Prom 15 - 23.07.13: Wagner – Die Walküre

[RobertLeDiable]

A great performance, and I don't think it's hyperbole to say great conducting. I wish I could have been there.

[Simon Biazeck]

It's not often I find myself agreeing with reviews, but this one just about nails it. I could not have written it better myself.
I would quibble with the Staatskapelle Berlin being the orchestra with the deepest understanding of the Ring - that is Barenboim's legacy to them from his long experience at Bayreuth. I would suggest that the Vienna State Opera and the Bavarian State Opera orchestras have as much as/or even more than the Berlin Band.

Ditto! Were you there? I was, and the sense of endurance, both on an off the stage, within and without the drama was palpable and rewarding, not least in respect of the sauna-like conditions. "Erdenluft muss sie noch athmen: ..." - never truer! I will experience that fiery stage myself on Sunday with the ROH chorus, so with the next one on Friday I shall be building my endurance!

[Flosshilde]

I think the orchestra came out tops - definitely their night. The Valkyries did seem a bit less than exciting - I get the Telegraph's comment about artificial excitement, but there could have been more 'action' - were they all there at the start, or make seperate entrances?

Stemme was, of course great - I'm expecting her to be magnificent in the immolation scene on Sunday (?). I saw her in Glasgow as Isolde in a concert performance of T&I, & she was completely in the role with even the smallest gestures - I would assume that she was the same last night?

Terfel is not one of my favourite singers, & I felt that at some points someone needed to remind him that he was supposed to be singing the role, & a fair few times he gabbled.

[bjb171]

Just thought I'd echo the sentiments of others on here. I've not seen the Ring in any capacity and have only listened to it once all the way through. I got Solti for my 21st a few years ago (26 now). What a first live experience of it. Fantastic singing. Bryn really does have a presence like no other and was on fine form. I have always enjoyed Barenboim's more restrained tempos on Wagner (I've only heard snippets of his Bayreuth Ring but love his Parsifal). Brass on fine form also. It does seem to be a trend for there to always be a pony-tailed trumpeter in German orchestras. Maybe it's the same guy...

Hopefully Siegfried carries on where this left off.

Incidentally, cheers to the guy in the suit in front of me who decided to sway (as clearly he was feeling the length), flap his arms and twiddle his fingers (presumably for circulation) throughout the entire Act III. Had to shut my eyes it was so annoying which was nice as I had been following the libretto - I obviously know the story but not all the words. I really wonder why if people are unable to stand STILL, they feel the need to go and stand in the arena.

[verismissimo]

Welcome bjb!

[Resurrection Man]

Oh well...I am in the minority as I stopped listening. Found it very underwhelming and staid, to be honest.

[Prommer]

I see Rupert Christiansen picked up on the spat at the end of act 2

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/proms/10198336/Proms-2013-Wagner-Die-Walkure-review.html

Otherwise it was utterly compelling - Stemme and Kampe simply outstanding!

The FT reviewer Richard Fairman states today that Barenboim was berating the leader because he felt the violins were 'dragging' towards the close of Act II...

[amac4165]

The FT reviewer Richard Fairman states today that Barenboim was berating the leader because he felt the violins were 'dragging' towards the close of Act II...

I did wonder - end of act II did sound a bit odd seemed there was a sudden change of tempo - I did think the parts of the orchestra might have gone on ahead so to speak

[amac4165]

Terfel is not one of my favourite singers, & I felt that at some points someone needed to remind him that he was supposed to be singing the role, & a fair few times he gabbled.

that would be my major gripe too - most noticeable after monday night

[amac4165]

Incidentally, cheers to the guy in the suit in front of me who decided to sway (as clearly he was feeling the length), flap his arms and twiddle his fingers (presumably for circulation) throughout the entire Act III. Had to shut my eyes it was so annoying which was nice as I had been following the libretto - I obviously know the story but not all the words. I really wonder why if people are unable to stand STILL, they feel the need to go and stand in the arena.

I have a feeling a few people might know who that is - where to stand always needs a bit of inside know how

[Mr Pee]

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/michaelwhite/100070122/a-great-ring-playing-in-a-wretched-albert-hall/

Couldn't agree more about the Albert Hall. It's a barn, fine for tennis, but hopeless for classical music.

[Nick Armstrong]

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture...d-albert-hall/

Couldn't agree more about the Albert Hall. It's a barn, fine for tennis, but hopeless for classical music.

Thought this deserved a thread on its own... q.v. http://www.for3.org/forums/showthrea...779#post315779

[Barbirollians]

Just caught this before it fell off iplayer - heavens it is fab !

[Barbirollians]

Nina Stemme and Bryn Terfel ! What magnificent , emotional singing.

[Barbirollians]

Sir Henry Wood would quite evidently have loved to have done this - as much as I bridle at the lack of Verdi at the Proms - to put the Ring cycle on with such inspired performers was a great idea .