Prom 9 (20.7.12): Beethoven Cycle – Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

[David-G]

We can believe that certain things happened, but we can't conjure up the sound they made in the past, simply because we do not know how they did it, and even if we did know, we still can't be certain that it resulted in the sort of HIPP sound that we hear now. That is why when the HIP people claim to be authentic, I find them arrogant. And titles such as "Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment" are equally arrogant, especially as I've heard them play as individuals, and they are (in my opinion) pretty dire. (I think Mozart, Haydn et al would have kicked them out of the room).

The title "Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment" is not arrogant, it is just a name.

If you find the OAE dire, that is so far removed from my perception of them that I cannot give much credence to your argument.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The OAE did a superb job with Das Rheingold in the Proms Ring Cycle of a few years ago. Conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, they used masses of vibrato.

[JohnSkelton]

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was originally related to / vaguely descriptive of the period of music they (originally) specialised in - from Vivaldi, Bach to Haydn / Mozart / early Beethoven and to contemporaneous Enlightenment philosophy etc. I suppose the fact they now play music of the un-Enlightenment (Wagner) might be something critics of the idea of HIPP would look at (at the least some 'modern' orchestras could probably point to their own C19 continuities, like the Viennese or the Dresden orchestras).

[Hornspieler]

In fact very few contemporary violinists, cellists or viola wallahs play with steel strings. Usually those that do have a reason, i.e. very sweaty hands.

Mostly it is alluminium covered gut or synthetic cores. Some even use pure gut on a modern setup.

Just a few facts to set the record straight.

I believe that Max Rostal was the last of the (British) violinists to play on steel strings. (and I thought the result was exscreechiating.)

As we have all forgotten, apparently, that this thread is supposed to be about a performance at this year's proms, I feel justified in making a cheap joke.

Let's move on. The Choral symphony looms threateningly closer, hour by hour.

HS

[Hornspieler]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/proms/9415641/Proms-2012-Prom-9-West-Eastern-Divan-Orchestra-Daniel-Barenboim-Royal-Albert-Hall-review.html

Utter Tosh!

Sir Thomas Beecham summed it up better than I can:

“The music critic has read more, heard more artists and attended more concerts than most
of us. The one thing his competence does not extend to is the ability to perform. He is
a musical eunuch.”

[amateur51]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/m...ll-review.html

Utter Tosh!

Sir Thomas Beecham summed it up better than I can:

“The music critic has read more, heard more artists and attended more concerts than most
of us. The one thing his competence does not extend to is the ability to perform. He is
a musical eunuch.”

You don't seem to realise that your posts on this Board are that of a critic too, Hornspieler.

Don't be too hard on yourself

[Hornspieler]

You don't seem to realise that your posts on this Board are that of a critic too, Hornspieler.

Don't be too hard on yourself

I think most people would agree that there is a marked difference between expressing one's reaction to a performance amongst one's friends and colleagues and being paid to write a review of a concert for the elucidation and enlightenment of thousands* of newspaper readers.

HS

* probably more likely in the hundreds in these days of public indifference

[Nick Armstrong]

HS

* probably more likely in the hundreds in these days of pblic indifference

Glad it was the 'u' you missed out and not the 'l', HS...

[amateur51]

I think most people would agree that there is a marked difference between expressing one's reaction to a performance amongst one's friends and colleagues and being paid to write a review of a concert for the elucidation and enlightenment of thousands* of newspaper readers.

HS

* probably more likely in the hundreds in these days of pblic indifference

Oh you're too modest HS




[not something I ever thought I'd find myself tryping ]