BaL 12.07.14 - Wagner: Siegfried Idyll

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

My main interest is in versions for the original line-up rather than the full orchestral versions made by other hands but I see that choice is very limited.

I'm not aware of any recordings of these - the orchestral versions I know all use Wagner's wind octet, just with a string section, rather than a sextet.

Would suggestions from listeners be welcomed or would they simply be filed in a recycling bin?

It may be cynical of me, but I rather think that, if your suggestion coincides with what has already been decided, then it will be greeted with public enthusiasm.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

One hell of a birthday present for Cosima.


And for further reading, check this thread:

http://www.for3.org/forums/showthread.php?10189-Wagner-Siegfried-Idyll&highlight=Wagner+Siegfried+Idyll

[Pabmusic]

Boult is still available:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/From-Bach-Wa...s=boult+wagner (and in other incarnations).

And as for Cosima's birthday, the original title is: "Tribschener Idyll mit Fidi-Vogelsang und Orange-Sonnenaufgang, als Symphonischer Geburtstagsgruss. Seiner Cosima dargebracht von Ihrem Richard.“ (Tribchen-Idyll with Fidi's birdsong and orange sunrise [ie: the wallpaper, I believe], as a symphonic birthday greeting. Presented to his Cosima by her Richard.)

The older sets of performing material are annoying as they didn't include either bar numbers or rehearsal marks (and they're full of errors). These sets are still common among amateur orchestras, who either own music acquired 80 years ago, or else borrow the sets from libraries, who rarely renew their sets. The hope is that someone has already done the work for you. Worst of all is to be told (with pride) that the orchestra has just bought a new set, only to discover it's from Kalmus or Luck's, or another firm that reproduces 100-year-old parts.

The Siegfried-Idyll, glorious, wonderful piece that it is, is often hard work.

[Pabmusic]

Didn't Hans Richter play both the Trumpet and Second Viola part at the premiere - learning to play Trumpet especially for the occasion?

Just so. I've never resolved whether Wagner wrote such a very short trumpet part in the knowledge that Richter (a horn player) would prepare and direct the performance and thus have his mind on so much else.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The older sets of performing material are annoying as they didn't include either bar numbers or rehearsal marks (and they're full of errors). These sets are still common among amateur orchestras, who either own music acquired 80 years ago, or else borrow the sets from libraries, who rarely renew their sets. The hope is that someone has already done the work for you. Worst of all is to be told (with pride) that the orchestra has just bought a new set, only to discover it's from Kalmus or Luck's, or another firm that reproduces 100-year-old parts.

The Siegfried-Idyll, glorious, wonderful piece that it is, is often hard work.

- and the string parts have phrasing, rather than bowing, "slurs" - I remember the "how long does he think my bow is?!" comments (and, even more so when we reached the fast triplets) "Why couldn't he have written this in Bflat!?" (And the blissful, benign smile of the trumpet player - admirably avoiding looking smug.)

[Pabmusic]

... (And the blissful, benign smile of the trumpet player - admirably avoiding looking smug.)

Although trumpet, trombone and tuba players (but definitely not hornists) often have blissful smiles in the afternoon. ("Strangely serene" to quote Bill Bryson.)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Although trumpet, trombone and tuba players (but definitely not hornists) often have blissful smiles in the afternoon. ("Strangely serene" to quote Bill Bryson.)

[LeMartinPecheur]

Many boarders will no doubt be completely desolated that the version on my own shelves by Sir R*g*r N*rr*ngt*n appears to be nla, judging by EA's listing

EDIT Actually the riverpeople do seem to have ONE copy still in stock, so an addition to the list seems in order EA: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wagner-Overt...gton+siegfried

[Bryn]

Many boarders will no doubt be completely desolated that the version on my own shelves by Sir R*g*r N*rr*ngt*n appears to be nla, judging by EA's listing

EDIT Actually the riverpeople do seem to have ONE copy still in stock, so an addition to the list seems in order EA: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wagner-Overt...gton+siegfried

Also available, along with the LCP Bruckner 3, as a lossless download from Qobuz.

And of course:

et seq.

[verismissimo]

I invested inexpensively in the stripped down Solti, but it hasn't arrived yet. Will be interested to see how it does this morning.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

What a fascinating BaL so far - one of the very best, perhaps, and a good one to end the season.

[Nick Armstrong]

Many boarders will no doubt be completely desolated that the version on my own shelves by Sir R*g*r N*rr*ngt*n appears to be nla

Actually I thought Todger's version sounded pretty good just now!

Although trumpet, trombone and tuba players (but definitely not hornists) often have blissful smiles in the afternoon. ("Strangely serene" to quote Bill Bryson.)

OK its a pleasant piece...

Well... yeeees.... but I've never been able to get excited about it; on the contrary it's always struck me that the repetition of actually quite banal themes is rather tedious. Certainly, after the repetition of repetitive music on this BAL, I've no wish to hear the damn thing again for years now

And as for that Karajan extract.....

... wonder how pieces are chosen for the BaL treatment. ...Looking at the choice for the season coming to an end I detect the hand of senior R3 management in the choice, not just the CD Review production team. In particular, tie-ins with R3 seasons, anniversaries etc lead me to this view.

...I hope that the new R3 Controller, whoever he or she may be, will allow more adventurous programming in BaL and CD Review in general.

Heartfelt agreement here. The choice of BAL works in the latter part of this season has with a couple of exceptions been underwhelming...

[MickyD]

Also available, along with the LCP Bruckner 3, as a lossless download from Qobuz.

And of course:

et seq.

...and also available as a twofer:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/BRUCKNER-SYMPHONY-WAGNER-ORCHESTRAL-MUSIC/dp/B008AK2BXQ/ref=sr_1_16?s=music&ie=UTF8&qid=1405157810&sr=1-16&keywords=norrington+wagner

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I had no idea that Siegfried Wagner had recorded the work. I've done a quick search, but haven't been able to find a link. If anyone can help?

[Flosshilde]

OK its a pleasant piece ...

I think it's rather more than just a 'pleasant' piece, & actually one that I always enjoy listening to - partly because of its own qualities, partly because of the reminders of the Ring, and partly (being an old softy) because of what it is (or was) - a present from Richard to Cosima & the circumstances of its first performance.