So, looking for some relief to recover from THAT Manchester derby mauling, I booked for a concert to hear the Hallé orchestra live, performing Sibelius 4 and Beethoven 2 in the Bridgewater Hall (never been there before).
I guess familiarity really does breed contempt, for the envy and jealousy I have for all of you who are able to hear such phenomenal music-making continuously may progressively anesthetize the listener. The Malta Phil can give a good account of itself, but it is simply light years away from the sheen and bloom of those strings and those rasping horns and trumpets. Where does the Hallé rank these days? What is it that makes me cringe somewhat when I see a female timpanist? I seem to recall that the Insurance Orchestra also had a timpanistess too.
As for that Sibelius work, well, what a dark and sombre work! I almost wished I was back at Old Trafford - almost! It would be unfair to comment on a work after the very first hearing, but following with a score, I don't think there's a single happy bar in it, is there?
The Beethoven was a pretty mundane affair.
Mario
I guess familiarity really does breed contempt, for the envy and jealousy I have for all of you who are able to hear such phenomenal music-making continuously may progressively anesthetize the listener. The Malta Phil can give a good account of itself, but it is simply light years away from the sheen and bloom of those strings and those rasping horns and trumpets. Where does the Hallé rank these days? What is it that makes me cringe somewhat when I see a female timpanist? I seem to recall that the Insurance Orchestra also had a timpanistess too.
As for that Sibelius work, well, what a dark and sombre work! I almost wished I was back at Old Trafford - almost! It would be unfair to comment on a work after the very first hearing, but following with a score, I don't think there's a single happy bar in it, is there?
The Beethoven was a pretty mundane affair.
Mario
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