Prom 1: 15.07.16 - First Night of the Proms

[BBMmk2]

Rather an interesting inter section on Radio 3 tonight, looking at behind the scenes in KCC.

[Carlos V]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm on my way to the hall now.

[antongould]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm on my way to the hall now.

Enjoy

[pastoralguy]

Thanks for the welcome. I'm on my way to the hall now.

[bluestateprommer]

Tribute to the victims of the attack in Nice at the start, with La Marseillaise. No words needed from anyone.

On the much less melancholy side, this article from Sol Gabetta in The Guardian has some choice (good) words about the Elgar Cello Concerto:

https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/jul/14/sol-gabetta-celebrates-the-cello-proms-2016-first-night-elgar

".... I was struck by the delicate change of dynamics going on all the time in Elgar’s score and made that the cornerstone of my own interpretation. I think it is the very best concerto ever written for the cello...."

[johnn10]

Pity a lot of the audience were so slow to stand for it. It looked in some cases that they were only standing because those near them were doing so. Also difficult to see why the Chorus did not sing -otherwise what was the point of them being in place at the start of the concert when they were not due to sing until after the interval?

[Bryn]

Pity a lot of the audience were so slow to stand for it. It looked in some cases that they were only standing because those near them were doing so. Also difficult to see why the Chorus did not sing -otherwise what was the point of them being in place at the start of the concert when they were not due to sing until after the interval?

Indeed. Would that they had managed to offer us this:

[Barbirollians]

Indeed. Would that they had managed to offer us this:

Cracking performance of the Elgar - splendidly emotional .

[Bryn]

Cracking performance of the Elgar - splendidly emotional .

I only got back from work a little before 7.30, so am relying on the televisiual option for themoment. The Elgar does indeed sound (and look) very good indeed.

[bluestateprommer]

Cracking performance of the Elgar - splendidly emotional .

Very fine rendition indeed from SG of the Elgar, the BBC SO and Oramo. I did notice at the very end of the scherzo a different than usual treatment of the final pizzicato. She also gets points for one of the most imaginative solo encores I've heard anywhere, the Peteris Vasks work with her doing double duty playing the cello and singing. Likewise, very, very good R&J, where one can't help but wonder if Oramo slowing down a bit for the 'love theme' was an emotional outlet after yesterday.

Even through computer speakers, the engineered sound sounds really, really good. Strong first half, and definitely looking forward to the second half.

[mlb7171]

Pity a lot of the audience were so slow to stand for it. It looked in some cases that they were only standing because those near them were doing so.

Sadly, many people today have no spine. Anyone with any intelligence, honour, education or frankly normality knows you stand when a national anthem is played. It doesn't matter what your neighbour does, you do it. The Proms audience are sheep these days.

[pastoralguy]

Wonderful performance of the Elgar 'cello concerto from Sol Gabetta. Absolutely first rate. (Does anyone remember a pallid reading from Guy Johnston a few years ago at a first night?)

[Vile Consort]

Arghhhh ... the presentation! Make it stop!!

[BBMmk2]

Never mind the presentation. Let the music speak, which is at the time of writing, is very good!

[Stunsworth]

Sadly, many people today have no spine. Anyone with any intelligence, honour, education or frankly normality knows you stand when a national anthem is played. It doesn't matter what your neighbour does, you do it. The Proms audience are sheep these days.

I never used to stand when the national anthem was played at the Free Trade Hall. Not sure how many of your essential attributes I have, or had.