Roger Allam on Private Passions

[ardcarp]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b078wr8m

I enjoyed this episode (though for some reason the programme's website doesn't list it yet.)

Actor Roger Allam chose all 'classical' items but avoided the Classical period, unless you count Schuberr, that is.
He obviously has a keen ear for textures, a point he made repeatedly during the programme.
He said he liked Pierre Boulez's conducting as he made everything very clear and easy to 'pick out'. That is certainly true, and led to some criticisms years ago when Boulez made orchestral lines in, for instance, Debussy rather too clear. No impressionist smudging.

However, I was disappointed in Roger A's choice of Mahler (4th Symphony, last mov't) to illustrate his point. Mahler of all composers lets you hear everything. In spite of using a big orchestra, he surely uses it sparingly, single lines often standing out in somewhat lonely fashion among all the bare staves in the score. Almost like chamber music, sometimes.

That apart, I really enjoyed this episode, RA's choices, and his chat with Michael Berkeley.

[johnb]

In spite of using a big orchestra, he surely uses it sparingly, single lines often standing out in somewhat lonely fashion among all the bare staves in the score. Almost like chamber music, sometimes.

That apart, I really enjoyed this episode, RA's choices, and his chat with Michael Berkeley.

Absolutely. Something I often say to counter the impression some people have of Mahler.

A very enjoyable programme.

[Leinster Lass]

Absolutely. Something I often say to counter the impression some people have of Mahler.

A very enjoyable programme.

This programme has been discussed elsewhere on the Forum, and met with general approval.

[antongould]

Loved it .......