Prom 56: Bergen PO/Litton (27.08.15)

[Barbirollians]

Well one might say that she is more Bach than Mendelssohn inclined judging by her recording of the Mendelssohn with a HIPP orchestra . That was a delightful performance of the Mendelssohn and the Bergen PO and Litton were excellent too

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

It was, indeed - but Alpie has expressed his reservations about her performances of Bach elsewhere,

I'm not sure that I did.

Something to do with using an outboard motor on a canoe or some such!

We'll keep boats HIPP if you don't mind!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I'm not sure that I did.

Well - "reservations" about her rationing of vibrato? (You "agreed with [the] bit" about "her tone tended towards monotony" in Post 21 of the Prom 21 Thread - that's what "flavoured" my response to your wish to hear her play Bach in a similar way to how she played Mendelssohn.)

[Roehre]

I liked Alissa Firsova's Bergen's Bonfire and Matre's preSage.
Nicely programmed too with that explicit Bergen connection.

I haven't listened to the rest as I haven't got the time to go through those war horses again, how beautiful or earth shattering they may be/have been.

[mrbouffant]

I was in the hall and I enjoyed Bergen's Bonfire very much. Put preSage in the shade.

Alina was superb in the Mendy. I thought the encore went on a bit too long though. Hit them hard and hit them quick, is always good advice. Still, impeccable playing!

I enjoyed the Rite more in person than I thought I would.

I didn't enjoy the couple sitting a row in front of me in the Circle. They thought the start of the music was the opportunity to start talking, stroking, canoodling and exhibit general restlessness. Very off-putting as they were completely in my eye line for the whole concert. Their behaviour was in stark contrast to the two 8/9 year olds sat another couple of rows in front. They were transfixed by the orchestra and music from beginning to end. Kudos to them and their parents. Shame on the canoodlers!

[verismissimo]

I liked Alissa Firsova's Bergen's Bonfire and Matre's preSage.
Nicely programmed too with that explicit Bergen connection.

I haven't listened to the rest as I haven't got the time to go through those war horses again, how beautiful or earth shattering they may be/have been.

Just got around to the Alissa Firsova premiere. Fine piece. What a talent she is.