Prom 37 - 13.08.17: Rachmaninov – Piano Concerto No. 3

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

18:00 Sunday 13 August 2017 ON TV
Royal Albert Hall

Sergei Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No 3 in D minor
Sergei Rachmaninov: Symphony No 2 in E minor

Alexander Gavrylyuk piano
Latvian Radio Choir
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Thomas Dausgaard conductor

In tonight's all-Rachmaninov Prom, prize-winning pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk makes his Proms debut in the composer's demanding Third Piano Concerto, while the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra steps into the spotlight for the mercurial Second Symphony, with its hauntingly beautiful Adagio and impassioned finale. The Latvian Radio Choir complements each work with Russian Orthodox chant, illuminating these blazing orchestral works with the hypnotic sound-world that seeped into Rachmaninov's works.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

This could be a much more interesting and enterprising programme than it appears at first sight.

[pastoralguy]

Interesting start although the sound level appeared very low to begin with.

[gradus]

Interesting start although the sound level appeared very low to begin with.

Does seem a bit low but the sound quality is very reminiscent of what I hear in the hall and quite different to many spectacular recorded balances in this concerto.

[BBMmk2]

Why isn't there more posts on this concert. An absolute stunner!

[bluestateprommer]

Interesting start although the sound level appeared very low to begin with.

Kate Molleson just said that the Latvian Radio Choir began in the foyer, and made their way "through the Prommers" to the stage, which may explain the sound level at the start.

It's very minor and quibbling to wish that there had been a bit more silence after the choir, and just before the concerto launched, but never mind. Quite the mood setter, to hear the chorus at the start. AG did very fine work throughout the concerto, generally resisting any cheap thrills temptations, but given the sophistication of the concerto, this isn't a cheap thrills work. Well done encore of the 'Vocalise' just now as well.

[Ein Heldenleben]

So much of a stunner I'm listening again to Rach 3 on BBC Four.

[Constantbee]

Tasteful, easy on the nerves and entirely suited to a Sunday evening. Lovely encore by Gavrylyuk. Tissues at the ready ...

[Braunschlag]

Most enjoyable evening indeed. I might add that I perhaps admired rather than liked the concerto, old school romantic I thought (rather than the Earl Wild 'let's get on with it' school - I can manage both). Watching and listening to the concerto reminds one how relatively uninteresting the orchestral writing is. I'm a big fan of the piece but it's the pianists day out!

[kernelbogey]

Watching the symphony now on BBC4 HD.

Curious about the transparent plastic screens near some players, e.g. woodwind. What are they for? Haven't ever noticed them before.

[Nick Armstrong]

So much of a stunner I'm listening again to Rach 3 on BBC Four.

The symphony performance was indeed an absolute stunner as it came across on the radio - looking forward to seeing/hearing the BBC4 TV broadcast. Going to have to keep this one...

However on the radio I was listening to, there was something very odd about the sound in the concerto - distant/low as others have mentioned, and the tuning of the piano sounded slightly 'second hand' by the end. Wonder how the sound will come across on TV. I also thought the performance was less successful, especially pacing-wise. Have to disagree with Braunschlag about the orchestral writing though!

But the symphony... ... and illuminating choral 'extras'. Sad I'm away or else I'd have booked for this one, wish I'd been there

Looks forward to reading accounts from any forumites who were in the hall.

[Cockney Sparrow]

Kate Molleson just said that the Latvian Radio Choir began in the foyer, and made their way "through the Prommers" to the stage, which may explain the sound level at the start.

It's very minor and quibbling to wish that there had been a bit more silence after the choir, and just before the concerto launched, but never mind. Quite the mood setter, to hear the chorus at the start. AG did very fine work throughout the concerto, generally resisting any cheap thrills temptations, but given the sophistication of the concerto, this isn't a cheap thrills work. Well done encore of the 'Vocalise' just now as well.

Yes,down stalls steps, along centre of the Arena then off to exit (down) stairs at front right of Arena. Before Symphony, they sang from the gallery. I prommed for both halves, first time for 6 or so years. Late decision to go.
I have a seat in stalls "M" for the Vespers - hearing the Latvian R Chorus & the Vespers is my main reason for coming.

[Nick Armstrong]

I prommed for both halves, first time for 6 or so years. Late decision to go.

Have a great late-nighter Do please post review of the main concert tomorrow (and the Vespers)!

[Braunschlag]

and the tuning of the piano sounded slightly 'second hand' by the end.
I also thought the performance was less successful, especially pacing-wise. Have to disagree with Braunschlag about the orchestral writing though!

But the symphony... ... and il, wish I'd been there

Had a quick re - run and the piano didn't sound at it's very best I'd agree.
I was being kind when I said I thought it 'romantic'. By that I mean a little too flexible with the rits. Almost a bit micro-managed, hence my preference for a fleeter style.
I remember playing in the college orchestra when we did this with Martin Roscoe and the orchestra members found it a bit of a tedious thing to play, hence my comment. I agreed with them entirely even though the overall effect works well.
If it's any consolation it doesn't come anywhere near the sheer boredom of playing in Howells' Hymnus Paradisi, lord was that a real bore.

[Pulcinella]

Was there a special trumpet, or did the player just play/hold the instrument sideways?