Prom 38: Messiaen – Turangalîla Symphony 13.08.15

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

19:30 Thursday 13 Aug 2015
Royal Albert Hall

The BBC Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Juanjo Mena are joined by Steven Osborne and Valérie Hartmann-Claverie live at the BBC Proms.


Foulds: Three Mantras
Messiaen: Turangalîla Symphony

Valérie Hartmann-Claverie (ondes martenot)
Steven Osborne (piano)
London Symphony Chorus (women's voices)
BBC Philharmonic
Juanjo Mena (conductor)

Hindu philosophy is the guiding thread through this Prom of music by one of the twentieth century's undisputed masters and one of its neglected mavericks. Messiaen's Turangalîla Symphony translates the 'curious, exquisite, unexpected melodic contours' of the Hindu tradition for Western ears. John Foulds's music was heavily influenced by his spiritual fascination with India; his style shifts in his Three Mantras from the rhythmic violence of Stravinsky to inward meditation and the colourful textures of Ravel.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

The first time I heard Turangalila left a lasting impression - in the Free Trade Hall in the 1960s - the only work in the concert, I recall.

[Pabmusic]

What an exciting programme. I'll be listening in.

[BBMmk2]

My first hearing of the Turangalila was at a Brighton Festival concert with Simon Rattle and CBSO. That was quite an awe inspiring occaision. The Dome rocked to the rafters!

[Nick Armstrong]

What an exciting programme. I'll be listening in.

... I made a tactical strike for seats at one of the Proms I want to go to, and was able (using the 'select your own seat' facility) to cherry-pick two perfectly-situated front side-stalls seats for the Foulds Mantras and Messiaen Turangalîla

Lots of seats left...

[Pabmusic]

Lots of seats left...

If only...
If only...

[Beef Oven!]

Lots of seats left...

I'll be in the arena for that - can't be missed.

I do have the occasional moan about the Proms programming, but to get the Foulds Three Mantras is absolutely wonderful. And that's saying nothing of the Turangalila!!!!

[Serial_Apologist]

How was it Stravinsky described Turangalila? "L'apres-midi d'un super-faun"? And didn't he wonder if Messiaen was jealous of the sonic boom, I seem to remember?

I've always felt this work exemplified some of the best, but most of the worst, of what this composer offered. For the latter, in general, one needs either to return to 1940 and before, or progress a year to the 4 Studies in Rhythm.

[Beef Oven!]

My first hearing of the Turangalila was at a Brighton Festival concert with Simon Rattle and CBSO. That was quite an awe inspiring occaision. The Dome rocked to the rafters!

Mine was circa 1991 - was Mrs Oven's first 'classical' gig with me!

Unforgettable music, wonderful performance.

Predictably maybe, it's my favourite Messiaen work.

[kernelbogey]

Mine an outstanding Proms performance by the Youth Orchestra of GB - heard on R3 - maybe early 1980s; don't remember the conductor.

Have just booked for this (thanks for the heads up, Calibs!): to be my first attendance this year.

[Bryn]

Though I first heard the work via Vega LPs of the Le Roux recording, my first live performance can be heard via http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/tapes.php (John Ogdon, Jeanne Loriod, BBCSO, Charles Groves). The morning rehearsals were a revelation.

[Petrushka]

Though I first heard the work via Vega LPs of the Le Roux recording, my first live performance can be heard via http://www.cliveheathmusic.co.uk/tapes.php (John Ogdon, Jeanne Loriod, BBCSO, Charles Groves). The morning rehearsals were a revelation.

That performance is simply magnificent! Thanks once again to Clive for allowing us the opportunity to hear it.

My first live Turangalila was on Feb 21 1978 in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester. Messiaen was in attendance and I met him after the concert. I still have the signed concert programme.

[richardfinegold]

For me, it always sounds like the Soundtrack for the movie "Mars Attacks"

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

For me, it always sounds like the Soundtrack for the movie "Mars Attacks"

You never heard it before 1996, rfg?

[Bryn]

For me, it always sounds like the Soundtrack for the movie "Mars Attacks"