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

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Friday 7 September at 7.30 p.m.
Royal Albert Hall

Haydn
Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London' (30 mins)
R. Strauss
An Alpine Symphony (50 mins)
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Bernard Haitink conductor

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

A few years ago, the VPO brought Haydn's "Drumroll" symphony to the Proms, and it was the most beautiful Haydn playing I have ever heard. This time, I'm going to be there in the RAH. I really cannot contain myself.

[makropulos]

A few years ago, the VPO brought Haydn's "Drumroll" symphony to the Proms, and it was the most beautiful Haydn playing I have ever heard. This time, I'm going to be there in the RAH. I really cannot contain myself.

This promises to be marvellous. I wish I could be in the hall too, but I'll be in the middle of moving house (!), so one for Radio 3.

[3rd Viennese School]

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

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

This promises to be marvellous. I wish I could be in the hall too, but I'll be in the middle of moving house (!), so one for Radio 3.

It's on BBC4 as well

[Nick Armstrong]

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

No - Zarathustra, Don Juan, Heldenleben... Nothing specifically Alpine.

Might you be thinking of the terrific Simon Bolivar performance of the piece at the RFH just before the Proms?

[Rolmill]

I'm taking my 14 year old daughter to this and greatly looking forward to it. I have never seen the Strauss in concert (and don't know it very well - sorry EA ), but am very familiar with the Haydn and anticipate a fine, carefully shaped and beautifully played performance from the Haitink/VPO team.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I shall be interested to see/hear whether the Vienna orchestra has off-stage French horns. It's an expensive luxury, which the Dresden Staatskapelle skimped on when they played Eine Alpensinfonie at the Proms. However, the thought of hearing 20 Vienna horns playing together is somewhat mouth-watering.
Two of the best of the 66 recordings I now have are conducted by Haitink, but with the VPO, it could be even better.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Less than a day to go.

[Nick Armstrong]

66

Yes yes I know, 8,156

Well the 8 horns in whose presence I spent an hour and a bit this evening were simply magnificent, along with their chums on trumpets and 'bones.

And I spotted that there are large quotes in 'Eine Alp' (the descending brass phrases at the climax) from Bruckner 9 (the climactic tenor horn downward phrases in the third movement).

You are in for a treat tomorrow if they are on the same form as just now.

Still...

66...

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

67 now - downloaded the LSO/Burgos.

I've just arrived in the noisy, dirty city for the concert, but it's worth it.

[Simon B]

Doubtful I'm going to make the first half as still at the top of Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath but much looking forward to the Alpine (despite the probable lack of RAH organ which does rather spoil it usually... Maybe the VPO could all play flat for the night!)

[Barbirollians]

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

[amateur51]

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

than what???

[kernelbogey]

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

No there couldn't - superb Haydn!