BaL 14.05.22 - Vaughan Williams: Symphony no. 4 in F minor

[edashtav]

Although I have the winner, and think it’s terrific, my money would have been on Pappano - a tremendous disc which I’d have as a Record of the Year candidate.

I agree with you re the Pappano. I was bowled over by RVW and the BBC SO this morning and have just ordered a copy.

[Bryn]

Unless I missed it, one thing absent from this morning's BaL was RVW's infamous comment, "‘I don’t know if I like it, but it’s what I meant’". In my early youth, that was a comment that sparked my desire to hear the work.

[gradus]

The reviewer said he began by blind-tasting all 12 recordings he considered, something I haven't heard from a BAL reviewer before and a good idea.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

The reviewer said he began by blind-tasting all 12 recordings he considered, something I haven't heard from a BAL reviewer before and a good idea.

That's the cost of living crisis for you, although for me eating my CD collection would be an extreme measure.

[cloughie]

The reviewer said he began by blind-tasting all 12 recordings he considered, something I haven't heard from a BAL reviewer before and a good idea.

What were the lucky dozen - was Manze included?

[Bryn]

What were the lucky dozen - was Manze included?

Yes, and was in the running until the final lap.You will have to listen to get the full list of 12, I expect.

[cloughie]

Yes, and was in the running until the final lap.You will have to listen to get the full list of 12, I expect.

Giving it a listen now!

A really good review but I’m not sure Bernie deserved to edge it - very strong field there sharpened up by some of the new boys on the block!

[Maclintick]

Enjoying the Malvern hills.

Holst & RVW in this photo bear more than a passing physical resemblance to GM & Alban Berg, I fancy...An excellent BAL from Mark Lowther, as always, although the Haitink version sort of snuck up unheralded, as it were. I have it along with Boult, Previn, A. Davis. & the RVW 1937, although I haven't played any of them for a very long time. Manze's 2012 Prom in which the BBC SSO played 4,5 & 6 was memorable.

[Keraulophone]

The reviewer said he began by blind-tasting all 12 recordings he considered, something I haven't heard from a BAL reviewer before and a good idea.

Jeremy Summerly has told us that his normal practice is to listen blind to the short-list of recordings he is considering. This approach is often taken in comparative wine tastings, as in the famous Judgement of Paris when Californian upstarts ambushed the exalted chateau of Bordeaux. That would never have been the outcome had the wines labels been visible.
.

[LeMartinPecheur]

What were the lucky dozen - was Manze included?

My notes have the following:
BBCSO/ RVW
LPO/ Boult (mono - his stereo remake got a brief 'not as good' mention)
Wrigglesworth (his III getting special praise)
Pappano
Berglund (sounded like it had been a surprise 'stand-out' when he learned who it was)
Bernstein & Mitropoulos got a brief favourable mention but no samples IIRC
Manze (said to have the right feel in II)
Haitink
Brabbins (good in III despite too slow a speed)
Handley

When he reached the finale his five still running were Manze, Haitink, Pappano, Wrigglesworth, Berglund. Mentioned as just missing the cut were Handley and Bryden Thompson (latter said to be specially good if you wanted Boult in modern sound (appx!)). Berglund got a tiny health warning for some small unmarked tempo adjustments in I and IV. Wrigglesworth was preferred to Pappano for keeping the tension better through the two fugues in the Epilogue. But Haitink came out the winner for cumulative power.

Not sure which version made up the 12 - above main list is only 11 Probably Bryden Thompson as he seems to have fallen only just before the last!

[I already had RVW, mono & stereo Boults, Berglund, Handley and Previn but have just ordered a cheapo Haitink, slightly in memoriam]

[cloughie]

My notes have the following:
BBCSO/ RVW
LPO/ Boult (mono - his stereo remake got a brief 'not as good' mention)
Wrigglesworth (his III getting special praise)
Pappano
Berglund (sounded like it had been a surprise 'stand-out' when he learned who it was)
Bernstein & Mitropoulos got a brief favourable mention but no samples IIRC
Manze (said to have the right feel in II)
Haitink
Brabbins (good in III despite too slow a speed)
Haitink

When he reached the finale his five still running were Manze, Haitink, Pappano, Wrigglesworth, Berglund. Mentioned as just missing the cut were Handley and Bryden Thompson (latter said to be specially good if you wanted Boult in modern sound (appx!)). Berglund got a tiny health warning for some small unmarked tempo adjustments in I and IV. Wrigglesworth was preferred to Pappano for keeping the tension better through the two fugues in the Epilogue. But Haitink came out the winner for cumulative power.

Not sure which version made up the 12 - above main list is only 11 E&OE!

[I already had RVW, mono & stereo Boults, Berglund, Handley and Previn but have just ordered a cheapo Haitink, slightly in memoriam]

Thanks LMP - a good synopsis!

[Barbirollians]

Thanks LMP - a good synopsis!

Shame no mention of the live Barbirolli - knocked my socks off.

As much as I admire Haitink in VW I am not sure he would be my first choice in this symphony.

[Nick Armstrong]

the Haitink version sort of snuck up unheralded, as it were.

That was my impression too. It seemed as if Pappano, Wigglesworth and Manze had the podium places all sewn up but then Bernie blew past them in the final corner. I’ve had his recording for years, but am interested to hear all the other three. The extracts seemed to suggest Pappano’s recording didn’t have quite the punch and clarity of the other two but with so much positive comment about it, a full listen is certainly required.

[cloughie]

]Jeremy Summerly[/B] has told us that his normal practice is to listen blind to the short-list of recordings he is considering. This approach is often taken in comparative wine tastings, as in the famous Judgement of Paris when Californian upstarts ambushed the exalted chateau of Bordeaux. That would never have been the outcome had the wines labels been visible.
.

Mark Lowther? But I agree with your wine analogy, the French would never surrender their claret knowingly!

I shall certainly explore the Pappano and Wigglesworth further! (Already a fan of the Manze!)

[Nick Armstrong]

Mark Lowther?

I think Keraulophone is referring to Jeremy S often stating during his BALs that he’s ‘listened blind’ - Mark Lowther apparently took a leaf from the same book.

Reference has often been made above to the fact that the equivalent French radio programme involves the same approach, with the critics hearing and reacting to the anonymous extracts in real time during the (90 minute) programme… (and no Bordeaux is involved, as far as one can tell )