Prom 4: Beethoven – Symphony No. 9 (19.07.15)

[Roger Judd]

Which conductor was it who was asked by the leader/concert master, "At what point would you like us to begin" and replied " when you can bear the suspense no longer?"

Agree about the CBSO chorus and chorus master - absolutely wonderful.
RJ

[Daniel]

Famously, the great Reginald Goodall once leaned over to the leader of the waiting ENO orchestra and whispered, "I've started!".

(oh the times, like the maestro, that I've had to make that clear ...)

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

What struck me about Nelson's performance of the Ninth was how little actual 'conducting' he was doing. Most of the time it seemed that he was encouraging his players to be expressive (within limitations worked out in rehearsal, presumably) but only on rare occasions did I notice any discernible 'beat'.

Not quite that "rare", Db - the pulse was frequently given with a microscopic movement of the middle finger of the right hand, after the beat had been clearly set at the beginnings of sections (or when there were adjustments, or complex counter-rhythms). The famous bits (that many in the orchestra would have played dozens of times) were marked by Nelsons with huge arcing motions - rather like phrase or slur markings in the score, which indicated the "shaping" of the phrase, rather than the beat - which the orchestra didn't need.

One of the effects of this (another was a greater flexibility in the Music-making: rather than a militaristic following of a beat, there was a marvellous fusion of synchronised pacing) was that it encouraged the players to watch the conductor carefully - notice in the film how the section leaders keep glancing to check how what they're playing matches the tempo of everyone else (the other members of the sections watching less, but listening to what the leaders are playing. Less attention from the front two rows of 'cellists (those in the eyeline of the conductor's beat - and I noticed in the celli's presentation of the "Joy" theme in the finale, one of the players took her eyes of the part only once to watch the chap next to her to synchronise their bow changes) but more so from those further away and from the string players generally.

And they all seemed to be enjoying their Music-making so much, as with the best performers and performances: I treasure the chuckle the second bassoonist gave after the Trio of the Second Movement (about 23mins into the talk-free film on i-Player) but also the smiles of appreciation between conductor and rank-and-file string players throughout. A truly joyous and joyful performance - one of the very best (matched by Barenboim and the Divan youngsters from three years ago - with a choir of kids singing their hearts and souls out, even better than the magnificent CBSO Chorus at this performance. (One of the Sopranos I noticed was pregnant - what a great start to life being "around" for this great Music-making event!) Better soloists for the Brummies than for Barenboim, too.

PS - Notice, too, that Nelsons was more "traditionally active" when conducting the Woolrich, with which the orchestra was not so familiar (!): where beating time is needed, he provided it - otherwise, he created the conditions for his players to make Music together.

[Nick Armstrong]

A truly joyous and joyful performance - one of the very best... Better soloists for the Brummies than for Barenboim, too.

and thrice

(One of the Sopranos I noticed was pregnant - what a great start to life being "around" for this great Music-making event!)

I apparently attended a St Matthew Passion and a couple of B-minor Masses en ventre la mere (as the probate lawyers say) thanks to the said maternal's membership of a local Bach Choir at the time when the Embryo Caliban was starting to take note and listen...

[MrGongGong]

how little actual 'conducting' he was doing.

That is what Andris Nelsons was doing on Sunday night. "Realising" what had already been rehearsed.

Obviously (for some folks) not doing much "actual" conducting then

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I apparently attended a St Matthew Passion and a couple of B-minor Masses en ventre la mere (as the probate lawyers say) thanks to the said maternal's membership of a local Bach Choir at the time when the Embryo Caliban was starting to take note and listen...

I think my mum just used to watch George Formby on the telly.








But it all turned out nice again.

[Tapiola]

I think my mum just used to watch George Formby on the telly.








But it all turned out nice again.

Master Taps' in utero listening included Coronation Street; not long after he was born he would turn his head gogglebox-ward when the theme music came on. He also experienced a good deal of Liszt piano music, embryonically. (Your opportunity, Caliban, to report me to Social Services )

[Prommer]

Which conductor was it who was asked by the leader/concert master, "At what point would you like us to begin" and replied " when you can bear the suspense no longer?"RJ

Karajan. But approved of by Kleiber.

[Prommer]

PS Nelsons is a great Kleiber fan... Same level of confidence in a well-prepared (by him!) band.

[King_Ouf_I]

Update: the iPlayer recordings of the Beethoven Overture and Woolrich piece have been replaced with much better-quality productions, as of this evening. Still no presentation, too! <Mwah-ha-ha> But don't think you're going to get away with it, BBC - I still have the original lousy versions saved... </Mwah-ha-ha>

[Nick Armstrong]

I think my mum just used to watch George Formby on the telly.

But it all turned out nice again.

I gather the local police have their eye on you up that ladder clutching your bucket and squeegee all the time...

Master Taps' in utero listening included ... a good deal of Liszt piano music, embryonically. (Your opportunity, Caliban, to report me to Social Services )

Emergency SWAT team requested!!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I gather the local police have their eye on you up that ladder clutching your bucket and squeegee all the time...

It has "Blackpool" wriiten all the way through it.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

PS Nelsons is a great Kleiber fan... Same level of confidence in a well-prepared (by him!) band.

Which Kleiber? Only Erich recorded the 9th.