Prom 76 - 13.09.14: The Last Night; BBC SO, Oramo

[Barbirollians]

For me, Ms. Jansen's performance of the Chausson was one of the highlights of the season.

I enjoyed it but it lacked the requisite dreaminess and mystery for me - a bit too clear eyed

KWC and Oistrakh have that quality.

[Serial_Apologist]

Those in charge are trying

Very. Period.

[makropulos]

the first half has become more populist and the second half subject to dire innovations like Mary Poppins medleys.

With a piece as rarely performed as Taillefer, I'd not really thought of the first half as 'populist' (Incidentally, am I the only person here who genuinely enjoyed hearing that? Probably...). Much enjoyed JJ in Chausson and Ravel, and Roderick Williams was terrific as expected. But the Mary Poppins songs did seem to be in the wrong concert.

[Flosshilde]

Music isn't a "language" in the same way that a horse is not a table.

But they do share some features - a leg at each corner, glossy finish, useful, & so on.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

And it all depends whether the composer intends to communicate.

[MrGongGong]

But they do share some features - a leg at each corner, glossy finish, useful, & so on.

Indeed

[David Underdown]

I would have thought that my post, spoken tongue in cheek, might still have conveyed my message (that this season's Proms were but a shadow of former years) whilst highlighting the shortcomings of the programming, presentation and content of the last few weeks.

I have never considered it to be the duty of the BBC to convert people to classical music. Their promotion of "music" on Radio 1 and 2 must surely have an opposite effect.
No. Radio 3 should provide an opportunity for the broadcasting of music for those who already are devotees of classical music, drama, discussion and all the Arts - which was the original stated purpose of the BBC Third Programme.

So there is no place, in my view, for Mary Poppins, Ivor Novello or suchlike items that have crept into the Prom concert series. Those things belong on Radio 2.

This is a discussion forum. We may not agree with the opinions of others but we must respect their right to state them.

Yes. I am still around. Age has no relevance but my experience both as a performer and as an Arts Administrator, responsible for Budgetting, Scheduling, Auditioning and producing "the goods" for many distinguished conductors and solo performers is something which I feel is almost my duty to share with others.

Hornspieler

The avowed intent of Newman and Wood ws to "build an audience for classical music". But have you actually looked at programmes from the first 30-40 years or so? Second halves of all concerts generally made up cornet solos, ballads etc. Is that really so different to including numbers from musical today?

[jean]

...But have you actually looked at programmes from the first 30-40 years or so? Second halves of all concerts generally made up cornet solos, ballads etc. Is that really so different to including numbers from musical today?

I've looked at the early programmes of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Sociey, and I read that although

...The organisation was founded for the rich and élite members of Liverpool society, for "the pleasure of the moneyed merchant class in the town".

the first concert consisted of

...13 short orchestral and choral pieces, including works by Auber, Rossini, Spohr, Henry Bishop, and George Onslow, and madrigals by Thomas Morley and John Wilbye.

[pureimagination]

Do you know HS, with people like yourself still around - I guess you are older than me (76), it is no wonder I have difficulty trying to convert people to listening to 'Classical' music. Like many here your views and condemnation of so much regarding the Proms, each years makes me wonder why you bother to listen at all.
Personally, I don't care much for the LNOTP and never have but I am sure that I managed to get tickets many moons ago now for either the first or last nights but I cannot remember, however I am sure that it featured either Semprini or Winifred Attwell playing the Grieg Piano Concerto!
No doubt you have had an illustrious career in music making but your views here sadden me, with your continual unhelpful criticisms of Orchestras, Soloists and Conductors etc. whom to most, give pleasure.

Thank You Marvin, couldn't agree with you more.
HS, your comments didn't come across as tongue in cheek.
David Underdown, well said.

With a bit of tinkering to the running order I think the Last Night could have pleased a few more people. There will be some however who are never pleased [yet commented how even hearing light music led them to classical music]. The non classical elements are now included I believe to tie the prom in the Hall to those in the various parks and the audience who will not all be classical music buffs. At least they didn't include any Harrison Birtwistle.
Just want to thank Janine Jansen, Roderick Williams [and John Chimes (as always)] for their excellent contributions.

[Flosshilde]

The BBC Symphony orchestra, once the backbone of the season, have had an easy time of it, hiving out as much as possible to the Corporation's regional outfits (which have shown the flagship orchestra up on occasions)

The BBC only has one regional orchestra, the Philharmonic based in Manchester (although I don't know where the Big Band is based).

[jean]

I think it's good that the regional orchestras (BBC or not) get a platform at the Proms - it's hard enough for them to lure reviewers to their natural habitats.

And I enjoyed hearing the orchestras from abroad, even if some were 'better' than others.

[Serial_Apologist]

I think it's good that the regional orchestras (BBC or not) get a platform at the Proms - it's hard enough for them to lure reviewers to their natural habitats.

And I enjoyed hearing the orchestras from abroad, even if some were 'better' than others.

Indeed, the idea of totally banning foreign orchestras from the Proms would surely invite retaliatory action from abroad?

[Lento]

Nice one!

It will be all Rice on the night.

[Hornspieler]

The BBC only has one regional orchestra, the Philharmonic based in Manchester (although I don't know where the Big Band is based).

So the BBC Scottish Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the jointly subsidised Ulster Orchestra are all employed by Local Borough Councils?

I think not.

... and the BBC Concert Orchestra surely is based in the London region.

HS

[Hornspieler]

I think it's good that the regional orchestras (BBC or not) get a platform at the Proms - it's hard enough for them to lure reviewers to their natural habitats.

And I enjoyed hearing the orchestras from abroad, even if some were 'better' than others.

... or worse than others.

HS