Prom 59 - 31.08.14: Elektra, BBC SO, Bychkov

[LeMartinPecheur]

Enjoyed that, but was disconcerted just before Orestes kills Clytemnestra: is there not a sudden entry into the sound-world of Rosenkavelier for a good few bars?

I'd call it pretty much a direct quotation were the latter not still to be written And I'm struggling to think why S should want to evoke Elektra in Rosenkavelier!

[Simon B]

It may be curious behaviour to log onto the interweb from the Queen's to say that you're speechless, but, erm...

The best alternative I can manage would be (after censorship) - flippin 'eck!

[Alison]

It may be curious behaviour to log onto the interweb from the Queen's to say that you're speechless, but, erm...

The best alternative I can manage would be (after censorship) - flippin 'eck!

[Prommer]

Now THAT was one hell of a prom. Epic.

[gradus]

There's a copy of the last page of the Autograph score in the Decca Solti set of Elektra, it looks so orderly and innocent, what an imagination.

[Ferretfancy]

Another amazing evening in the Arena, what a weekend! There's really nothing to add.

[Conchis]

I'd had plans to clear off as soon as it had finished but I just had to stay for the bows. It was sensational. Christine Goerke is the real deal but it was, as they say, everyone's night.

Country miles ahead of the previous evening's Salome ( which was ok but not brilliant, IMO). If I never get to another Prom, that one will live long in the memory.

[Master Jacques]

A thrilling and unforgettable evening, in the hall. How tremendous to hear the opera so well sung, and so cogently acted by principals bringing their stage experience of the roles to the table! All three women turned in convincing performances, and Barkmin's "Louise Brooks" style Chrysosthemis was a joy; but Christine Goerke astounded by her stamina, volume and (here's the thing) sheer opulent beauty of tone. I had some doubts about Bychkov's articulation of the drama, but those doubts were blown away by the cumulative power of the whole.

Teddy Seckerson, though, seems to have been at a different event from the rest of us:

http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/prom-59-elektra-bbc-symphony-orchestra-bychkov-1

Poor old luv. Evidently too much for him. Perhaps these days he needs to stick to the profundities of Kiss Me Kate.

[Prommer]

Rupert Christiansen seems on the other hand to have attended the Prom I went to...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/proms/11068308/BBC-Prom-59-Elektra-review-enthralling.html

[Prommer]

And this from the FT

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/187de7fa-31c5-11e4-b377-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3C5rYUkNy

[Nick Armstrong]

Teddy Seckerson, though, seems to have been at a different event from the rest of us:

http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/prom-59-elektra-bbc-symphony-orchestra-bychkov-1

Poor old luv. Evidently too much for him. Perhaps these days he needs to stick to the profundities of Kiss Me Kate.

The first photo with that review is just plain scary!


PS just noticed the violinist behind - she seems rather amused!

[Pianorak]

. . . Teddy Seckerson, though, seems to have been at a different event from the rest of us:

http://www.theartsdesk.com/opera/prom-59-elektra-bbc-symphony-orchestra-bychkov-1

Poor old luv. Evidently too much for him. Perhaps these days he needs to stick to the profundities of Kiss Me Kate.

[Seckerson] . . . this performance relied on its climaxes and much too much screaming to pummel us into submission.

Ah well, at least it wasn't just me.

[austin]

PS just noticed the violinist behind - she seems rather amused! [/QUOTE]

Same pictures for this review which I enjoyed reading

http://tinyurl.com/mqbzzbw

[Prommer]

Well I'm afraid the story and indeed libretto does require some screaming.

I can answer one question asked in one of the reviews: Dame Fliss did not provide her own death scream. Doubtless some young BBC Singer pressed in to service and poked through the doors of the bull run and told to get on with it. Grist to Caliban's mill...

[Prommer]

Seriously, one of the most pleasurable aspects of Goerke's Elektra was the absence of screaming or barking. She has a very beautiful voice. The Chrysothemis was a little stretched at times but other than that no actual screeching...