Proms Saturday Matinee 2 - 3.08.13: Britten, Tippett, Holst & L. Berkeley

[Simon Biazeck]

No problem! I am admittedly a fan of Britten, and particularly late Britten. As I'm sure you know, after his diagnosis, surgery, ensuing stroke and decline in physical energy and impairment of movement in his arms he channeled his work into smaller ensembles (Str. Qtt. & vocal writing) and seems to have come up with some masterpieces. I sang the late unfinished cantata Praise We Great Men some years ago at the Maltings and was utterly blown away by it. I love your phrase 'stringent economy'! I may have to recycle that! Sarah Connolly is fast becoming, if not already, a national treasure!

[bluestateprommer]

This was an excellent concert. I had forgotten how elegant a venue the Cadogan Hall is.....

As for the music - tremendous performances all round.

Indeed, heartily seconded. It's continually impressive just what 'hidden' treasures the Cadogan Hall Proms concerts are, both the Monday and Saturday matinees. I admitted to mild trepidation at a concert of mostly string orchestra-based music, Phaedra being the obvious exception in that regard, but given the quality and energy of the playing and conducting, any worries were unfounded. Excellent work from Sarah Connolly as well.