Prom 15 (12.08.21) - Vladimir Jurowski & the LPO

[edashtav]

Agree with JLW that the LPO, VJ, and SI are all on strong form in the 1st half of this Prom. Fun encore from SI as well (couldn't catch the name of the Georgian composer quickly enough, so I'll have to archive it in the Forum Calendar later).

With the question of connecting with the works, I admit that I hadn't though of the parallel of Walton's Cello Concerto with Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1 that Ed mentioned. I generally link it more closely to Walton's Viola Concerto, in the same general structure. IMHO, Walton pretty much recycles his bag of tricks from his earlier works in this concerto, rhythmic tics and such. With respect to Stravinsky, I tend to get a same-old, same-old reaction to works of his neoclassical period, in terms of overall style. However, I rate Jeu de cartes more highly and as more engaging, from that historical segment of Stravinsky's catalog.

A curious conjunction: a time there was when Stravinsky was writing his very French neo-classical Jeu de Cartes for an American audience, meanwhile, in England, Arthur Bliss, encouraged by Irish Dancer, Ninette de Valois, was composing Checkmate that a British Ballet company exported to France. I love the Stravinsky more than the Bliss and this evening, Jurowski and his LPO gave it a masterful, acerbic and rhythmic performance full of bite and brio.

I continued to be happy with the contributions of the LPO and its great conductor to the performance of Walton’s final string concerto but although Isserlis was his usual committed self and despite his fine start in its first movement that I might subtitle “Dream of Susanna” with apologies to Charles Williams, I felt that he used too much bow, and attacked the second movement too indulgently, not observing the clipped, staccato rhythms that the LPO were executing. The finale was more successful but its wistful sadness was a tad undercharged for my taste. I reject some of the words the BBC associates with Walton’s Cello Concerto that include sunny ( only in part) and rhapsodic (it’s structure is tight and secure but not simple).

The Georgian trifle made a neat encore although, like bps, I’m struggling to identify its composer : Zhindadze??, or does the name start Tsin…?

I’m yet to hear the second half and Hindemith’s ‘Mathis der Maler ’ symphony which Jayne loved so much - the last time that I heard it in the RAH at the Proms, I think it was conducted sympathetically but in an understated manner by Herbert Blomstedt. I’ll check it out, tomorrow.

[makropulos]

Yes altogether a life enhancing programme with performances to match.

Edward G is inheriting some orchestra :-)

I do love the full brass sound which seems to be a feature of the top London orchestras.

I very much agree –a really smashing concert, with VJ and the LPO on glorious form in the Hindemith. And extremely appropriate that they presented the RPS Gold Medal to him at the end. A superb evening at the Proms and my highlight of the season so far.

Edward G not only inherits an orchestra in splendid shape, but has big boots to fill with VJ's departure. I hope he's up to it.

[Simon B]

This was VJ and the LPO signing off in entirely true-to-form manner.

Thoughtful slightly off centre programming, crisp taut playing of distinction and a feeling more of a swift and bracing walk in a stiff coolish breeze never overindulging in the view rather than a comfortable arm around you from a conductorial point of view.

Other overstretched similes or metaphors or whatever they are (it is late) are available.

I went to this mainly as a chance to bid farewell to VJ of which we have been otherwise robbed (including an entire Ring Cycle no less) for all too obvious reasons.

Very glad I did. Just very classy stuff really.

Turns out VJ has more of a sense of humour than I'd previously suspected. The odd layout of the RAH and its currently enormous stage meant I got to see every gesture. Those associated with some of the horn section raspberries in the Stravinsky were priceless and clearly delineated in what the players actually produced.

He will be much missed.

[Barbirollians]

Surely this concert cried out to be a televised Prom ?