Prom 46 (16.8.12): Vaughan Williams – Symphonies Nos. 4, 5 & 6

[Stanley Stewart]

But, of course, S_A,, saly and amateur 51 - open sesame with my compliments. Please send PM and allow me a few days!

[AmpH]

#236 Re the complete symphonies of RVW, saly, I spent a happy 55 mins viewing a South Bank Show (1994), directed by Ken Russell, in which he was guided through the complete cycle by Ursula VW on the basis of 'only connect' with, as expected, several startling images and an illuminating background to the compositions. In turn, how disappointing that the beeb did not acquire the rights to this documentary to show it as a companion piece to the RVW Prom; an ideal guide to an audience unfamiliar with an overview of his work. I made a DVD transfer of this programme some time ago, alongside the Quest for Reginald Goodall and Song of Farewell, (1996), Eric Fenby's 'take' on the Delius years. Decided to make a separate DVD recording of the South Bank Show to complement a recording of last week's RVW 4, 5 and 6 Prom. A stimulating afternoon on a day of high humidity!

I believe that there are plans afoot to release many of the films made by Ken Russell for the South Bank Show on DVD , including the films he made on RVW, Holst, Bax, Elgar and Bruckner. Sadly, the last I heard was that there was a tentative release date of late 2013 for this

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I believe that there are plans afoot to release many of the films made by Ken Russell for the South Bank Show on DVD , including the films he made on RVW, Holst, Bax, Elgar and Bruckner. Sadly, the last I heard was that there was a tentative release date of late 2013 for this

Good news, Amph: I hope the Martinu film is also included.

[Alison]

Only three stars out of five from the Finch in today's Times. ' Without quite the new edge of discovery (she'd) hoped for ' . . . .

[Tony Halstead]

' Without quite the new edge of discovery (she'd) hoped for '

Rubbish

[Nick Armstrong]

Only three stars out of five from the Finch in today's Times. ' Without quite the new edge of discovery (she'd) hoped for ' . . . .

As I said earlier, there were some funny, grumpy people there that evening....

I've rediscovered Richard Hickox's version with the LSO http://www.chandos.net/details06.asp...er=CHAN%209666

Wonderful playing and shaping - the slow movement of the symphony just heart-stopping.

Interesting to see it won a Diapason d'Or in France (cf: discussion above about RVW's international profile)

[rauschwerk]

Rubbish

Couldn't have put it better myself!

[Northender]

Perhaps she wants to establish a reputation as a contrarian. Was she actually there, do you think?

[rauschwerk]

One aspect of Manze's performance of the 6th particularly pleased me. In the third movement of the 6th (around 3'30") the winds have a descant in slow triplets over the underlying 2/4. These triplets are very often mistimed, degenerating into a slow rhumba rhythm (3+3+2). In this performance they were spot on. No doubt the brisk tempo helped, but I feel sure that careful rehearsal went towards the result.

[ahinton]

Perhaps she wants to establish a reputation as a contrarian. Was she actually there, do you think?

I daresay that she was but I thought that she'd already enjoyed such a reputation over many years.

[amateur51]

One aspect of Manze's performance of the 6th particularly pleased me. In the third movement of the 6th (around 3'30") the winds have a descant in slow triplets over the underlying 2/4. These triplets are very often mistimed, degenerating into a slow rhumba rhythm (3+3+2). In this performance they were spot on. No doubt the brisk tempo helped, but I feel sure that careful rehearsal went towards the result.

Interesting point rauschwerk, thanks

I'm not a musician but I've watched enough orchestras & conductors over the years to be able to spot when I'm watching a very well-prepared performance, which these three symphonies were. Manze knew exactly what he wanted and had worked with the BBCSSO to get it. He was constantly busy. not necessarily micro-managing but definitely generating impulse well within the orchestral texture, constantly turning to left & right, working hard.

Such clarity of perception & execution clearly came off on the night.

[amateur51]

I daresay that she was but I thought that she'd already enjoyed such a reputation over many years.

[Rolmill]

Pleased to see that this one has provoked the most interest (measured by both views and replies to the thread) of all concerts so far.

Which does this reflect more: interest in the programme, delight in the performances or specialist appeal? All of the above, I suspect.

[edashtav]

Which does this reflect more: interest in the programme, delight in the performances or specialist appeal? All of the above, I suspect.

You could well be right, Rolmill, it was all three in my case

[Pabmusic]

...Which does this reflect more: interest in the programme, delight in the performances or specialist appeal? All of the above, I suspect.

The quality of the postings?