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

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Friday 20 July at 7.30 p.m.
Royal Albert Hall

Beethoven: Symphony No. 1 in C major (25 mins)
Pierre Boulez: Dérive 2 (45 mins)
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major (35 mins)

West–Eastern Divan Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim conductor

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I must admit - I did not think Boulez composed works as long as this. Evidently I was wrong.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

No. 1 was an O-level set work in 1966. I liked it then, and I still do.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

No. 1 was an O-level set work in 1966. I liked it then, and I still do.

The first complete Symphony I ever bought: Charles Groves and the RPO; a 10-inch LP in the Great Musicians series from 1969. I bought mine in 1973 from Boots before going to watch an afternoon showing of Dr No at a local cinema. I liked it then and I still do. (The Symphony and the Film! )

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I remember The Great Musicians series. The records still pop up from time to time in charity shops.

But to return to the thread - I'm loving the performance.

But what morons in the audience - clapping after the slow movement.

[Bryn]

I remember The Great Musicians series. The records still pop up from time to time in charity shops.

But to return to the thread - I'm loving the performance.

But what morons in the audience - clapping after the slow movement.

Just as they would have at the first performance, eh?

[PJPJ]

I wasn't impressed with the bits of the recorded cycle I heard, but that, of course, may be due to hearing bits. This First, on the other hand, was wonderfully brimming with life and energy and warmth.

[DublinJimbo]

I'm watching on BBC4.

1.
Can regular Prom-goers clarify for me whether the tacky backdrops are in evidence at all concerts in the RAH, or just at those which are televised?

2.
Why are there no on-screen indications of (a) the title of the piece about to be played and (b) tempo markings for the individual movements?

[teamsaint]

I'm watching on BBC4.

1.
Can regular Prom-goers clarify for me whether the tacky backgrounds are in evidence at all concerts in the RAH, or just at those which are televised?

2.
Why are there no on-screen indications of (a) the title of the piece about to be played and (b) tempo markings for the individual movements?

Pass.
Considering the money and potential talent at its disposal, a good deal of what the BBC does is pretty poor.

"Work 'em Hard, feed 'em lard, build them a little hutch ".

[EdgeleyRob]

I must admit - I did not think Boulez composed works as long as this.

Too long for me I'm afraid,sorry (takes cover).
Enjoyed Beethoven 1 though.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Just as they would have at the first performance, eh?

Well I wouldn't advocate throwing food and other objects whenever The Rite of Spring is performed.

[Tony Halstead]

tempo markings for the individual movements?

What's the point?
DB ( mostly - but specially the 2nd mvt )- ignores them!

[Frau Alpensinfonie]

Who on earth are those cretins who Suzie Klein is interviewing? No dress sense and full of their own importance. The interview with Barenboim - now THAT was worth watching.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

DB conducts in quite a Furtwanglerish manner, and the results seem to be refreshingly good.

[Flay]

Who on earth are those cretins who Suzie Klein is interviewing? No dress sense and full of their own importance. The interview with Barenboim - now THAT was worth watching.

Hello there! I was about to post something similar. They were desperate to say so much, ignoring what was going on around them. A smile and an acknowledgement of the prommers' appeal for chartable donations would have been nice, as well as a longer silence prior to the restart.