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

[Petrushka]

C'mon guys - two indifferent bits of Strauss doesn't justify that

But, as I say, 'certainly true tonight'.

[Simon B]

"That strain again! It had a dying fall…" That "dying fall", lingeringly, poignantly repeated, is the story of the closing bars of Elgar 2. They were beautifully played by the RLPO and VP was clearly deeply moved – as who could not be? A splendid performance, as Alison says.

I was even more affected by this performance than that by LPO/Petrenko earlier this year that we were also both at as I recall.

If I may, I'd like to suggest that Ferretfancy should be "allowed" to be wrong () without further hindrance on this occasion. I'd willingly bet that his aversion is a sincerely held view - and it shows real affection for the music unlike indifference. His comments on many concerts over time seem unfailingly reasonable and considered, never smugly supercilious, grandstanding for effect, affirmation-courting etc.

Generally though, if the world needs a cure for euphoria it's ready and waiting right here on these boreds. "Rarely Comest Thou Spirit of Delight" could be the new motto.

PS - The trombones in particular and the RLPO brass in general were one of the best things about it for me. Proper Northern brass - the current RLPO reminds me of the brassy dynamism of the late 90s BBCPO. That said, Ted Downes's Elgar 2 (one of his much-missed calling cards) was a very different beast that would probably have sat much better with those who so disliked this Proms performance...

[Roslynmuse]

I'm afraid that the big tune in the Festliches Praeludium always makes me think of Marilyn Monroe...

[Nick Armstrong]

I'm afraid that the big tune in the Festliches Praeludium always makes me think of Marilyn Monroe...

Very Pete'n'Dud, Ros

"Bloody Marilyn Monroe, tap tap tap at the bloody window pane..."

[Ferretfancy]

Bloddy but unbowed chaps and ladies !

Bws.

Ferret

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Bloddy but unbowed chaps and ladies !

Pizzicato?

[Nachtigall]

You come away from a fine performance of the Elgar 2 knowing it to be one of the truly great symphonies of the 20th century, contemporary with Mahler 9 and Sibelius 4 and fully worthy to be in their company. The 'lamps are going out all over Europe' coda was as moving as I've ever heard it and never more appropriately so than on this anniversary.

[gradus]

I caught the repeat of the Elgar today. The last movt was I think eloquent and magnificently played - never heard better. I was impressed by the speed of the scherzo but disapointed by the rush over detail in the slower sections, eg those beautiful flute and harp arabesques tumbling over each other, where were they? It was press, press and press on again.
Bit of a mixed bag for me but I enjoyed it and thought the orchestra fabulous.

[Sir Velo]

:Closing the computer now for the Elgar

No opinion Caliban? That's not like you!

Or can we deduce anything from the fact that having closed your computer you re-opened it only 48 minutes later - well before the performance would have ended had it been listened to until the end.

[Alison]

Yeah, dish the review Cali

[EdgeleyRob]

Cali's just realised that what I've been saying for years is true.

[Nick Armstrong]

No opinion Caliban? That's not like you!

Or can we deduce anything from the fact that having closed your computer you re-opened it only 48 minutes later - well before the performance would have ended had it been listened to until the end.

Do give my regards to your Chief Superintendant !

Yes, there was an interval after the first three movements here. Well spotted, Detective Constable!

As for a review, I'd half-thought I'd wait until I've listened a few more times. It's a piece that means a lot to me, and I didn't want to be too hasty about a performance which was so well played and so heartfelt. I had caught the first 10 minutes or so when it was being broadcast live and mentioned elsewhere straight away that in contrast to the BBC Phil Mahler 5, the tempos of the Elgar seemed wrong.

That's still how I feel. It seemed to me that fast music was paced by Petrenko just too fast to make the music tell, and the slow music often too slow; and the upset tempo relationships prevented the performance from cohering.

The last movement was more successful, it seemed to me, with the music being allowed to speak for itself and brilliantly played, but the conclusion was then subjected to tempo extremes which again... well, I'm sure it would most probably been overwhelming live, but seemed to me to be 'doing a Bernstein' (apposite, thinking about his 'Nimrod') - not trusting the stunning quality of the writing, and applying additional & excessive 'meaningfulness'.

But there were sufficient good things, and obvious sincerity and passion by Petrenko, that I shall be listening again. I really want to like the performance!

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I think Elgar 2 is a difficult work to bring off. It lay relatively neglected for many years after its premiere, though that may something to do with the subtlety of the final coda. Works ending with a loud bang generally go down better with audiences.

Even Barbirolli, who conducted this work so many times, was not always on message (though his mono EMI is one of the very best.

[Petrushka]

Even over 100 years after the first performance, the world at large still hasn't realised what a truly great symphony this is.

Perhaps Barenboim's latest recording with the Berlin Staatskapelle will mark a sea change in the fortunes of the work.

[Roehre]

Even over 100 years after the first performance, the world at large still hasn't realised what a truly great symphony this is.

at least this great symphony is played quite regularly