Having replaced my recording gear last year with improved picture and sound, I've been on a learning curve as I gradually replace a collection of off-air recordings which enhance my preference for a visual experience and there is rich pickings in having, say, the Pappano ROH Ring Cycle, rec 2005-2007ish, on a set of DVDs, along with supporting documentaries, A Year with Pappano for reference and a separate recording as he discusses each opera in turn. Further comments in due course, perhaps.
Yesterday, I transferred to hard disk a Proms 2010 off-air relay; Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester/Herbert Blomstedt, which impressed me at the time but overwhelmed me at last night's viewing. Still cool about Hindemith's, Symphony 'Mathis der Maler', perhaps otherwise engaged by Maestro Blomstedt's elegant and weighty presence on the platform! However, I was instantly mesmerised by the second item, Mahler's, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen - subtitles sustain concentration - and the subtlety of baritone Christian Gerhaher's performance in the capacious space of the RAH. I'm not a musician but use my basic Laban training analysing the psychological gestures indicated and he is a master at his craft. A telling silence in the Hall throughout; the applause rightly swelling as he took several calls, the audience sensing a rare experience at the concert hall. There, more Laban at work!
The mighty Bruckner 9 took up the second half, also breathtaking in a different way, with Maestro Blomstedt hypnotic and totally concentrated. A memory prompt followed as an inner voice reminded me that it is time to revisit Bruckner 6, Proms 2012, Prom 33, - BBC Philharmonic/Juango Mena. Could be a fascinating comparison.
Worth adding that the first Prom also had an informative programme filler. A BBC technician discussed the complexities of the R3 broadcasts v TV recording. Some signals direct to the OB van on site, or signals sent to the roof and Crystal Palace etc It seems that my instinct in using my hi-fi input was the right decision for improved sound - worth a pat on the shoulder!
Yesterday, I transferred to hard disk a Proms 2010 off-air relay; Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester/Herbert Blomstedt, which impressed me at the time but overwhelmed me at last night's viewing. Still cool about Hindemith's, Symphony 'Mathis der Maler', perhaps otherwise engaged by Maestro Blomstedt's elegant and weighty presence on the platform! However, I was instantly mesmerised by the second item, Mahler's, Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen - subtitles sustain concentration - and the subtlety of baritone Christian Gerhaher's performance in the capacious space of the RAH. I'm not a musician but use my basic Laban training analysing the psychological gestures indicated and he is a master at his craft. A telling silence in the Hall throughout; the applause rightly swelling as he took several calls, the audience sensing a rare experience at the concert hall. There, more Laban at work!
The mighty Bruckner 9 took up the second half, also breathtaking in a different way, with Maestro Blomstedt hypnotic and totally concentrated. A memory prompt followed as an inner voice reminded me that it is time to revisit Bruckner 6, Proms 2012, Prom 33, - BBC Philharmonic/Juango Mena. Could be a fascinating comparison.
Worth adding that the first Prom also had an informative programme filler. A BBC technician discussed the complexities of the R3 broadcasts v TV recording. Some signals direct to the OB van on site, or signals sent to the roof and Crystal Palace etc It seems that my instinct in using my hi-fi input was the right decision for improved sound - worth a pat on the shoulder!
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