Britten

[rauschwerk]

I was listening to Britten's Spring Symphony the other day. Andre Previn's EMI recording with the LSO etc. a very fine recording, matching any others I am sure.

Unfortunately, Previn's boys are not much cop. They can't whistle for toffee.

[BBMmk2]

Unfortunately, Previn's boys are not much cop. They can't whistle for toffee.

Tend to agree to disagree there rauschwerk.

[Serial_Apologist]

All that cock-a-doodle don't in the Spring Symphony - truly cringeworthy stuff. Me? I'd join the saboteurs!

[rauschwerk]

Tend to agree to disagree there rauschwerk.

The Wandsworth boys on Britten's recording could show them a thing or two!

[BBMmk2]

Well yes, that is a classic recording, but I do rather think Previn's is good as well. I'll have to listen to that again.

[rauschwerk]

Well yes, that is a classic recording, but I do rather think Previn's is good as well. I'll have to listen to that again.

Previn certainly has a wonderful set of soloists - about the best that could have been assembled at the time. I keep his version on my shelves for the first-rate account of the Grimes Interludes.

[BBMmk2]

Previn certainly has a wonderful set of soloists - about the best that could have been assembled at the time. I keep his version on my shelves for the first-rate account of the Grimes Interludes.

Oh yes! The Four Sea Interludes are something else, here.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I was listening to Britten's Spring Symphony the other day. Andre Previn's EMI recording with the LSO etc. a very fine recording, matching any others I am sure.

I saw Mark Wigglesworth conduct this at the Proms, a few years ago. No sure if this matched up but certainly very good.

Nice to be reminded of this Prom; my first time singing Spring Symphony, although it's not universally popular among choristers.

[BBMmk2]

Nice to be reminded of this Prom; my first time singing Spring Symphony, although it's not universally popular among choristers.

Not choir friendly? Be interesting to find out the reason

[EnemyoftheStoat]

I think it's because it's one of those that comes round maybe a little too often - although perceptions of that often turn out to be mistaken. It's certainly not in the Child of Our Time league, let alone The Bells, which we now seem to get every other year at least.

[BBMmk2]

I think it's because it's one of those that comes round maybe a little too often - although perceptions of that often turn out to be mistaken. It's certainly not in the Child of Our Time league, let alone The Bells, which we now seem to get every other year at least.

Really? Now that is interesting. I suppose in some ways, I see your point, EotS, it can be rather showy and not like at all, say as you have given examples above, but maybe like Britten's War Requiem?

[rauschwerk]

Nice to be reminded of this Prom; my first time singing Spring Symphony, although it's not universally popular among choristers.

I learnt it with the newly formed LSO Chorus, into which Guildhall singing students had been co-opted, to the displeasure of some of them. A few of them grumbled about the finale, demanding to know what the hell they were singing about. They didn't get an answer from John Alldis, as I recall.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

Really? Now that is interesting. I suppose in some ways, I see your point, EotS, it can be rather showy and not like at all, say as you have given examples above, but maybe like Britten's War Requiem?

I wasn't too clear on that - not a reference to quality in case it was taken as such, but rather frequency. Interestingly, War Requiem seems a more popular work with singers, and it definitely comes round more often.

Our latest (BBCSC) Spring was at the Britten centenary at Aldeburgh, a gig I was persuaded to do by the presence of Cantata Academica. Having lobbied for the latter, I couldn't really turn it down!

[BBMmk2]

I wasn't too clear on that - not a reference to quality in case it was taken as such, but rather frequency. Interestingly, War Requiem seems a more popular work with singers, and it definitely comes round more often.

Our latest (BBCSC) Spring was at the Britten centenary at Aldeburgh, a gig I was persuaded to do by the presence of Cantata Academica. Having lobbied for the latter, I couldn't really turn it down!

Indeed not! That Cantata, certainly doesn't get played very often.

[Lordgeous]

Does anyone know why George Malcolm was asked to conduct the first recording (a thrilling one!) and why Britten didnt take the helm himself? BB obviously held GM in high regard as they alternated as conductors for the premier of Midsummer Nights Dream at Aldeburgh.