BaL 22.02.20 - Grieg: Holberg Suite

[Maclintick]

I only recently got the good value 8CD BIS Grieg orchestral collection and got to know the Holberg version from Ole Kristian Ruud with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. It comes across beautifully with a vivid sound picture and I was a bit surprised that the home team, so to speak, didn't get a mention.

Well, Gurnie (if I may?) now that you've drawn attention to it -- & having listened on Spotify -- this strikes me as an appalling lacuna in Oliver Condy's BAL, and one which would justify BIS, the Bergen PO, & Ole Kristian Ruud crying "Referee !". They are clearly at least on a par with the Ostrobothnians, Olso Camerata & run ASMF/Marriner extremely close, while enjoying a classy BIS presentation.

I'm afraid I don't share the general approbation of Oliver Condy on these boards -- too many prep-school adjectives "lurchy" "lumpy" "weedy" -- plus he seems to delight in the gladiatorial aspect, gleefully jettisoning what are by any standards very distinguished ensembles overboard in a manner unfortunately reminiscent of Graham Norton's Red Chair...

[edashtav]

I only recently got the good value 8CD BIS Grieg orchestral collection and got to know the Holberg version from Ole Kristian Ruud with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra. It comes across beautifully with a vivid sound picture and I was a bit surprised that the home team, so to speak, didn't get a mention.

More homework!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I'm afraid I don't share the general approbation of Oliver Condy on these boards -- too many prep-school adjectives "lurchy" "lumpy" "weedy" -- plus he seems to delight in the gladiatorial aspect, gleefully jettisoning what are by any standards very distinguished ensembles overboard in a manner unfortunately reminiscent of Graham Norton's Red Chair...

My feelings exactly. He sounded well informed, but with tinges of the school bully.

[BBMmk2]

My feelings exactly. He sounded well informed, but with tinges of the school bully.

Perhaps he was one?

[edashtav]

More homework!

I've compared the Ruud/Bergen (R) version with the with the winning Marriner / ASMF (M) and here are my overall assessments:
Prelude : M
Sarabande : M
Gavotte: R
Air : M
Rigaudon : M

Overall sound quality : R

I agree with Maclintick that the Norwegian players put on a fine show and are never far behind (for instance in the Prelude, I marked them down in terms of smooth 'baton' changes when figures were tossed from section to section but I loved their grander coda).

[edashtav]

Youngsters on Swedish streets play a tribute to Norway's great composer:

https://youtu.be/LxLZZfpi1B8

[Barbirollians]

I've compared the Ruud/Bergen (R) version with the with the winning Marriner / ASMF (M) and here are my overall assessments:
Prelude : M
Sarabande : M
Gavotte: R
Air : M
Rigaudon : M

Overall sound quality : R

I agree with Maclintick that the Norwegian players put on a fine show and are never far behind (for instance in the Prelude, I marked them down in terms of smooth 'baton' changes when figures were tossed from section to section but I loved their grander coda).

I assume the Iona Brown/NCO version must be deleted.

[Maclintick]

I assume the Iona Brown/NCO version must be deleted.

It's listed as download only in Alpie's list, but does seem to be available £5.99 Amazon UK in a Virgin Classics Grieg/Nielsen collection. As astonishing a BAL omission as the Bergen PO/Ruud version.More homework !

[Cockney Sparrow]

It's listed as download only in Alpie's list, but does seem to be available £5.99 Amazon UK in a Virgin Classics Grieg/Nielsen collection. As astonishing a BAL omission as the Bergen PO/Ruud version.More homework !:doh:

If you can access Naxos Music Library the Virgin release is there - Catalogue No.: 0724354522451 (Erato Parlophone label).

[Maclintick]

If you can access Naxos Music Library the Virgin release is there - Catalogue No.: 0724354522451 (Erato Parlophone label).

Thanks so much, Cockney Sparrow. I'm assuming it's this version directed by Iona Brown which won last time. NCO field a smaller body of strings than ASMF, & their reading is sharply-accented, with a great range of colour and dynamics -- Iona very much leading from the front. The Air is beautifully done - I don't think I've ever heard the central Bb major passage beginning pp at fig.O played with such hushed inwardness.
There are also two (different?) NCO recordings directed by the ensemble's founder...

[mikealdren]

It's listed as download only in Alpie's list, but does seem to be available £5.99 Amazon UK in a Virgin Classics Grieg/Nielsen collection. As astonishing a BAL omission as the Bergen PO/Ruud version.More homework !

With the new format and restricted lists, no omission astonishes me any more. I certainly missed the Brown recording, a favourite of mine. I also missed the Kovacevich/Davis Bartok yesterday.

[edashtav]

[QUOTE=Maclintick;781209]Thanks so much, Cockney Sparrow. I'm assuming it's this version directed by Iona Brown which won last time. NCO field a smaller body of strings than ASMF, & their reading is sharply-accented, with a great range of colour and dynamics -- Iona very much leading from the front. The Air is beautifully done - I don't think I've ever heard the central Bb major passage beginning pp at fig.O played with such hushed inwardness.

[…] /[QUOTE]

I've found Iona's recording of the Prelude placed on Youtube as an advertisement by Warner Classics. I agree with your third sentence, Maclintick; it is a superior version within its own subset: that of chamber orchestras. It does try to compete with fuller ensembles through electronic manipulation. The instruments were recorded in close focus and then placed within an enhanced, rich acoustic.
I loved the virtuosity on offer: the batons were perfectly transferred in the cascades section and the gurgling that ensues in the violas was the best I've heard. I much admire Iona's conducting, particularly when she finds space to include quieter, more reflective passages.
'Tis a thing of beauty but larger than life, the chamber orchestra has been "bigged up". If, like Oliver and me, you believe the work was written for, and sounds better on, a big string band, you may choose, reluctantly, to leave this attractive version on the shelf.

[MickyD]

I find I have this on my shelves - did it get considered in the programme? Does anyone else have it and if so, what do you think of it?

[edashtav]

.

I find I have this on my shelves - did it get considered in the programme? Does anyone else have it and if so, what do you think of it?

Well, well, Micky. I've found Neeme's Prelude on Youtube and whilst it's technically very secure, it's also safe, and full of pastel colours whereas Nev is replete with vivid oils. Two saving graces: some lovely quiet bars and the grandest coda of 'em all!

[Nick Armstrong]

My feelings exactly. He sounded well informed, but with tinges of the school bully.

Mine too. (Only just had a chance to catch up with this BAL).

He also sort of had the sort of tic of sort of using “sort of” redundantly in sort of every other sentence, which once noticed was sort of irritating ...

No particular argument with his conclusion though, from the extracts played