Thomas Ades - Dante ballet

[Barbirollians]

I see Mr McGregor made this a record of the week and I was very taken by the extracts he played. I see the Gramophone reviewer was a bit sniffy about some of it.

Anyone bought it or heard the whole ballet ? If so what do you think?

[silvestrione]

Not much interest here! I watched the ballet version on TV a couple of times, intrigued because I'm especially interested in Dante, and I did enjoy it. But not sure I'd want to be bothered with the music on its own.

[Barbirollians]

Yes I noted the lack of interest - when was it on TV ? Is it still available to stream somewhere do you know ?

[Bryn]

. . . But not sure I'd want to be bothered with the music on its own.

My reaction to everything I have heard of his, except his work as a piano accompanist in Janáček's Diary of one who disappeared, which was very fine.

[Pianoman]

I've just downloaded it and have rather taken to it, especially as accompaniment in the car...Like a lot of Ades, it's fun spotting the stylistic references, but it's played with great panache (and sound quality) so I can't really grumble. How well it wears is another matter maybe, but for now I'm enjoying it.

[Bryn]

I've just downloaded it and have rather taken to it, especially as accompaniment in the car...Like a lot of Ades, it's fun spotting the stylistic references, but it's played with great panache (and sound quality) so I can't really grumble. How well it wears is another matter maybe, but for now I'm enjoying it.

Was the download from Bandcamp? I was quite surprised to see Nonesuch using that site for distribution.

[Pianoman]

Presto - my usual source.

[Master Jacques]

As an admirer of Adès's orchestral and chamber music (and the majority of his operas, with the exception of The Tempest) I'm looking forward to hearing Dante, which I have reason to believe might be coming my way when I have my birthday in a couple of weeks or so. It's interesting to read the positive comments on it here: for me, Tevot and the Violin Concerto are among my favourite works by a contemporary composer - I'd love to know why he wasn't commissioned for the Coronation. Did he perhaps turn it down??

[Pianoman]

It's interesting to read the positive comments on it here: for me, Tevot and the Violin Concerto are among my favourite works by a contemporary composer

You've just happened to name the two that are also my favourites by him - along with Totentanz. I think you'll enjoy Dante - it's full of typical Ades colour and excitement and it's really very infectious, with great orchestral writing and wearing its homages fully, but you sense with genuine affection.

[Pulcinella]

Streaming now: no booklet/text of course.
Anyone know what is sung?

[Master Jacques]

You've just happened to name the two that are also my favourites by him - along with Totentanz. I think you'll enjoy Dante - it's full of typical Ades colour and excitement and it's really very infectious, with great orchestral writing and wearing its homages fully, but you sense with genuine affection.

Thank you - my appetite is even more keenly whetted!

[silvestrione]

Streaming now: no booklet/text of course.
Anyone know what is sung?

Fulsome review in The Guardian that mentions pre-recorded voices from the Ades Synagogue in Jerusalem...

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/oct/24/the-dante-project-royal-ballet-review-wayne-mcgregor-thomas-ades-tacita-dean-edward-watson

[Bryn]

Fulsome review in The Guardian that mentions pre-recorded voices from the Ades Synagogue in Jerusalem...

https://www.theguardian.com/stage/20...-edward-watson

I have not read the review but did you intend the modern or the historical use of "Fulsome"?

[silvestrione]

I have not read the review but did you intend the modern or the historical use of "Fulsome"?

Bit confused, I'm afraid: always thought it meant slightly overly enthusiastic, or similar.

[Serial_Apologist]

Bit confused, I'm afraid: always thought it meant slightly overly enthusiastic, or similar.

No, it's used whenever Scots people need another drink: "Will ye fullsome more, lassie?"