BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra plays Ravel's Ma mere l'oye suite

[Stanfordian]

I have been listening to this afternoon’s concert of recordings by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The performances are excellent especially Ravel's Ma mere l'oye suite under Michal Dworzynski. I know from attending many of the BBC Philharmonic concerts that the standard of performance is remarkably high and I was certainly impressed by the playing of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

[Tony Halstead]

I have been listening to this afternoon’s concert of recordings by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The performances are excellent especially Ravel's Ma mere l'oye suite under Michal Dworzynski. I know from attending many of the BBC Philharmonic concerts that the standard of performance is remarkably high and I was certainly impressed by the playing of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

there can be no doubt that the BBCSSO is a superb, flexible orchestra!

Many years ago I played with it as a 'member' ( principal horn) from 1966 until 1970 .
Its woodwind section was as superb then as it is now.

[pastoralguy]

there can be no doubt that the BBCSSO is a superb, flexible orchestra!

Many years ago I played with it as a 'member' ( principal horn) from 1966 until 1970 .

if I were to be 'hypercritical' I would say that its ( if any) weaknesses are to be found in its woodwind section, where
(1) its 1st oboe uses far too much vibrato
(2) its 1st flute is never, ever, 'flat' ... ( the corrolarry is that he/she is sometimes sharp)
(3) Its 1st clarinet plays 'as a soloist' rather than as a member of a 'team'.

Very interesting, Tony. Mrs. P.G and I heard a performance of the Dvorak 'cello concerto under Andrew Manze where the principle clarinet seemed to be under the impression the work was for solo clarinet. The way the conductor kept waving at him to play louder seemed to be a direct challenge to drown out the excellent 'cellist.

[Stanfordian]

there can be no doubt that the BBCSSO is a superb, flexible orchestra!

Many years ago I played with it as a 'member' ( principal horn) from 1966 until 1970 .

if I were to be 'hypercritical' I would say that its ( if any) weaknesses are to be found in its woodwind section, where
(1) its 1st oboe uses far too much vibrato
(2) its 1st flute is never, ever, 'flat' ... ( the corrolarry is that he/she is sometimes sharp)
(3) Its 1st clarinet plays 'as a soloist' rather than as a member of a 'team'.

Hiya Tony,

It was the homogeneity that stuck me today in the Ravel.

[Tony Halstead]

Yes I agree that the homegeneity was excellent, and I must now eat humble pie as I do now realise that my comments on the woodwind apply not to the BBCSSO but to a different, far less distinguished BBC 'house orchestra'. I will edit my original posting a..s.a.p.
Oh dear..