Prom 39 (11.8.12): Berlioz – Requiem

[David-G]

Vinteuil, thank you for flagging up the Amazon reviews of the McCreesh. The Amazon UK ones are thoughtfully written and well worth reading. It's interesting that the French one observes that the work "is probably not appreciated at its true value in France where it is still perceived as too unconventional and / or insufficiently flattering". It seems that the French after all this time still do not appreciate Berlioz. Before a performance of "Les Troyens" at Covent Garden, I met a Frenchman who, when I told him that in my opinion Les Troyens was one of the very greatest operas and one of my supreme favourites, was simply astounded. I hope that the evening convinced him.

There were groups either side at the front too

David U, thank you for pointing this out! Somehow I had not noticed them.

[feddle]

Here we are, have a listen to this:

http://liveweb.arte.tv/fr/video/Sir_Eliot_Gardiner_Requiem_Berlioz_St_Denis_Monteverdi_Choir_Choeur_Radio_France_Orchestre_National_de_France/

No comment yet as sound quality is poor from my PC speakers and broadband too slow to stream adequately. Just a small section available here. But (having said no comment) the Dies Irae abit 'barked' by the basses for me. I don't quite like it.

I think I will buy the McCreesh as it sounds from people's comments so interesting (and despite weasley French reviewer!). Plus the Munch.

[Anna]

I only have one copy of Berlioz's Requiem, the Colin Davis one, which I love. I thought the broadcast was rather flabby and lacking punch but probably should listen again as my R3 via the radio seems to have hiccups at the moment and the sound is not good. I am very tempted by the McCreesh (I love his Praetorious Mass) so thanks for that recommendation.

[Mahlerei]

Hola Anna!

Gringo zink Davis superbo, McCreesh so-so.

Bestio.

[bluestateprommer]

Just caught this before the end of its 1st run on iPlayer. Having also heard the LSO/Sir Colin Davis St. Paul's Cathedral performance via iPlayer earlier this year, I can't help but feel that this Prom came a very distinct second to the LSO performance. This one was fine, but the other was just much better. I found some of TF's quirks, like the slow build-up in the Dies irae and the treatment of the trombones/flutes chords, a bit mannered for my taste. Likewise, with all due respect to Toby Spence for having the guts to take on the solo in the wake of his health problems (not to mention his Prom appearance 2 nights earlier), I have to agree with others that TS was just not up to the task here. I hope that he makes a full recovery soon, but part of that might unfortunately involve taking a prolonged break.

[grandchant]

... I believe JE G performed it recently with his troops at the Festival de Saint-Denis; this was broadcast on French radio. So I suppose it's likely a recording on his own label might be forthcoming...

Yes, I believe it's here:

http://liveweb.arte.tv/fr/video/Sir_Eliot_Gardiner_Requiem_Berlioz_St_Denis_Monteverdi_Choir_Choeur_Radio_France_Orchestre_National_de_France/

[David-G]

Excellent, thank you!