Prom 17: Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (2) - 31.07.19

[gradus]

Perhaps harder sticks would have helped?

[jonfan]

I think it’s been said by timpanists that Sibelius 1 is up there as one of the most rewarding symphonies to play. Therefore we shouldn’t be surprised that this player went for it. I think it was Ian Skelly who remarked on his virtuoso playing so what was heard in the hall was what we got at home.
What a stunning pair of concerts. The headphone mix of Shostakovich 5 highly recommended.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Does the ‘headphone mix’ differ from the standard version on BBC sounds ?

[Bryn]

Does the ‘headphone mix’ differ from the standard version on BBC sounds ?

Yes. It's a special binaural mix.

[jonfan]

Does the ‘headphone mix’ differ from the standard version on BBC sounds ?

Yes it does. A special array of mics are used to give the impression of sitting in the hall with sounds from all sides. There’s a link on the BBC Proms https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p07glw4s for more information.

[Ein Heldenleben]

So it’s binaural or a version of that? Sadly due to tinnitus I avoid headphones....

[Maclintick]

I think it’s been said by timpanists that Sibelius 1 is up there as one of the most rewarding symphonies to play. Therefore we shouldn’t be surprised that this player went for it. I think it was Ian Skelly who remarked on his virtuoso playing so what was heard in the hall was what we got at home.

Just caught up with BRSO/YNS Sibelius 1 via what is now called "BBC Sounds", & mighty fine it was. Skelly is correct, Sibelius gives the timpanist a starring rôle in his 1st symphony, especially in the quasi-Brucknerian moto perpetuo of the scherzo -- & as we know, Sibelius revered Bruckner from his time in Vienna -- but these dramatic timpanistical interjections are a feature of the piece, as much as the cavernously thunderous bass-drum rolls are in, for instance, "Lemminkäinen in Tuonela". I really enjoyed hearing this symphony played with such élan by an orchestra & conductor at the top of their game. A minor caveat -- certain Finns of my acquaintance would not be able to forgive YNS's shameless milking of the great string theme of the finale & it thereby morphing into something akin to Puccini, but that aside, it convinced me as an entirely valid interpretation.

BTW -- The timps in the finale coda of DSCH5 the previous night, when I was in 'H' stalls, were overwhelmingly satirical/bombastic at a slow tempo.There was no mistaking YNS's take on this.

[jonfan]

So it’s binaural or a version of that? Sadly due to tinnitus I avoid headphones....

Really sorry to hear of this H. Rest assured the impact and quality of the BRSO come over equally well on iplayer radio or BBC Sounds.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Headphones don’t necessarily exacerbate the tinnitus however I think over use when young caused it.,,,,
Heard the performance again on I player using the headphone jack on my MacBook routed into amp which is why I was asking about the ‘headphone ‘version . The version I heard sounded like standard BBC / EMI stereo so thanks for confirming.

[Joseph K]

Headphones don’t necessarily exacerbate the tinnitus however I think over use when young caused it.,,,,
Heard the performance again on I player using the headphone jack on my MacBook routed into amp which is why I was asking about the ‘headphone ‘version . The version I heard sounded like standard BBC / EMI stereo so thanks for confirming.

I have recently stopped using headphones because of wax build up in my ears. No late-night listening for me.

[Bryn]

Not from this Prom but the Messiaen one, here's a link to the first 7 minutes or so with a switch from Binaural to Stereo mix at 3'41".

https://we.tl/t-rqWyD08BDS

Only really worth checking out via headphones. Can you here the switch?

[Just to add, the file will only remain available for download for 7 days.]

[Darkbloom]

I have recently stopped using headphones because of wax build up in my ears. No late-night listening for me.

You can buy an ear syringe for a fiver.

[Flay]

You can buy an ear syringe for a fiver.

Start with de-waxing drops (providing you don't have a perforation or other ear disease). Squirting things into the ear could do damage. Why not see your GP's practice nurse?

[Sir Velo]

You can buy an ear syringe for a fiver.

Not recommended! You are more likely to end up dislodging the wax and forcing it further down the ear canal.

The quickest, safest and most effective approach is microsuction. It will restore your hearing instantly and painlessly, without risk.

[Joseph K]

Not recommended! You are more likely to end up dislodging the wax and forcing it further down the ear canal.

The quickest, safest and most effective approach is microsuction. It will restore your hearing instantly and painlessly, without risk.

Quite.

But that, for me, would involve a journey/appointment made with my local hospital - quite inconvenient. As it is, while my right ear has for a long time been sort of blocked, the real problem is when my left ear also becomes blocked. Recently it did and I successfully used ear drops. I did use my headphones a bit last night and haven't woken up with the left ear blocked so whatever it was that caused it seems to have gone away.