Prom 67: Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra – 2.09.18

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

14:00
Royal Albert Hall

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No 3 in D minor

Susan Graham mezzo-soprano
CBSO Chorus
CBSO Youth Chorus
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Andris Nelsons conductor

Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, American mezzo-soprano Susan Graham and the CBSO Chorus perform Mahler’s Third Symphony. With its post horn calls, children's voices imitating the sound of cowbells and quotations from the Wunderhorn songs, Mahler's Third Symphony teems with the joy of heavenly love and life itself.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Two famous international orchestras on the same day. Quite a treat for the season ticket holders.

[Darkbloom]

This is my least favourite Mahler (well, maybe joint last with the 8th) but I will be interested to hear how it goes. The 6th they gave a few years ago was well-played but inert, and I felt conductor and orchestra weren't really on the same page. Perhaps Nelsons didn't have time to work his magic then. Or maybe it's one of those partnerships that don't work out. I felt that way about Jansons and the Concertgebouw.

[Pulcinella]

This is my least favourite Mahler (well, maybe joint last with the 8th) but I will be interested to hear how it goes. The 6th they gave a few years ago was well-played but inert, and I felt conductor and orchestra weren't really on the same page. Perhaps Nelsons didn't have time to work his magic then. Or maybe it's one of those partnerships that don't work out. I felt that way about Jansons and the Concertgebouw.

Judging from the reviews of the Shostakovich symphonies, I'd say things were going quite well.

[BBMmk2]

Judging from the reviews of the Shostakovich symphonies, I'd say things were going quite well.

Yes, I've been following the Shostakovich series as well. Enjoying this very much. Hope this will be top Prom!

[Ein Heldenleben]

Two famous international orchestras on the same day. Quite a treat for the season ticket holders.

That was tremendous ..
For those forumites lucky enough to be in the hall I would suggest a restorative drink . But what do you drink after that? Tea doesn't seem quite enough.....

[bluestateprommer]

Judging from the reviews of the Shostakovich symphonies, I'd say things were going quite well.

Based on this Prom, I'd say the same. Very, very fine reading of Mahler 3 from what you folks might call "the other BSO" (on this side of the pond, "BSO" means only one American orchestra, i.e. Boston). Maybe the finale felt a bit stretched out at times, and there were a few minor momentary blips from the brass. But the orchestra sounds in fantastic shape. Also, from what I understand from my musician friends, no worries about the partnership, as the Boston musicians love Nelsons. (Side question; I have to listen again if Andrew McGregor mentioned the principal flute in mentioning individual musicians.)

Plus, one small bonus was that the dweeb who ruined the very end of Haitink's Mahler 3 Prom a few years back didn't repeat that mistake, or at least in general, the crowd did let the final chord fade enough before applauding.

[Dave2002]

That was tremendous ..
For those forumites lucky enough to be in the hall I would suggest a restorative drink . But what do you drink after that? Tea doesn't seem quite enough.....

Yes, but where? i'm letting my legs recover from cramp (sitting in the circle) by the Albert Memorial!

[Ein Heldenleben]

There's quite a good pub on the right down Queens gate past Benny Hills house .. But I guess it's shut?

[Bryn]

Yes, but where? i'm letting my legs recover from cramp (sitting in the circle) by the Albert Memorial!

Is the Queen's Arms not open this afternoon?

[Keraulophone]

Imperial College Union bar is definitely open.

[Keraulophone]

For those forumites lucky enough to be in the hall I would suggest a restorative drink . But what do you drink after that? Tea doesn't seem quite enough.....

I’m having restorative tea right now, then going to the bar for warm beer, probably followed by gin before Death and Transfiguration - one might as well be prepared.

[LMcD]

I’m having restorative tea right now, then going to the bar for warm beer, probably followed by gin before Death and Transfiguration - one might as well be prepared.

That's the way to bow out, I reckon!

[Ein Heldenleben]

I’m having restorative tea right now, then going to the bar for warm beer, probably followed by gin before Death and Transfiguration - one might as well be prepared.

Yep I think that is more or less the ideal drink sequence to bridge that awkward gap between Mahler 3 and DAT....

[Keraulophone]

The Boston Symphony's principal trumpet, Thomas Rolfs, was the hero of the two hours, reminding me very much of the legendary Adolf Herseth of the Chicago SO, whose Pictures at an Exhibition I recall vividly in this hall, conducted by Solti. Mr Rolfs went offstage right for the posthorn solo, which I think he may have played on a cornet, though I could be mistaken. The principal trombone was another hero, indeed the entire brass section were peerless. Last movt 22'20, just right. Awe inspiring.