Prom 38 - 11.08.13: Free Prom – Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

[BBMmk2]

From what I heard, I thoroughly enjoyed this performance. I wonder how the players themselves, thought of it at their age?

[rodney_h_d]

For the moment I thought you were talking about Beethoven's 9th!.....

No! but I do remember still at school after having got to "know " Beethoven's first eight Symphonies having quite a struggle to make sense of the 9th with the sole assistance of a pile of 78s which I think may have been the Weingartner recording. I'm quite used to it now, but for years - even while Beethoven was undoubtedly No.1 for me - I had some doubts about the 9th; and it remains true that the only live performances I have ever heard of the 9th were standing in the Proms arena in the days when it was regularly scheduled on the penultimate night. Even after I stopped attending the Proms, whenever I heard it broadcast it continued to make me feel a little sad that the Proms season was over!

[EnemyoftheStoat]

What was the old joke?

Q. What do you call a soprano who can read music?
A. An alto.

Yes, that's an old joke

[Nick Armstrong]

Catching up with the TV broadcast of this Prom...

If only the vocal section could always start with someone as compelling and brilliant as Gerald Finley: what a solo!! ... in fact those smileys are relevant: the way he tossed 'Zauber' out into the air was great ! Mlle Tynan looked a bit demented, otherwise this is a good watch and an impressive performance.

[Anna]

I watched it last night, thoroughly enjoyed it, very good performance I thought, but perhaps I have cloth-ears syndrome again? Also, having heard it again, I do like the Turnage, but, did they edit the RVW out? (Perhaps I missed it by being interrupted by a phone call)

[marvin]

I recorded the TV broadcast but I've told you my views of the Beethoven 9th in post No 27. I have started watching the recording and have skipped quickly to my favourite 'slow' movement which I shall see later today and then delete the rest of the Symphony. Will see what else was on and may watch Nigel Kennedy or at least listen so not to be disturbed too much by his appearance.

[Nick Armstrong]

skipped quickly to my favourite 'slow' movement which I shall see later today and then delete the rest of the Symphony.

Before you do, just hit the fast forward button and give the opening vocal solo a quick listen, would be my suggestion...