Prom 19 - 31.07.14: RLPO, Dam-Jensen / V. Petrenko

[Lento]

the Motette will be a long piece for the orchestra to sit through, I wonder if they will leave the stage

...or the building.

[Flay]

Wow!

[Flay]

That was perhaps more exciting than the Hallé/BBC performance of the Prelude in January at the Bridgewater. Brilliant!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

It probably was. The Manchester performance used two orchestras which was thrilling but a tad too loud.

[EdgeleyRob]

Missed the first half,but I've been looking forward to hearing Elgar's glorious inspiration all day.

[Alison]

A beautifully articulate account of the symphony. Top marks. Stupendous coda.

[EdgeleyRob]

A beautifully articulate account of the symphony. Top marks. Stupendous coda.

Yes that was wonderful wasn't it Alison.
No smart alec clapping before the last note had died away certainly helped to savour the coda.
If the funeral march doesn't bring a tear to the eye,you must be made of stone.
At this moment in time,for me,Elgar 2 is the greatest piece of music ever written (and not just by an Englishman).
Made my day.

[Petrushka]

Do agree about the 'stupendous coda' in this performance, really never heard it played like that before and thought it was wonderful. As indeed was the whole performance.

[Flay]

As indeed was the whole performance.

Absolutely!

I confess I didn't know Elgar's 2nd (I've never felt in the right mood to listen all the way through), but it is very good. Its beginning feels like stepping into a busy London street - straight into the bustle.

[Simon B]

@ RAH -

[Ferretfancy]

I'm sorry all, I was there, but I thought the performance of the symphony was a complete dog's breakfast - too tired tonight to explain my views, which were not shared by my companions, but there you are!

[Richard Tarleton]

Any views on 4LS? I'd love to know what it sounded like in the hall. I love her voice, gorgeous refined Strauss singing, but (listening at home) I felt I just couldn't hear enough of her over the orchestra. Unlike previous Proms 4LSs, e.g. R Fleming. I'd forgotten it was premiered there until MH reminded me....

I only listened to the first half....

[Hornspieler]

the Motette will be a long piece for the orchestra to sit through, I wonder if they will leave the stage. Radio 3 played a recording of the BBCS singing the DM recently (perhaps the recording previously referred to) - I thought they were ideally suited to the piece

Don't know about leaving the stage. I'm surprised that the audience didn't leave the RAH.

[Hornspieler]

(Petrushka) Once heard the Strauss Festival Prelude at a Prom First Night a few years ago and, while it may last no more than 11 minutes, be prepared for the loudest orchestral (and organ) tumult you are ever likely to hear. Sitting in 'O' stalls it left my ears ringing. Up until that moment the loudest noise I'd ever heard was a Vulcan bomber taking off and I'm not sure if the Strauss beat it.?

Petrushka, do you think I should stand in the Arena 14 rows back instead of 12 rows back]

Bws.
Ferret

"Close to the nearest Exit door" would be my recommendation.

This ghastly piece makes Beethoven's "Wellington's Victory" sound like a masterpiece. All those extra players - a terrible waste of money - to achieve what?

So, the 4 Last Songs redeemed the first half. Richard Strauss as I, and most of his devotees, understand and admire his work.

HS

[Hornspieler]

Missed the first half,but I've been looking forward to hearing Elgar's glorious inspiration all day.

Well so was I.

That rather predictable and dreary first movement had me nodding off a couple of times. The second movement sounded as though the orchestra were trying to plough through thick mud. Never mind, I thought. That light hearted scherzo can't go wrong.

It did. Sounded as if they were all running for their lives. But it was a case of "Out of the frying pan into the fire!"

Maestro Petrenko says that he is looking forward to conducting Gerontius in the near future.

Be warned. You read it here first.

I have always had a great affection for the RLPO. My long-time friend and companion, the late Ifor James, gained his spurs there. Sir Charles Groves, after his unhappy association with the Welsh National Opera Company, regained his confidence (and won his Knighthood) there.

A disappointing evening for me. One would have to say that, judging by the tentative applause, the Albert Hall faithfull felt the same way.

HS