BaL 15.11.14 - Rossini: William Tell

[Rolmill]

...can anyone tell me who the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra are, or were?

I have a rather splendid CD with them 'doing' Dvorak's 7th, conducted by Carlos Paita., but no idea about the band (Lodia label)

I believe that it was an orchestra created expressly for Paita using members of various London-based orchestras, who gave concerts in addition to several recordings.

I have a 2 CD set containing the Dvorak symphonies 7, 8 and 9 and have always felt the 7th to be the finest (indeed, one of the best I have heard).

[Nick Armstrong]

Sorry to be boring, but OT again:

That's cleared up the mystery of the National Philharmonic Orchestra, but can anyone tell me who the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra are, or were?

I have a rather splendid CD with them 'doing' Dvorak's 7th, conducted by Carlos Paita., but no idea about the band (Lodia label)

Some answers here, Nick: http://www.ultraaudio.com/music/keepers_20080601.htm

Specifically:


While Paita also recorded with the LPO and the RPO for Lodia, a new orchestra was formed for him: the Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. That name had been used earlier by Westminster as a disguise for the RPO, but this time it was applied to a separate and distinct ensemble, following the example of the National Philharmonic, and Paita not only recorded with his PSO but also gave concerts, both in London and on tour in Continental Europe. The high point of its discography, and his, is an absolutely stunning Bruckner Eighth. Paita chose the Haas edition and eschewed all notions of tradition and custom, of ceremony and monumentalism, simply rethinking the score on what he perceived to be its own terms. What emerges is a compelling, exalting listening experience, full of uncontrived movement and drama and color and conviction.

In the same league is a vibrant account of Dvorák’s glorious Seventh Symphony, which several critics singled out as the all-round finest account of that work yet recorded. The essential sanity of this realization, as well as its overall warmth of heart and instinctive, unfeigned elegance, is a powerful reminder that whatever "eccentricity" might be charged to Carlos Paita it definitely does not intrude itself into his music-making.


Shamefully off-topic, sorry folks (although I find it much more interesting than Rossini opera )

Tony, did you ever play under Paita, and in the PSO (as opposed to the NPO)?

[visualnickmos]

Thank you Caliban, for your help on this one! That's one of the great things about these boards; the sheer volume of knowledge is absolutely amazing.

I had no idea that 'this sort of thing' went on regarding recording orchestras - one is never too old to learn.

Have a good weekend.

I'll be listening to BaL tmw - this is a total unknown to me, so I have no preconceptions or engrained notions of it whatsoever.
Just see how the cookie crumbles.....

[Keraulophone]

The Lone Ranger aside, the only thing I can remember about this opera is its unbearable length, as it lulled me to sleep at ROHCG about fifteen years ago. Awakened after many hours, I was taken to Rules for jugged hare by one of the spear-carriers, who assured me I hadn't missed anything significant.

[Nick Armstrong]

Awakened after many hours, I was taken to Rules for jugged hare by one of the spear-carriers, who assured me I hadn't missed anything significant.

Says it all really!!

Presumably you already know said spear-carrier before it all began, hence the opera visit in the first place?


.


PS: "I was taken to Rules for jugged hare" really does sound like a euphemism for something else!!

[vinteuil]

The Lone Ranger aside, the only thing I can remember about this opera is its unbearable length...

... isn't one of the definitions of an intellectual - "someone who can hear the William Tell overture and not think of the Lone Ranger... " ??

Sorry, Keraulophone

[Keraulophone]

"Hi-yo Silver - away!"

Sure, vin, but then few intellectuals grew up in late '50s Britain as there was no way they could get that dashing overture out of their heads.

Scroll down the link and listen to the LR version from 0'44 - it leaves Abbado et al in the dust!

http://www.hiyosilveraway.com

[Keraulophone]

'Presumably you already know said spear-carrier before it all began, hence the opera visit in the first place? '

Knew spear-carrier but not the opera. It turned out that even he didn't know it that well, despite being in the middle of a run of performances! Says it all, eh?



'PS: "I was taken to Rules for jugged hare" really does sound like a euphemism for something else!!
[/COLOR][/QUOTE]'

If I'd wanted 'something else', the jug (with or without said hare) could have been served upstairs in one of their private dining rooms. Edward VII and Lillie Langtry found it most conducive...

[Nick Armstrong]

one of their private dining rooms. Edward VII and Lillie Langtry found it most conducive...

And I've had two wonderful celebratory events therein over the years!!

[Nick Armstrong]

I'm enjoying Richard Osborne's classy presence, but Good Lord, the flippin' piece is even more dull than I remember.

There's more chance of me buying a ticket for one of Branson's spacecraft, than purchasing any version of 'William Tell'....

[vinteuil]

Perhaps the serious operas of Rossini are an acquired taste. I love them, and I thought it was an excellent BAL.

Sorry to think that our Caliban still has to develop the necessary sensibilities...

[Nick Armstrong]

Sorry to think that our Caliban still has to develop the necessary sensibilities...

Don't hold your breath, vinobianco !

[Flosshilde]

... isn't one of the definitions of an intellectual - "someone who can hear the William Tell overture and not think of the Lone Ranger... " ??

Does that mean 'avoid thinking of it' or 'not reminded of it'? If the former, then surely the said intelectual has thought about the Lone Ranger in avoiding thinking about it?

[Don Petter]

I'm enjoying Richard Osborne's classy presence, but Good Lord, the flippin' piece is even more dull than I remember.

There's more chance of me buying a ticket for one of Branson's spacecraft, than purchasing any version of 'William Tell'....

I tend to agree, and the dullness seems to have permeated the rest of CDR today. I listened from the start right up to elevenish without any piece of music catching my attention. Probably 'one man's meat', I guess.

(I was quite glad to leave during one of AmG's favourite chummy chats.)

[visualnickmos]

I'm enjoying Richard Osborne's classy presence, but Good Lord, the flippin' piece is even more dull than I remember.

I managed to listen all the way through, despite increasingly feeling that this opera isn't for me. It is dull, absolutely, for those like me, who haven't acquired the taste (and to be honest, I never will!)

At least I tried...