Bal 4.02.23 - Purcell: The Fairy Queen

[MickyD]

I didn't have the chance to hear the programme today, but am surprised that there are no comments - maybe everyone is in agreement with Nick Kenyon's choices?

[JasonPalmer]

I was listening while doing other things and it sounded like a lot of comparing with other recordings was going on. Thought that hair splitting would be popular with many a board member.

[Nick Armstrong]

it sounded like a lot of comparing with other recordings was going on

[ardcarp]

I'm glad some things were mentioned. Firstly Anthony Lewis was a great pioneer of staging what was then (1960s) thought of as un-stageable. He put on productions of operas by Rameau, Handel, Purcell and many others at the Barber Institute in Birmingham, a lovely Art Deco theatre. Even Haydn made an appearance. His Orfeo had, I think, lingered in the outer darkness up to that point. Lewis's productions may not have been particularly HIPP in today's terms, e.g. he sometimes used the English Chamber Orchestra and The Ambrosian Singers (bulked out by a few lucky students, including yours truly) plus somewhat 'operatic' professional soloists. He figured largely in 'discovering' Janet Baker, engaging her near the start of her career. James Bowman (of whom we heard a brief extract) was a frequent visitor to 'The Barber', though mainly as a member of David Munrow'a Early Music Consort. I'm glad Britten's Purcell recordings were mentioned (and played) too. Of the two chosen finalists, the winner was clearly the most in keeping with today's fashion, e.g. with a plucking continuo ensemble, a small instrumental band with a small chorus and 'step-out' soloists. I personally preferred Harry Christophers' version from what I heard. I don't often rush out and buy BAL recommendations, but I might go for The Sixteen in this case rather than The Gabrieli Consort. I am glad Nicholas Kenyon 'confessed' that his choice was influenced by today's (and even tomorrow's!) fashion.

[MickyD]

I thought it a shame that neither the CD or DVD versions by Christie were mentioned. The CD version has an interesting French flavour about it, maybe not so doubtful when one considers the influence of the music of the French court around this time.

[visualnickmos]

I didn't have the chance to hear the programme today, but am surprised that there are no comments - maybe everyone is in agreement with Nick Kenyon's choices?

Or, like me, the thought of baroque opera is a real downer!

[MickyD]

Or, like me, the thought of baroque opera is a real downer!

Oh, shame you feel that way! I will say that for me this BAL is a good one, basically because of the appearance of Nick Kenyon who, in my opinion, always has something interesting to say.

[ardcarp]

I wonder if a visit to one of English Touring Opera's productions might change your mind, visualnickmos? They are taking Handel's Julius Caesar around the country this spring. The Old Street Band (a HIPP instrumental ensemble) is worth hearing in itself.

https://englishtouringopera.org.uk/whats-on

Click on 'venues and tour dates'. ETO also do some outreach, involving local choral groups.