Originally posted by ferneyhoughgeliebte
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Prom 30 - 7.08.17: Walton – Belshazzar’s Feast
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I just caught up with this. To my surprise, I found the Prokofiev the most enjoyable piece on the programme. Although I don't see the sense in performing an unknown work in the original language, it still had a spark that the Walton lacked. I keep trying with Belshazzar, but it always feels flat and uninvolving. Whether that's down to the quality of the performances I have heard, or my lack of appreciation, I'm not sure.
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Originally posted by Darkbloom View PostI just caught up with this. To my surprise, I found the Prokofiev the most enjoyable piece on the programme. Although I don't see the sense in performing an unknown work in the original language, it still had a spark that the Walton lacked. I keep trying with Belshazzar, but it always feels flat and uninvolving. Whether that's down to the quality of the performances I have heard, or my lack of appreciation, I'm not sure.
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Originally posted by Beef Oven! View PostPerformances also exist in the moment. They are a snapshot in time. Gergiev is amazing. Go and see.
I once entertained similar, stereotypically critical, feelings about Gergiev as those expressed in some posts above, but - with the advent of Qobuz HiFi I was able to actually listen to more of Gergiev's live recordings and take stock. Result was - wholesale revision. Listening to both his LSO Prokofiev Cycle, and the later Mariinsky readings, I would never have described them as careless or undisciplined. I may not always like the interpretational decisions themselves but they are very well played - crisp, sharp and clear - and responsive to each orchestra's individual character.
Suffice to say, I bought the CD Box of the LSO set and it ranks high among several Prokofiev Symphony Cycles I know. The intensity and fire are there, yes, but a precise orchestral response as well. As with all conductors recorded live so frequently - Toscanini, Mravinsky and Mengelberg among them - you may encounter some indiscipline and untidiness as a live by-product (though I can't perceive much of this in the Barbican Prokofiev Cycle), but this doesn't preclude thoughtful or intelligent music making, momentarily fiery or not.
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Yes, but the conductors you mention were disciplinarians to a fault. I expect most players were terrified of Mravinsky if they made a mistake, at the end of the performance. With Gergiev, he'd be out the door on route to the next gig. Lapses do seem more common with him than others. I recall a Proms Mahler 6 a few years ago when they were all over the shop in the final movement.
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