Prom 1: First Night of the Proms - 19.07.19

[Goon525]

Using the TV sound to go with the picture, but listening through a high res system, the sound has been a bit short of impact and dynamics. Even so, the Dvorak was pretty decent and seemed well conducted.

[Ein Heldenleben]

That interval interview with a 72 year old Henry Wood redefines the word ‘sprightly’ . And the singing in the oh -too -brief Serenade clip. ( great mono sound as well)

[Alain Maréchal]

my guess is that, barring the end of civilization before then, with KC on the podium now, you're looking at the next chief conductor of the BBC SO.

She may be busy: she is already Chief Conductor of the Nederlandse RadioOrkest, and Chief Guest Conductor of the Berlin Radio SO.

[edashtav]

Hmm - not so much "prejudice" as "premonition". Sort of "We can't afford to commission Saariaho or Adams, so could you give us something that sounds a bit like either/both of them?" And a few "modernistic" techniques chucked into the mixture with all the aplomb and self-assurance of Del-boy sticking French phrases into his conversation.


Creme de menthe, Rodney; creme de menthe ...

With ferney dreaming in his the chair, do we need performances or a panel of listeners?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Wow! That's more like it!

[edashtav]

Janacek's Glagolitic Mass is a masterpiece. Whereas Dvorak in his Golden Spinning merely transcribed text rhythms, literally, Janacek gutted them and distilled their essence. Whilst Dvorak rambled, Janacek concentrated but without Dvorak could there be a Janacek?

Did Karina start a little cautiously? Melodic line seemed to dominate dramatic rhythm for this listener. Does Karina do jagged was my early reaction ?

Yes, was the clear answer just before the organ roused the audience to cheer.
I was impressed by the Choral forces who were drilled and martial. As for the soloists:
Asmik Grigorian, soprano, Jennifer Johnston, mezzo-soprano,
Ladislav Elgr, tenor and Peter Holder, on the mammoth, RAH organ
I enjoyed the contributions of the two sopranos but I found Ladislav Elgr pushed to the limits of his endurance. Peter Holder revelled in the colours and power of the Father Willis / Mander organ.
The performance built with an unstoppable force. A great choice for the first night.

[Goon525]

Yes, splendid stuff. And the sound improved for the Janacek too, although there was still a hint of the dryness others referred to above. But KC looks like the real deal.

[Ein Heldenleben]

Just wondering whether the strings ( for once ) slightly overwhelmed the brass...

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

But KC looks like the real deal.

Whereas KFC looks like a meal deal.

(Yes - I did wonder at the start if it might be a little underpowered; but the grip tightened quickly, and ... well ... wow!)

[kernelbogey]

I've known the Mass for over fifty years since a friend bought me an LP of it for my twenty-first , he not knowing it any more than I. I don't where it is right now, but it was a Supraphon recording - possibly Czech P O under Ancerl: and a terrific listen for my (then) naive ears.

I thought for a few minutes that the first movement was underpowered, but I may well have been mistaken, because the rest of it went very well IMV. The tenor seemed a bit stretched at the top, but it's a demanding score for him.

To begin with the inter-movement applause didn't worry me - but just before the organ movement, it sounded as though there was a definite caucus [?] of applauders trying to lead others on. Happily the organist came in smartly - and that was that. Ditto for the last movement, the orchesta came in immediately, as is right - and what a terrific, joyous sound.

I missed the first part but enjoyed Part Two immensely.

A slight niggle about the two-person commentary - is R3 becoming obsessed with this two-hander formula?

[jayne lee wilson]

Good, measured weight and density of sound initially in the Janacek Glagolitic Mass (given the nature of the work and the work involved in playing it, it's perhaps best not to go too loud, too soon..), orchestral detail fresher and brighter than in Part 1, powerful fairly tight choral work, but I found the soloists balanced a little close; not too oppressive but I prefer them more "embedded" on relays (which I have heard done that way from the RAH on the same R3 320 kbps aac feed, and on FM previously). There was at least a degree of depth offered in the choral balance; the chorus itself soared impressively into their climaxes.

Very good dynamics in this Mass! Beautifully balanced, clear-cut brasses. The organ solos were aptly room-filling to almost physically crushing effect.
Spontaneous-sounding orchestral response generally, but carefully controlled too. Canellakis gets what she wants but does let them play.

There was great sweep and grandeur to this performance, which increased in momentum and intensity as it progressed. A fine effort.

[kernelbogey]

Deliberately didn't read others' contributions before posting my n55 - but glad to read confirmation of my thoughts from Edashtav and Jayne - thank you.

It's good to be back after a couple of months off.

(All's well - and all manner of thing shall be well.)

[Goon525]

Does anyone else find the applause between movements particularly irksome in a sacred work? I thought it really intruded between the Agnus Dei and the big organ solo.

[Stunsworth]

The 5.1 TV mix sounded good. The organ in particular was filled out by the ambience in the rear channels.

[edashtav]

Does anyone else find the applause between movements particularly irksome in a sacred work? I thought it really intruded between the Agnus Dei and the big organ solo.

Not really, Goon, but then I don't feel this Mass is particularly religious.