Prom 18: 29.07.16 - Mahler: Symphony no. 3

[Prommer]

I think Bernie is nearly old enough to conduct this symphony.

I would prefer live to mean live (or as near as dammit within the constraints of DB) - it's a sharing thing, innit? Community, man...

[Prommer]

On BBC4?

At least it IS on the telly, I s'pose. They normally miss most of the Events in favour of silly patterns und themes. Except where John Wilson appears, naturlich.

[Simon B]

In a decidedly 'meh' season (I appreciate this is all a matter of taste, but there are cello concerti and Mozart - both barely audible in the RAH - shaped trip hazards littered all about the place for starters), this leapt out as one of only two concerts with an optimal combination of repertoire, orchestra and conductor. Plus, one of only a smattering of 'Events'.

Hopefully BH won't have one of his off nights, the LSO will, as they usually do, scale up their already big and strongly projected sound for the overlarge RAH barn, and it'll be memorable.

[LHC]

At least it IS on the telly, I s'pose. They normally miss most of the Events in favour of silly patterns und themes. Except where John Wilson appears, naturlich.

Just be thankful it hasn't been split into separate segments with Mark Elder to tell us what to think between each movement!

[pastoralguy]

The question of time delays on to and radio is one I've always wondered about. Be it half an hour or a few seconds, I've long since nurtured the suspicion that should something 'happen', (and, with the world in its current state, I suspect you know what I mean), there would be enough time for the broadcast feed to be pulled.

The one time I remember this occuring was the Jerusalem Quartet playing a concert in the Queen's Hall in Edinburgh during the Festival where a group of women started singing as a protest. The feed was VERY quickly stopped. Likewise, during the recent European Championships, whenever there was a pitch invasion, the cameras would go for extreme close ups of players rather than give the perpetrators the publicity they desired.

Sorry to bring up such a gloomy topic into what should be a joyous occasion but since the subject was raised...

[BBMmk2]

Bernie's looking great! :)

[pastoralguy]

And sounding great too...

[Stanfordian]

And sounding great too...

Yes, it is sounding great!

[Stanfordian]

Just be thankful it hasn't been split into separate segments with Mark Elder to tell us what to think between each movement!

Yes, that was a real mistake by Sir Mark. However, it might have been helpful for someone new to classical music which is what I think all this sort of thing is really about, trying to broaden appeal.

[Stanfordian]

Ending spoilt by that too early yell from the hall. I'm choosing my words carefully.

[pastoralguy]

Ending spoilt by that too early yell from the hall. I'm choosing my words carefully.

Still watching the 'Bim Bam' movt. on telly. Thanks for the warning!

(Bloody plebs!)

[bluestateprommer]

Well, one obligatory idiotic "Hooray Henry" in the hall yelled "Yeah!!!!" much, much, much too soon at the end of Mahler 3 just now. Said doofus obviously couldn't wait 5 seconds.

That aside, BH certainly went for the slow burn approach all throughout, which caused me worry at the start, in all honesty. However, he kept the pulse fairly consistent, and seemed to save up for the more up-tempo moments, AFAICT. Nice work from Sarah Connolly and the two choruses, but clearly this is BH's big night. Interesting to hear Ian Skelly just say that this might be BH's last go at Mahler 3, per the great man himself. Cute touch to give BH the last word (pre-recorded) just now from the relay.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

A truly memorable concert. Great conducting, playing, singing, BBC sound, and a respectful audience (apart from the self-absorbed yeller).

[EdgeleyRob]

Random thoughts.
That solo offstage (please excuse numptiness)is it a flugelhorn ? well was the player having a bad day ? And the horns too had some dodgy moments.
Sometimes solo winds didn't seem quite on the money.
I love the finale,beautifully done here,but can take or leave the rest of the symphony.
How many times would one listen to this vast work in a lifetime ? Even Mahler nuts like Pet,needs some staying power,I've probably listened about 4 times at the most,
Just switched the telly on,Uncle Bernie looks like he's been on the beach,looking well.

[Alison]

In my early twenties I could easily have notched up thrice a week!