Prom 61 (29.8.12): Howells & Elgar

[salymap]

I've just watched the Elgar on my PVR - I thought it was a thrilling performance. Beautiful sounds from the strings, and special plaudits for the brass section and the principal clarinettist. It would be nice to think that Anna's discovery was shared by others.

I've just caught up with this on my PVR too Northender. Certainly a performance to keep and treasure.
I was lucky enough to hear it live many times when younger but it's good to know that it's gaining new admirers.

[ucanseetheend]

Just caught up with the Elgar 1 on Iplayer. An excellent performance. Of course the BBC SO dont usually come up short with most of the great British composers. My fav Elgar 1 recording is the Boult London Phil, as near as perfection and just the right tempo.
PS just as an aside is Stephen Bryant no longer with the BBC Sym?

[Nick Armstrong]

My fav Elgar 1 recording is the Boult London Phil, as near as perfection and just the right tempo

but which one?

[Pabmusic]

...My fav Elgar 1 recording is the Boult London Phil, as near as perfection and just the right tempo...

Boult made three studio recordings - all with the LPO (1949, 1967 and 1976). All are still available.

[Alison]

Stephen Bryant has been to Australia but will be returning soon according to his blog.

[Nick Armstrong]

There was a very touching documentary on R3 some years ago - possibly over 10 years ago - about this, which I have on cassette. I'm at work and can't recall the title, nor has a google search thrown up any references. I remember a very moving account of the ghastly train journey to Paddington with the ailing boy, who was whisked into St Mary's (I imagine) but alas too late. Thanks for the reminder. I shall get the tape out when I return from the RAH this evening

To complete the thought, the documentary was called "Out of the Deep: a portrait of Herbert Howells".

It's 20 years ago according to a footnote reference in a music thesis I found on the net. Howells fans might find it interesting: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/2860/1/2860_945.pdf?UkUDh:CyT

Have just listened to the introduction to the programme, not the documentary itself yet. My word, wasn't Radio 3 a different place in 1992?! Sounds like the 1950s !

[Serial_Apologist]

To complete the thought, the documentary was called "Out of the Deep: a portrait of Herbert Howells".

It's 20 years ago according to a footnote reference in a music thesis I found on the net. Howells fans might find it interesting: http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/2860/1/2860_945.pdf?UkUDh:CyT

Have just listened to the introduction to the programme, not the documentary itself yet. My word, wasn't Radio 3 a different place in 1992?! Sounds like the 1950s !

I think this must be the programme I taped, Cailban. Unfortunately I cut off the preamble and only wrote "Herbert Howells - Radio documentary" on the cover.

Thanks for posting that thesis - very interesting-looking; I'll have a read of it later.

[Nick Armstrong]

I think this must be the programme I taped, Cailban. Unfortunately I cut off the preamble and only wrote "Herbert Howells - Radio documentary" on the cover.

I dug out the cassette this morning: unhelpfully I had labelled it just "Howells Documentary"

Probably a good thing we were never librarians, S_A... (I'm assuming you never were, either!)

[Resurrection Man]

Just listened to the Howells...such utter bliss, perfection. Miah Persson has everything I could ask for in this role...utter, utter serenity and pure beauty. So utterly sad knowing the cicrumstances behind the work. Another concert I wish I had been at. This has been a darn good Proms season.

Caliban..I agree with you 100% on needing to be there for those large choral works...just so pleased I made the choral weekend!

[BBMmk2]

I hope these artists do arecording of of the Howells and Elgar. Be a waste if they didnt!

[Resurrection Man]

Dipped into the TV broadcast and thought that the sound balance was disappointing compared to the FM broadcast. Soloists seemed to be kept too far back in the sound stage even when they were on close-up.

[Nick Armstrong]

Just a reminder that the Howells is repeated this afternoon at 2pm on R3 (shorn for some reason of the second half of the concert - the Elgar 1 is on Wednesday).

[Resurrection Man]

Yes...and still a sublime piece of music. Downed tools and listened.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes...and still a sublime piece of music. Downed tools and listened.

[EdgeleyRob]

Yes...and still a sublime piece of music.

It is indeed.