Prom 7 - 23.07.14: BBC SO, Connolly / Faust / Bělohlávek

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Wednesday, 23 July
6.30 p.m. – c. 9.00 p.m.
Royal Albert Hall

John Tavener: Gnosis (BBC commission: world premiere)
Bartók: Concerto for Violin No. 2, Sz 112

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 10 in E minor, Op 93

Sarah Connolly, mezzo-soprano
Isabelle Faust, violin

BBC Symphony Orchestra
Jiří Bělohlávek, conductor

Isabelle Faust's association with Bartók extends back to her very first recording. Now, fresh from an acclaimed disc of both the composer's violin concertos, she joins the BBC SO and Conductor Laureate Jiří Bělohlávek for Bartók's Second Violin Concerto. Written under the threat of Fascism, it's a passionate national statement, lively with folk rhythms.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Looking forward to the Taverner.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Looking forward to the Taverner.

Me, too. Pity there's none in Prom7!

[Bryn]

Me, too. Pity there's none in Prom7!

I suppose a BBC commission for a new work from John Taverner might be suitable for a Doctor Who Prom.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I suppose a BBC commission for a new work from John Taverner might be suitable for a Doctor Who Prom.

[teamsaint]

here's a little taster for the Bartok.

Bet Issy was delighted with that shot on the home screen........

[Serial_Apologist]

I suppose a BBC commission for a new work from John Taverner might be suitable for a Doctor Who Prom.

Or this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJVo-aiWHls

[Bryn]

Or this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJVo-aiWHls

Nice surprise, and the whole album in 192kbps AAC-LC there to boot.

[teamsaint]

Will have to catch up with the DSCH.
I enjoyed every moment of the Bartok, (although i don't know it that well), but then Faust can do no wrong for me. She just seems to work so hard at getting into the music.

on her tone, its not everybody's favourite noise. I wonder what others think of it. Is it her fiddle?(dangerous territory too , it being a Strad 'n all) .Not sure I have the right words, but from time to time her tone does sound a fraction harsh, and ....open ended I suppose I would call it.

Somebody save me from myself here......!!
Loved it in any case.

[Bryn]

Will have to catch up with the DSCH.
I enjoyed every moment of the Bartok, (although i don't know it that well), but then Faust can do no wrong for me. She just seems to work so hard at getting into the music.

on her tone, its not everybody's favourite noise. I wonder what others think of it. Is it her fiddle?(dangerous territory too , it being a Strad 'n all) .Not sure I have the right words, but from time to time her tone does sound a fraction harsh, and ....open ended I suppose I would call it.

Somebody save me from myself here......!!
Loved it in any case.

I think you put it very well. There is definitely something harsh in her tone. I too enjoyed the performance, though it won't put me off performances with a more rounded tone.

Not that taken with tonight's Shostakovich 10th, however. Not biting enough by half for my taste.

[EdgeleyRob]

Missed the first half.
DSCH 10,
I thought the only slight let down was the second movement,usually scares me to death,this performance just made me a little nervous.

[DracoM]

Cracking Bartok and haunting Bach encore by Faust.
Liked the DSCH 10 - busy, big scale performance. Excellent woodwind solos.

[Alison]

The Proms hardly needed another DSCH 10 and I didn't think it was Jiri's piece, a disappointing
Choice for the maestro's return.

[visualnickmos]

Seems like a fairly across-the-board 'uncertainty' about the Shostakovich. I add my voice to that uncertainty. I felt that some parts just didn't quite get there; a lack of the iciness that Shostakovich often needs. Some parts simply sounded too bland.

[Petrushka]

The Proms hardly needed another DSCH 10 and I didn't think it was Jiri's piece, a disappointing
Choice for the maestro's return.

Have to agree with this and also with ER's take on the second movement. It just didn't scare me to death either as it does in the very best performances.

Damn silly time for a symphony concert! I had to listen to the Prom via my DVD recorder as a deferred relay, Cutting out the interval still left me listening at 10.30. The time isn't good for working people either hoping to join the queue or for those planning to listen at home. Due to current circumstances, the only weekday Proms I'll hear live are those I attend!