Prom 45 (15.8.12): São Paulo Symphony Orchestra

[french frank]

I fear I have to endorse the criticisms of this orchestra. Tuning and ensemble were very poor indeed in places, and at some points downright embarrassing. How did they get included?

Andrew Clements has a kind and encouraging review, while recognising the shortcomings.

"Marin Alsop took over as principal conductor of the São Paulo Symphony in March this year, charged with the task of turning it into a world-class orchestra.

Its Proms debut, then, was a small step on that path to international recognition, and though the performances suggested there may be still some way to go before its ambition is fulfilled, there's no doubt of how well the Brazilian orchestra already responds to Alsop's energy and enthusiasm."

As to why it was included, I'm sure the regular appearances of the Venezuelans raises South American ambitions, and Alsop is a bit of a pioneer and champion of musical causes she believes in. Perhaps one should look for the hopeful signs too?

[Lateralthinking1]

This review only gives it a three stars but it is particularly complimentary on the Villa-Lobos section.

http://www.musicomh.com/classical/proms/2012-45_0812.htm

[salymap]

I enjoyed the New World as I hadn't heard it for ages and, furthermore, had never seen Marin Alsop conduct.

i felt that there were a few odd tempo changes and rough edges but enjoyed seeing a woman conductor who was really in charge. What would everyone complain about if every performance was perfect? And in this hot weather I would rather watch her than sweaty Gergiev conduct.Good luck to them

[ucanseetheend]

The three other pieces were nice to hear but the Dvorak 9? Ummm ....better not start a debate on a new visiting orchestra but I'm sure they did their best,

[salymap]

The three other pieces were nice to hear but the Dvorak 9? Ummm ....better not start a debate on a new visiting orchestra but I'm sure they did their best,

Well, I've got something to look forward to then. I've only heard the Dvorak so far.

[teamsaint]

There ought to be a place at such a great musical festival for encouragement, development, widening of access etc etc.
The SPSO may not be up to the playing standards of many European orchestras.....but that is surely only part of the story.
Not every note has to be perfectly timed and in tune for a performance to be enjoyable......

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

I enjoyed the New World as I hadn't heard it for ages and, furthermore, had never seen Marin Alsop conduct.

i felt that there were a few odd tempo changes and rough edges but enjoyed seeing a woman conductor who was really in charge. What would everyone complain about if every performance was perfect? And in this hot weather I would rather watch her than sweaty Gergiev conduct.Good luck to them

hear hear salymap!!

[Kuhlau]

Thank you, yes the final encore was definitely Batuque by Oscar Lorenzo Fernandez - a very stirring finale!

And I agree with what teamsaint and salymap say...this concert was art, perhaps not perfect art, but must we always seek perfection? This was a memorable, entertaining and special occasion that meant a lot to the orchestra, and to a delighted audience. As with so many of my previous Proms visits, I found it an occasion to savour.

I also agree with the special quality of the Cor Anglais solo in the New World, Largo. I found it incredibly moving.

[Alf-Prufrock]

Can anyone tell me what the first encore was - I think I heard a name like Eddoo Lupo but failed to pick up the title of the piece.

[Osborn]

Edu Lobo
Pé de Vento from Suíte Popular Brasileira

[Alf-Prufrock]

Edu Lobo
Pé de Vento from Suíte Popular Brasileira

Thanks very much indeed, Osborn.

[bluestateprommer]

How did they get included?

I answered this back on April 21:

"I also realized a subtle joke about inviting the Sao Paulo Symphony (the other orchestra from the Americas for this year's Proms), namely a tip of the hat to Brazil and the 2016 Olympics, even though the orchestra is from Sao Paulo rather than Rio de Janeiro."

Marin Alsop also has 3 prior appearances at The Proms with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, so there's obviously a connection there as well.

I hadn't heard the SPSO before, on record or anywhere else, and since I don't consider myself a particular Marin Alsop fan, I went to iPlayer with middle of the road expectations. I pretty much got what I expected. The omission of the 1st movement repeat was notable, but then the second half of the concert was pretty hefty in of itself, so presumably they didn't want the concert to run overly long. Not the greatest interpretation of Dvorak 9, but I got the sense that SPSO musicians were just happy enough to be at The Proms.

They really came into their own in the 2nd half, IMHO. The Joan Tower emerged as a somewhat stronger work than I remembered it from past hearings on record and once on TV, with the brass and percussion obviously going for it, although it does show that Aaron Copland got a greater impact with fewer notes. Hugo Shirley did note in his review in the Torygraph the "unfortunate" irony of an all-male brass and percussion ensemble playing the Joan Tower, which was the first-ever Joan Tower work done @ The Proms, BTW. It was fun to hear the Villa-Lobos Momoprecoce with a native touch from Nelson Freire, even if the work remains irredemmably slight to me. Estancia was all testosterone-driven energy, as it should be, and the encore was a nice touch. (HS' review erroneously mentioned two encores.)

[cloughie]

Ah, yes: Je t'Aime (Moi non Plus) as used in the Hovis adverts.

What nonesense it's just 'Twist and Shout' slowed down!

[cloughie]

There ought to be a place at such a great musical festival for encouragement, development, widening of access etc etc.
The SPSO may not be up to the playing standards of many European orchestras.....but that is surely only part of the story.
Not every note has to be perfectly timed and in tune for a performance to be enjoyable......

Aren't these boards wonderful - a few complimentary replies then one dissenter then the boots come in! Not heard the New World yet but enjoyed Pt2 but judging from the Florent Schmitt CD under Tortelier the orchestra is not all bad!

[teamsaint]

Aren't these boards wonderful - a few complimentary replies then one dissenter then the boots come in! Not heard the New World yet but enjoyed Pt2 but judging from the Florent Schmitt CD under Tortelier the orchestra is not all bad!

?! I thought I was generally in favour..and was just allowing that they MAY not be of the very highest standard !!