Prom 35 - 9.08.13: Mahler – 'Resurrection' Symphony

[Simon B]

There have been lots of Mahler 2s at the Proms over the years by visiting orchestras, most of them disappointing IMO. The BBC orchestras get the odd go, but I think it would be great if one of our best orchestras (e.g. the LSO) had a go, with a leading Mahlerian guest conductor, a massive chorus, and of course the RAH organ at maximum seismic welly at the end. That'd really be worth the effort!

[johnb]

..... and of course the RAH organ at maximum seismic welly at the end. That'd really be worth the effort!

Did anyone listening to the broadcast actually hear the (electronic) organ?

[mercia]

Did anyone listening to the broadcast actually hear the (electronic) organ?

no, I wasn't particularly aware of it - I wonder what the thinking was there - has the RAH organ suddenly gone out of tune ?

[LaurieWatt]

This is a rather somnolent account so far IMO - I think I have become increasingly spoiled by the fabulous Jurowski recording .

I was trying to listen from the radio with guests and so was intermittently distracted, so reserve my view as to the interpretation. However, I can say that it was a stupendous broadcast, technically speaking, over the Internet radio. Wide dynamic range, wonderful spread in the orchestra etc. some wonderful things in the performance as well although I got a slight sense of anticlimax at the end when exactly the opposite should be the case. I will listen again properly on Monday but, meanwhile, am I being unfair?

[johnb]

I suspect they are touring with the Mahler 2 and have set up exactly what they want with their electronic organ (and, of course, some halls don't have an organ anyway). I guess someone thought it would be too much hassle to transfer to the RAH organ (or perhaps they didn't have sufficient rehearsal time in the hall).

Foolish, as the RAH is a different kettle of fish to a standard 2000 seat concert hall.

[gedsmk]

no, I wasn't particularly aware of it - I wonder what the thinking was there - has the RAH organ suddenly gone out of tune ?

Maybe the BRSO tune at c=445? Dunno. Strange decision. One of the sop soloists sounded a tad under the notes. Whatever, extremely impressed by the double basses in this orchestra! The performance did not seem as highly charged as the Bolivars two years ago, but I was in the arena for that one.

[johnb]

...am I being unfair?

I thought there were many beautiful moments but, as a whole, it was rather underwhelming.

[johnb]

Maybe the BRSO tune at c=445? Dunno. Strange decision. One of the sop soloists sounded a tad under the notes. Whatever, extremely impressed by the double basses in this orchestra! The performance did not seem as highly charged as the Bolivars two years ago, but I was in the arena for that one.

I see they did the same (brought their own organ) for the Apline Symphony*** back in 2007 (?). A couple of reviewers thought it was probably because of the orchestra's pitch, as you surmised.

[Edit]
*** Should be Also Sprach Zarathustra, not Alpine Symphony

[DracoM]

johnb

Glad you thought the same about the soprano. Some quite sour moments.
Seemed a bit of a vague performance all round. Chorus OK.

[gedsmk]

I see they did the same (brought their own organ) for the Apline Symphony back in 2007 (?). A couple of reviewers thought it was probably because of the orchestra's pitch, as you surmised.

Research shows you are quite correct regarding the pitch. The work though was Also Sprach Zarathustra.

[Petrushka]

I was in the hall for this and, yes, a tad underwhelming. Timps definitely lacked impact, whether the fault of the player or instrument I'm not sure. I was probably spoilt by hearing John Chimes on Wednesday. The bass drum, however, had impact aplenty.

Electronic organ all but inaudible. No TV cameras in attendance

[johnb]

Research shows you are quite correct regarding the pitch. The work though was Also Sprach Zarathustra.

Apologies - you are quite right.

[edashtav]

Resurrection is a Grave Disappointment

I see they did the same (brought their own organ) for the Apline Symphony back in 2007 (?). A couple of reviewers thought it was probably because of the orchestra's pitch, as you surmised.

[Edit]
*** Should be Also Sprach Zarathustra, not Alpine Symphony (information from gedsmk)

Yes, it seems the norm for this orchestra and composer to bring their own electronic organ which, unfortunately the RAH turns into a mere toy. Strangely, the Resurrection Symphony is the sole major Mahler score with which I've failed to come to terms. I needed the excellent stimulus and background provided by the Proms Plus introduction chaired by James Jolly. How idiotic, therefore, to broadcast it AFTER the end of the live broadcast on R.3. Perhaps R.3 stands for the 3 R's "Rigidity Rules, Right!" I came to the performance a huge admirer of Jansons's interpretations of Mahler - his Prom performance of the 6th remains etched in my mind as if it was performed yesterday. I felt sure that Marriss would "fix" the 2nd for me.

I'm afraid that I'm among those on this thread who were underwhelmed. The first movement was sound, if a little cautious. The next movement was "neat" - but that won't do, will it? Things improved and there was some wonderful solo playing in the orchestra. The finale was a disappointment. The promise of resurrection for all failed to materialise, some of the solo singing was suspect in intonation, and the miniature organ was bathetic. :( Only in retrospect was my interest engaged, but there's little satisfaction in listening to a talk that tells you that you've missed out through lack of information.

A grave disappointment.

[johnb]

Yes, broadcasting the Proms Plus 'introduction' to Mahler 2 after the performance is the most bizarre scheduling I have ever seen.

[Simon B]

Beautiful, sophisticated, refined playing, very musical, natural flow, elegant, unforced etc. As a death-to-resurrection narrative, about as gripping as drifting gently down a river in a rowing boat on a late-summer-sun soaked afternoon.

Thanks to those properties the 2nd movement and lyrical moments elsewhere were exquisite though. But my pulse was raised not one beat.

Still happy to have gone for the lovely bits.

PS, the organ was inaudible 15 feet from the stage. Bizarre really - the Vienna Phil used the real thing in the Alpine Symphony last year, and thank goodness for that! Also, the definition of the (professional?) chorus was admirable, but roughly 6 times more of them were needed!