Prom 75 (7.9.12): Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – London & Alpine Symphonies

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I do hope E A wasn't disappointed having made the effort to go to Kensington.

Not at all, thank you. A brilliant concert.

[cloughie]

I thought the Alpine Symphony had already been on at the Proms this year

Manfred?

[cloughie]

Could there be a better illustration of why the great modern instrument orchestras of the world should not abandon Haydn and Mozart ???

My thoughts whilst listening on R3 and then watching on 4 was that Haitink's next project should be to record with VPO Haydn 92-104 and Mozart 25-41. Haitink last night was ordinary - tonight he was great! In response to your earlier post re New Year Concert - No - a waste of his talents!

[David-G]

...Being 'on the cusp' of HIPP and tradition myself I was a bit concerned that BH maybe went too far HIPP in the 'slow' movement - almost 'scherzando' in places - surely rather too fast to fully appreciate its harmonic beauties. It was almost as if he was holding up 'two fingers' to the 'authentic movement' as if to say" here we are, the Vienna Philharmonic, and we are NOT playing this movement as a SLOW MOVEMENT".

Not too fast at all. I thought it was just beautiful. And I don't think, with respect, that Haitink was making a statement to the "authentic movement". He was simply conducting the music as he thought it should be played. If that way has a lot in common with the "authentic" approach, that's just fine.

Much of the joy of this was that the tempi, and the phrasing, and the balance, and the little flourishes, were all just perfect.

[cloughie]

Not too fast at all. I thought it was just beautiful. And I don't think, with respect, that Haitink was making a statement to the "authentic movement". He was simply conducting the music as he thought it should be played. If that way has a lot in common with the "authentic" approach, that's just fine.

Much of the joy of this was that the tempi, and the phrasing, and the balance, and the little flourishes, were all just perfect.

He kept it moving and it was cheery Haydn as it should be played - where does HIPP or otherwise come into it?

[amateur51]

In response to your earlier post re New Year Concert - No - a waste of his talents!

[BBMmk2]

What a brilliant mini-residencey the VPOO have givien us! Haitink on top form!! Indeed, fluffs and all! Alpine was great. I dont think I heard such a great performance as this!

[David-G]

He kept it moving and it was cheery Haydn as it should be played - where does HIPP or otherwise come into it?

Exactly! It was a most enjoyable and very fine concert.

[Ariosto]

Just listening to the Haydn on iPlayer - the balance and sound a bit muddy. The orchestra struggles a bit in the opening and generally sounds tired and not in top form. For me the first mvt tempo is slightly on the slow side, but this is my personal taste. It's a bit on one level and a little boring. No sense of HIPP thank god.

I'm not so impressed with the phrasing of the second mvt either - and some sloppy playing, I have to say. I would say this is a very routine performance, and lacks any shape and magic.

Yes, the string playing is definitely under par. Rhythms a bit shaky. Usually a good band but not in this concert, judging by the Haydn at least.

[vinteuil]

Just listening to the Haydn on iPlayer - the balance and sound a bit muddy. The orchestra struggles a bit in the opening and generally sounds tired and not in top form. For me the first mvt tempo is slightly on the slow side, but this is my personal taste. It's a bit on one level and a little boring. No sense of HIPP thank god. I'm not so impressed with the phrasing of the second mvt either - and some sloppy playing, I have to say. I would say this is a very routine performance, and lacks any shape and magic. Yes, the string playing is definitely under par. Rhythms a bit shaky. Usually a good band but not in this concert, judging by the Haydn at least.

I don't think maître ariosto enjoyed this concert.

No sense of HIPP thank god. .

Perhaps if they had been more HIPP, ariosto would have had fewer problems with what he worries about -

the balance and sound a bit muddy. / ... / For me the first mvt tempo is slightly on the slow side / ... / It's a bit on one level and a little boring. / ... / I'm not so impressed with the phrasing of the second mvt either / ... / I would say this is a very routine performance, and lacks any shape and magic. / ... / Rhythms a bit shaky. .

- because a good HIPP performance wd resolve all of that.

I prefer HIPP. But I have to say I also enjoyed last night's concert very much...

[Ariosto]

I don't think maître ariosto enjoyed this concert.



Perhaps if they had been more HIPP, ariosto would have had fewer problems with the what he worries about -



- because a good HIPP performance wd resolve all of that.

I prefer HIPP. But I have to say I also enjoyed last night's concert very much...

Speaking of HIP (Hip Hooray ...) I heard one of them HIP players on CD Review this marnin.

Isabelle Faust - never really heard anything of the young lady before - and did not realise that she was a HIPP player. I suppose you either love or hate this sort of style. I'm afraid I hate it, if that's not putting it too strongly, maybe it's a very strong dislike.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Just for the record, I would rate the Haydn as the finer of the two performances in this concert.

I'm hoping my home set-up has recorded this concert. It is not the BBC's normal practice to play Proms repeats once the season is over, so the chances of it appearing on Afternoon on 3 are somewhat remote.

[aeolium]

It is not the BBC's normal practice to play Proms repeats once the season is over, so the chances of it appearing on Afternoon on 3 are somewhat remote.

Actually, EA, they usually have a selection from the Proms concerts in the weeks leading up to Christmas. It wouldn't surprise me at all if at least one of the VPO concerts was included.

[Nick Armstrong]

It is not the BBC's normal practice to play Proms repeats once the season is over, so the chances of it appearing on Afternoon on 3 are somewhat remote.

I've just started a thread on this topic on the general Proms board...

[Petrushka]

Back from London after a thrilling pair of concerts! Both were expected to be the highlight of the season for me the second I saw them listed back in April and they did not disappoint. I did just miss the usual impact of the VPO timpani at times but there was plenty to enjoy. Those dismal concerts from RPO/Dutoit and St Louis SO/Robertson were truly shown up to be even worse than they were.

It's not the first time Haitink has conducted Johann Strauss: he led the LPO in the Overture to Die Fledermaus once upon a time.