Prokofiev's early Sinfonietta is a miracle of concision and wit, very much in the manner of the famous 'Classical' Symphony he modelled on Haydn. Steven Isserlis brings his trademark virtuosity and passion to genuine Haydn; 'genuine', that is, ever since as late as the 1950s when the manuscript was finally unearthed. There's never been any doubt about the authenticity of Beethoven's 7th Symphony, nor about its intensity or rythmic vitality.
Rhythmic uncertainty is how I would have put it.
I was reminded of the words of the late Clarence Raybould when he told a young piano soloist "I would remind you that this is a string orchestra - not an elastic band!"
Exceeding the speed limit one moment and slowing down for the traffic lights the next. The whole performance of Beethoven 7th was out of control. The desease even spread to the players. Poor ensemble - and why was the woodwind tune in the second movement totally distorted? (e.g. ¦tada daah¦ became tada¦daaah¦)
A mad rush to catch the 9.40 bus from the Wilts and Dorset Bus station opposite. Martin referred at the end to broken bow hairs. What about broken hearts? I swear that there were tears glistening in the eyes of my bust of Beethoven, who sits in the corner of my study, wearing my spare pair of headphones.
I have played that symphony more times than I can remember, but never in as wayward a performance as that.
Such a pity, after a pleasing performance of the Prokofiev Sinfonietts and a superb Haydn concerto by Steven Isserlis.
HS
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