Prom 60 (3.09.20) Nicola Benedetti with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

[cloughie]

With the water-feature no longer in place, it would be a fish out of water, or did you want it served up on a platter? (Now where's me coat?)

As it is National Fish and Chips Day today I expect the Carp will get a battering in beef dripping!

[Cockney Sparrow]

We watched the TV. I agree with the balance aspect in the Bach, but it seems I'm more forgiving of live performances and imperfections.

Danielle De Niese didn't annoy me or Mrs CS in the slightest; in particular one inestimable benefit was that she enabled an enthusiastic and informative contribution from Hannah French without dominating the presentation passages. All in all we found it a very good experience and it was so good to see such accomplished musicians enjoying live performance so much. (And to hear it through our main audio system in quality sound).

I'm not possessed of much knowledge of music and music making, comparatively. I've thought before its a blessing - I've heard professionals (and of professionals) who cannot approach experiencing performance except from a very critical stance, with all the defects to the fore. I'm glad I can just enjoy a good performance, and sometimes strike lucky with a brilliant performance (In my uninformed opinion).

[LMcD]

With one of the soloists pulling out at such short notice(and in such sad circumstances) this concert was always going to face problems, in addition to the already known ones of distancing etc. In terms of the performance, and given the caveats, the only bit I really couldn't like was the Bach. The solo violins both sounded 'scratchy' and harsh so in the end I switched off.
However over all I would like to say thank you to the musicians for their hard work(and adrenaline overload!)and making it possible for the concert to go ahead; the glitches(including losing Martin Handley) are part and parcel of a live broadcast even in normal times so I'm happy to discount them.

I was merely suggesting, in my usual super-subtle way, that some slack should be cut for those involved in any way in the staging and broadcasting of these live Proms, which should not, IMVHO, be judged against normal critieria. Frankly, I think that we should be very grateful to have such events to enjoy (or not) and review. My only real problem was the choice of presenters - plenty of gush, plenty of enthusiasm, but not a lot of useful information or guidance. I wonder how many people know that Avison's concerti are reworkings of Scarlatti sonatas?

May I extend a warm welcome to cockney sparrow as the newest member of LOTTOFU*

* League Of The Totally Or Frightfully Uninformed.

[Pulcinella]

I was merely suggesting, in my usual super-subtle way, that some slack should be cut for those involved in any way in the staging and broadcasting of these live Proms, which should not, IMVHO, be judged against normal critieria. Frankly, I think that we should be very grateful to have such events to enjoy (or not) and reviews. My only real problem was the choice of presenters - plenty of gush, plenty of enthusiasm, but not a lot of useful information or guidance. I wonder how many people know that Avison's concerti are reworkings of Scarlatti sonatas?

I certainly didn't, but both were given equal billing (same-size font) on the front of the score that the harpsichordist/director had on his stand.
I must investigate Avison a bit more more: I wonder where in Newcastle his concerts were held.

[LMcD]

I certainly didn't, but both were given equal billing (same-size font) on the front of the score that the harpsichordist/director had on his stand.
I must investigate Avison a bit more more: I wonder where in Newcastle his concerts were held.

I'm not sure how many viewers 'read' the director's score.
The concerts were held in the Assembly Rooms and in Mr Parker's Long Room at the Turk's Head Hotel. They were so successful that they continued after his death.
There's a memorial plaque in St Andrew's Church.

[kernelbogey]

....Frankly, I think that we should be very grateful to have such events to enjoy (or not) and reviews....

....My only real problem was the choice of presenters - plenty of gush, plenty of enthusiasm, but not a lot of useful information or guidance....

Although I haven't yet seen this surely the gushy presentation of Proms is all part of the 'widening access' (aka, to some, 'dumbing down') agenda of management. The annoying R3 trails, annoyingly repeated ad nauseam, are part of the same. With the Beeb under open attack from various quarters, all of them weaponised, I fear we just have to put up with that, and/or operate the mute button, until the music starts.

[Pulcinella]

I'm not sure how many viewers 'read' the director's score.
The concerts were held in the Assembly Rooms and in Mr Parker's Long Room at the Turk's Head Hotel. They were so successful that they continued after his death.
There's a memorial plaque in St Andrew's Church.

The names were quite visible in most shots of the director, as they were on the front cover of the music propped up on the harpsichord.

Grove mentions informal concerts in a room added for the purpose to St Nicholas' vicarage (St Nicholas, now the cathedral, being where Avison was organist) and others in the pleasure gardens!

