I just don't like the noise it makes.... (those 'blind spot' pieces)

[Nick Armstrong]

I was playing 1st or 2nd trombone...

[Stan Drews]

I was playing 1st or 2nd trombone...

Guessed as much!

[Nick Armstrong]

Guessed as much!

[Barbirollians]

Still spluttering here - heard that Fliter Chopin yet caliban ?

[Nick Armstrong]

Still spluttering here - heard that Fliter Chopin yet caliban ?

.... no, it's on the bedside DAB radio, I must have a proper listen! Thanks for the reminder!

[BBMmk2]

I was playing 3rd trombone part on tuba(EEb to be precise!) :)

[Nick Armstrong]

I was playing 3rd trombone part on tuba(EEb to be precise!) :)

I did wonder what a tuba player had been doing in Schubert's 'Unfinished'... (wondered if Mahler had re-orchestrated it... )

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Wuss - you'd have had lots more fun with a BBb (only kidding!)

[Hornspieler]

Did anyone get to see the Berlin Orchestra under Simon Rattle on Sky Arts 2 last night. playing their traditional outdoor concert to what looked like about 25,000 spectators?

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has always been one of my blind spots - due to that awfully difficult writing for the vocal quartet which results in excessive vibratos and questionable intonation and ensemble.

But last night was different. A good, competent (at least) quartet and an excellent chorus to bring what was a fine performance to a triumphant conclusion.
I must just mention here the excellent playing in the third movement by the 4th horn, whose very demanding solo passages are his only chance to shine during the year. (He must have practised very hard because he obviously did not have time to shine his instrument, which could best be described as verdegris green)

Sadly, I have to report that the Mendelsohnn Violin Concerto which preceded the symphony was the worst performance that I have ever heard.
The soloist literally threw himself into it with complete disregard for Simon Rattle and the orchestra and seemed intent upon showing off his expertise both visually and aurally.
The vast audience were impressed by this display of virtuosity(sic) but my only reaction was to think "My dear old friend Campoli must be turning in his grave" I can only describe the performance as sickening.

I suppose that Beethoven's ninth will always be one of my blind spots, but the mist was cleared a little for me by that fine and committed performance.

HS

[Lento]

Beethoven's Ninth Symphony has always been one of my blind spots - due to that awfully difficult writing for the vocal quartet which results in excessive vibratos and questionable intonation and ensemble.

Sometimes it is impossible for me to tell what key/harmony is being sung/attempted because of "wobbly" singing in this piece!

[BBMmk2]

Wuss - you'd have had lots more fun with a BBb (only kidding!)

I havedone but I am only able to play EEb tuba now :(

Woul;d've been great if Mahler had, Cali!! :)

[BBMmk2]

One other work is Bruckner's 6th Symphony. Just can't appreciate like I do the others.

[Parry1912]

Ravel's La Valse - veers between the sentimental and the ugly. For me, anyway

[Nick Armstrong]

Ravel's La Valse - veers between the sentimental and the ugly.

I know! Wonderful, isn't it !!?



(I love it)

[Serial_Apologist]

I know! Wonderful, isn't it !!?



(I love it)

I take it you know the Berio Sinfonia, in whose third movement the composer quotes it.