Prom 18 (27.7.12): Beethoven Cycle – Symphony No. 9, 'Choral'

[Barbirollians]

I thought it was the highlight of the rather mixed cycle and the finale was very good indeed . Excellent solo singing for once in this work .

[edashtav]

I'm tempted to say that, far from ruining the performance, it was the singers - or at least the NYO Chorus - that carried it to a tumultuous conclusion tonight! The end of the piece nearly always lifts me and left me in tears again! All the players rose to the occasion here.


The little wind flourish just before the end of the scherzo was a rare reminder of the fresh, playful and expressive touches we heard far more of in Symphonies 1, 2 and 4. So I'm left with mixed feelings about this event - this cycle. But at least Beethoven's message to the world was - after some struggling - given truly joyful, triumphant expression tonight.

I agree with the "positives" in your assessment Jayne Lee, and I appreciate your references to #1,#2 & #4 which, I agree, have been the highlights of this Beethoven series. The WEDO has some excellent players , particularly amongst its wind & brass, and the experiment by Radio 3 of inviting a foreign orchestra to be "in residence" has been a real success, particularly as its house band (BBC SO) is in transition.

[cloughie]

I agree with the "positives" in your assessment Jayne Lee, and I appreciate your references to #1,#2 & #4 which, I agree, have been the highlights of this Beethoven series. The WEDO has some excellent players , particularly amongst its wind & brass, and the experiment by Radio 3 of inviting a foreign orchestra to be "in residence" has been a real success, particularly as its house band (BBC SO) is in transition.

You mean it's got better under Belohlavec and will get even better under Oramo. Not yet heard the Choral, but comments suggest my least favourite movement of any beethoven symphony was given a lift - just hope the third movement was played at the right pace ie slow!

[Vile Consort]

It's a shame some listeners seem to think they know better than Beethoven how the finale should go...

...

No, I still wasn't happy with Barenboim's interpretative approach

It's a shame some listeners seem to think they know better than Barenboim how the finale should go.

[Resurrection Man]

I'm sorry but I nodded off in the first movement. I did wonder why this Prom ended so early...and now, of course, I know!

[jayne lee wilson]

It's a shame some listeners seem to think they know better than Barenboim how the finale should go.

... and it's a shame some forum members aren't aware of the dangers - the dishonesty - of selective quotation. But at least you made me smile.

Anyone interested in close listening can check out my msg. no. 28...

[ucanseetheend]

It's a shame some listeners seem to think they know better than Barenboim how the finale should go.

Why? Barenboim maybe a great musician but he doesnt have "copyright" on everything musical . Average cycle

[Hornspieler]

I thought it was the highlight of the rather mixed cycle and the finale was very good indeed . Excellent solo singing for once in this work .

[Hornspieler]

I agree with the "positives" in your assessment Jayne Lee, and I appreciate your references to #1,#2 & #4 which, I agree, have been the highlights of this Beethoven series. The WEDO has some excellent players , particularly amongst its wind & brass, and the experiment by Radio 3 of inviting a foreign orchestra to be "in residence" has been a real success, particularly as its house band (BBC SO) is in transition.

[JohnSkelton]

to dull the wits

Hornspieler

Surely impossible.

I enjoyed the 9th as I did the others I've heard (haven't listened to 3, 5, 7, 8), though Barenboim's approach is pretty much opposite to those I generally find most convincing (Norrington, Immerseel, Krivine). But it's good to hear a different way, the orchestra supposed imperfections and all clearly love playing them for Barenboim, and he clearly loves the music. They're concerts, if they aren't to taste more Beethoven from others will be along soon. Maybe it's my naturally sunny disposition, but I quite enjoy listening to music.

And it's been very good to hear some Boulez with unfamiliar(ish) performers. Pity no Pli selon pli - I suppose before Beethoven 9 might have been a bit OTT.

[Bryn]

just hope the third movement was played at the right pace ie slow!

So Beethoven got it wrong, did he?

[Hornspieler]

Why? Barenboim maybe a great musician but he doesnt have "copyright" on everything musical . Average cycle

I think that many great musicians (and Barenboim is a great musician) think that they must therefore be good at conducting.
Knowing what you want from a work and having the skill to get it do not neccesarily go hand in hand.

In my own (limited seaside) experience, the great conductors, who were former players, came from the ranks of the orchestra or the world's opera houses; not the soloists' rostrum. Bernard Haitinck is a good example.

HS

,

[Tevot]

Hello there,

I enjoyed the performance a great deal and it was good to hear the cycle end on a high. I agree with #28 above - and to my ears the chorus if not holding the finale together - gave it definition (this could have been something to do with the sound balance of the recording ;-) But hey - a great evening and what a lovely surprise to see Barenboim later on in the evening helping to carry the Olympic Flag at the opening ceremony.

Best Wishes,

Tevot

[Vile Consort]

Why? Barenboim maybe a great musician but he doesnt have "copyright" on everything musical . Average cycle

Irony mate.

Jayne Lee Wilson likes to express her own opinion but thinks it's "a shame" when other people express theirs.

[cloughie]

So Beethoven got it wrong, did he?

Not necessarily, but many conductors of recordings from the 50s, 60s, and 70s played it that way and that's how I like to hear it - personal preference Bryn - with my humble musical background I would not argue with LvB but I go with wahat my ears tell me!