[Cockney Sparrow]

I was merely suggesting, in my usual super-subtle way, that some slack should be cut for those involved in any way in the staging and broadcasting of these live Proms......

I'd assumed that your post was ironic. I was pleased I knew of Avison, but I didn't know much more than his Newcastle connections and the sort of music he composed.

[cloughie]

I'd assumed that your post was ironic. I was pleased I knew of Avison, but I didn't know much more than his Newcastle connections and the sort of music he composed.

My connection with Avison was his Concerto 13 on a superb Ace of Diamonds LP - now on CD courtesy of Australian Eloquence - ECO Hurwitz. Apparently this recording only came about because of the indisposition of another conductor so the studio time was not wasted.

Check it out if you like lively pre HIPP playing!

https://www.eloquenceclassics.com/releases/sinfonia-salieri-j-c-bach-arne-purcell-albinoni-pachelbel/

[Bryn]

My connection with Avison was his Concerto 13 on a superb Ace of Diamonds LP - now on CD courtesy of Australian Eloquence - ECO Hurwitz. Apparently this recording only came about because of the indisposition of another conductor so the studio time was not wasted.

Check it out if you like lively pre HIPP playing!

https://www.eloquenceclassics.com/re...oni-pachelbel/

Disc 14 in the Cafe Zimmermnn big box has very fine decidedly HIPP versions:

[Cockney Sparrow]

Although I haven't yet seen this ………….

.... ermm, right.......

surely the gushy presentation of Proms is all part of the 'widening access' (aka, to some, 'dumbing down') agenda of management………….

Like all these things, to an acceptable degree or not is in the eye of the beholder. We're not going to get a reticent Richard Baker style presentation these days, are we?
Hannah French was animated, informed and encouraging - unless we want a seminar, I think that's as good as its going to get. I agree though, its always possible to take against a presenter - and we all know presenters who have a constituency of ardent critics from forum members here (including, in one or two cases, myself).

When I think about my journey in exploring classical music, reasonable positivity and informed comment were welcome and encouraged me to seek out more - in those days Radio 3 /Home Service in the Radio Times (+ occasional TV broadcasts) and fortnightly bus trips to the music library were my resources. If I were young today, with Naxos Mus Lib and Oxford Music via the Library and yet more available in other places it would be a speedy and splendid journey.

…………..I fear we just have to put up with that, and/or operate the mute button, until the music starts.

- reckon so - depending on presenter and the viewer's taste.

[LMcD]

I'd assumed that your post was ironic. I was pleased I knew of Avison, but I didn't know much more than his Newcastle connections and the sort of music he composed.

Ironic - moi?
I'm not only grateful to everybody who has played a part in bringing these concerts to us, but pleased in particular for the musicians who, I'm sure, have welcomed the chance to perform together in public if not actually before the public.
I have an off-air audio cassette recording of a concert given by the Avison Ensemble featuring works by Francesco Scarlatti, Handel, Geminiani and Avison himself.

[gurnemanz]

My connection with Avison was his Concerto 13 on a superb Ace of Diamonds LP - now on CD courtesy of Australian Eloquence - ECO Hurwitz. Apparently this recording only came about because of the indisposition of another conductor so the studio time was not wasted.

Check it out if you like lively pre HIPP playing!

https://www.eloquenceclassics.com/re...oni-pachelbel/

I loved that Ace of Diamonds LP which I played a lot when I did not own that many. Not heard for ages - I should dig it out.

[oddoneout]

I was merely suggesting, in my usual super-subtle way, that some slack should be cut for those involved in any way in the staging and broadcasting of these live Proms, which should not, IMVHO, be judged against normal critieria. Frankly, I think that we should be very grateful to have such events to enjoy (or not) and review. My only real problem was the choice of presenters - plenty of gush, plenty of enthusiasm, but not a lot of useful information or guidance. I wonder how many people know that Avison's concerti are reworkings of Scarlatti sonatas?

May I extend a warm welcome to cockney sparrow as the newest member of LOTTOFU*

* League Of The Totally Or Frightfully Uninformed.

I assumed you were tongue in cheek, but my post was an independent observation not intended in any way to criticise.
The radio broadcast had useful info about the Avison/Scarlatti, so once more a chance to learn something new. I think I would probably qualify for your League - I have done much music-making but the technicalities and theory have refused to stick.

[jonfan]

Sad not to be able to hear Alina, but feeling sympathy for her loss of her Dad.

A beautiful clip of Alina playing a Duo with her father from 2011.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpcIfoujVP8