Prom 22: A London Symphony – 31.07.18

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

19:00
Royal Albert Hall

Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 104 in D major, 'London'
Ralph Vaughan Williams : A London Symphony

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Manze conductor

Following on from the Hallé's Paris-inspired programme (Prom 16) comes a corresponding focus on London.

Andrew Manze and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra open with Haydn's lively, assertive final symphony - composed and first performed in London during the composer's second triumphant residency.

First performed in March 1914, Vaughan Williams's A London Symphony evokes the chimes of Westminster, a chilly November in Bloomsbury and the bright lights of the Strand in a city that would soon be scarred by war.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

An interesting idea, but it makes a very short concert. Perhaps Ireland's London Overture might have made a suitable addition to the first half.

[LMcD]

I'm a great admirer of performances of Vaughan Williams symphonies by this orchestra under this conductor.

[Nick Armstrong]

This'll be my first Prom of the season (only one planned so far).

Looking forward to hearing the RVW live for the first time ever.

[cloughie]

An interesting idea, but it makes a very short concert. Perhaps Ireland's London Overture might have made a suitable addition to the first half.

My thoughts too, before I saw your suggestion I had pencilled in Cockaigne as a starter!

[BBMmk2]

This is rather good, as you say, EA. But yes, short changed, rather. Indeed an ideal opener would be Ireland’s A London Overture, although, I expect you Forum members know, it was originally written fir brass band.

[zola]

An interesting idea, but it makes a very short concert. Perhaps Ireland's London Overture might have made a suitable addition to the first half.

There are always time constraints when there is a late prom to follow. Stage and backstage setups, getting the audiences out and in etc.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

There was actually an extra London-themed suite originally programmed, but with the current heat wave, they decided to leave the Coates off.

[cloughie]

There was actually an extra London-themed suite originally programmed, but with the current heat wave, they decided to leave the Coates off.

I’ll settle for Knightsbridge as an encore!

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I’ll settle for Knightsbridge as an encore!

Only if you're in town tonight.

[cloughie]

Only if you're in town tonight.

ferney, I just stopped short of mentioning that and of course the traffic. Must have been one of the first UK TV chat shows

[Bryn]

I’ll settle for Knightsbridge as an encore!

This is getting us Neverwhere.

[LMcD]

ferney, I just stopped short of mentioning that and of course the traffic. Must have been one of the first UK TV chat shows

Surviving episodes (from 1955) include Tito Gobbi and a former SS officer.....
The radio programme of the same name ran from 1933 to 1960. 'Once again we stop the mighty roar of London's traffic....'

[Tony Halstead]

I'm a great admirer of performances of Vaughan Williams symphonies by this orchestra under this conductor.

Hmmmm.... there must be a reason why Mr Manze isn't employing the BBCSSO for his ongoing CD recordings of the VW symphonies with the R.L.P.O. I have to say, it saddens me, as I 'cut my teeth' as a young professional player at the outset of my career, as an orchestral horn player in the BBCSSO during 1966-1970.
During that period I was happy and priviliged to play for many superb conductors who include: James Loughran; Norman Del Mar; Christopher Seaman; George Malcolm; Graham Treacher; Sir Alexander Gibson; Bernard Keefe; Robin Orr; Sir Adrian Boult; Walter Susskind; Alun Francis and many others.
Manze's wonderful BBC Proms VW perfomances in the last few years were with the BBCSSO, so, why the switch to the RLPO?
Could it possibly be anything to do with the fact that he has very recently been appointed as 'Principal guest conductor' of the RLPO? or is that supposition maybe a bit cynical?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

This is getting us Neverwhere.

A door able.