Prom 35 - 9.08.13: Mahler – 'Resurrection' Symphony

[Petrushka]

Two choruses of 47 and 54 singers listed in the printed programme. For the RAH this isn't enough.

A disappointment on the whole and the BRSO really need to look at their timpani.

[Simon B]

Two choruses of 47 and 54 singers listed in the printed programme. For the RAH this isn't enough.

A disappointment on the whole and the BRSO really need to look at their timpani.

Ok, so 4 times as many would do it! Isn't this authentic for the way things are done in Germany though? My (all too likely wrong) understanding is that the big choral society thing we're used to here is somewhat peculiarly British. Either way, a lot more singers are needed to make an impact in such a big hall. The CBSO and BBC choruses can belt out a Mahler 2 in their sleep they've done it effectively so many times, I'm sure someone's got their phone number!

The timpanists were being urbane and sophisticated I thought - very German school, focused on tone and refinement. The London school involves hitting the things a Hell of a lot harder, is what we're used to and probably a better idea under these circumstances. Good cymbals though - he meant business...

LSO conducted by... who, next time please. The "who" question is an interesting one. Maybe Haitink no longer wishes to tackle something requiring such stamina any more. While not a huge Rattle enthusiast overall, he does a good line in Mahler 2 IMO. And get the LSO, BBCSO and CBSO choruses together. Then we'll be getting somewhere!

[alywin]

Interesting that so many of you are underwhelmed: at the end, the Hall gave a roar the likes of which I don't think I've ever heard before, and the applause went on for *ages*. I don't know the Mahler well enough to comment on the performance, though.

[Flosshilde]

Perhaps the Usher Hall on Monday will be the better venue for them (I'll look out to see if they use the electric organ or the in-situ one)

& also listen to the introduction - are they done as podcasts, I wonder?

[BBMmk2]

I quite enjoyed the Mahler last night and I know this work very well!

[teamsaint]

I was at the back of the arena yesterday.
My first Mahler 2 live, so not much to compare with, in terms of live performance and sound.

The organ was certainly low key. A shame that so many people were underwhelmed, because the arena audience at least was enthralled , and the applause was almost endless !!
The outstanding feature from my vantage/listening point was the choir. Maybe too subtle for some, but I thought that they were exceptional, and beautifully integrated.
I know we expect the best at the Proms,and rightly so,(and that I am an inexperienced listener to this stuff) but if somebody can direct me to better live music for a fiver, (cheaper than an RAH sandwich) then I would be really grateful

My feet ache.

[Nick Armstrong]

I know we expect the best at the Proms,and rightly so,(and that I am an inexperienced listener to this stuff) but if somebody can direct me to better live music for a fiver, (cheaper than an RAH sandwich) then I would be really grateful

[amateur51]

I was at the back of the arena yesterday.
My first Mahler 2 live, so not much to compare with, in terms of live performance and sound.

The organ was certainly low key. A shame that so many people were underwhelmed, because the arena audience at least was enthralled , and the applause was almost endless !!
The outstanding feature from my vantage/listening point was the choir. Maybe too subtle for some, but I thought that they were exceptional, and beautifully integrated.
I know we expect the best at the Proms,and rightly so,(and that I am an inexperienced listener to this stuff) but if somebody can direct me to better live music for a fiver, (cheaper than an RAH sandwich) then I would be really grateful

My feet ache.

Very glad it went well teams - you've expressed the essential Promming experience rather well!

[BBMmk2]

Here here!!

[Rolmill]

The outstanding feature from my vantage/listening point was the choir. Maybe too subtle for some, but I thought that they were exceptional, and beautifully integrated.

I agree with this up to a point - I thought they were excellent, singing with well-focused tone as well as being clearly audible. I was in the Circle, looking down on the 1st violins, so the balance was probably slightly weighted in favour of the men. However, for me the point about the scale of the forces is more to do with the nature of the sound, especially the quality of the hushed passages, which can just sound so much more intense (bigger tingle factor) from a larger chorus.

I enjoyed the evening - certainly much of the playing was beautiful (especially the horns and trombones, I thought), but there seemed to be oomph when required. Like others, I couldn't hear the organ at all which was a pity. It was IMV a very controlled performance, with Jansons always well on top of it, so maybe less exhilarating than some but nonetheless satisfying. Not much (any?) comment so far about the contralto soloist, who I felt was very good.

The applause was certainly loud and long - it's the kind of piece (and ending) which almost demands cheers, and Jansons is popular with the Proms audience I guess, so that's not unexpected.

[Tony Halstead]

Here here!!

Where exactly?

[Barbirollians]

I know some Prommers have complained that when listening to the concert at home after the event that the broadcast or iplayer has not captured what was heard in the hall but equally could there not be rose toned ear trumpets at play . If one goes to see Jansons conduct this - it will be great - and that is how it is heard in an adrenaline buzzing hall . At home to my ears , whilst there were indeed beautiful moments - it sounded underpowered . Edashtav's review sums the performance up very well .

[pilamenon]

I've always thought Mahler should not be "too" beautiful. A bit of vulgarity, too, and less restraint, perhaps, in the finale? I'm really enjoying by way of comparison with last night, Simone Young's recent recording with the Hamburg Philharmonic - lots of tension, and contrast, but great beauty in the playing as well. And Dagmar Peckova suitably sublime in Urlicht.

[Simon B]

If one goes to see Jansons conduct this - it will be great - and that is how it is heard in an adrenaline buzzing hall . At home to my ears , whilst there were indeed beautiful moments - it sounded underpowered.

I've had the impression that something like this is going on many times - not only when listening at home however, but also when physically present. I've been repeatedly somewhat mystified by slightly effete performances like this one being clapped to the rafters, but only ever when it's a big name conductor and visiting orchestra. By the standards of Mahler 2s at the Proms, the applause wasn't that extreme last night, but I was definitely ready to shamble off to the pub well before it had ended...

As I was at pains to point out above, I enjoyed parts of it for the beautifully refined playing and natural flow, but for me that's not what Mahler 2 is about. A great performance is an exhausting, overwhelming experience ultimately leading to a shattering peroration that leaves you momentarily believing that all is well in the universe, and that you've just heard the greatest piece of music ever written. Last night was merely some pleasant sounds...

[gedsmk]

... As I was at pains to point out above, I enjoyed parts of it for the beautifully refined playing and natural flow, but for me that's not what Mahler 2 is about. A great performance is an exhausting, overwhelming experience ultimately leading to a shattering peroration that leaves you momentarily believing that all is well in the universe, and that you've just heard the greatest piece of music ever written. Last night was merely some pleasant sounds...

I agree wholeheartedly. I still remember the Boston Symphony's triangle player racing down the steps to get on stage in time for the final bars (after his stint in the off stage band) - as if his life depended on it. Ozawa was conducting and to be in the arena few feet from Ms J Norman in full flow in 1984 was truly amazing! Haitink's reading with the BBCSO had no forward momentum at all. Dudamel two years ago was slow but seemed to me to be packed with life and awareness of struggle leading to utter fulfilment. you can still see tough Venezuelan players wiping tears away at the end on Youtube. They realised they had participated with this unique audience in an overwhelming affirmation of the human spirit, never to be repeated.