more in this performance than I did. The above is just my personal response on the night. Who knows, I might find the eventual broadcast more moving. Actually, that sums it up. For the first time ever, I was unmoved by a performance of this remarkable work.
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