Prom 5: Bruckner’s Sixth Symphony (18.07.22)

[cloughie]

Amazing how few comments there are on this - a few years back there would have been dozens by now.
In many ways a much more interesting concert than the Sinfonia of London on Saturday night.

I only heard the end of the Symphony - I just thought ‘It’s Bruckner and not one of the Symphonies on my favourites list and as his symphonies do (a bit, and yes I know there are many on here who think they are wonderful and well structured and all make sense) have rambling, when shall I finish it? finales. But that’s fine and the bit I heard seemed well enough played by Mena and the BBCPO - I think he brought some lively performances when he was in charge of the orchestra - a good Schubert 9 and some Albeniz and Falla from his homeland amongst others.

[jonfan]

The Phil must have thought they’d drawn an extremely short straw when their first two proms this season coincided with the hottest two days ever!The hotel rooms weren’t ready either after the journey from Manchester. Fascinating piece in the interval on how the players cope with extreme heat. Apparently a long Bruckner Symphony brings on thoughts of needing the loo whereas a long Mahler Symphony does not.
A wonderfully balanced first half with the poise of Webern coupled with what must be one of the greatest Viola Concertos. A terrific performance from Power; MacMillan has the gift of keeping one fully engaged. I have never heard the piece before but I sat spellbound.
I have the proms performance in my library from 2012 with these forces of the Bruckner. A top shelf reading of a piece that’s noted for being difficult to bring off. They went on to make a very successful CD for Chandos.

[Ein Heldenleben]

The Phil must have thought they’d drawn an extremely short straw when their first two proms this season coincided with the hottest two days ever!The hotel rooms weren’t ready either after the journey from Manchester. Fascinating piece in the interval on how the players cope with extreme heat. Apparently a long Bruckner Symphony brings on thoughts of needing the loo whereas a long Mahler Symphony does not.
A wonderfully balanced first half with the poise of Webern coupled with what must be one of the greatest Viola Concertos. A terrific performance from Power; MacMillan has the gift of keeping one fully engaged. I have never heard the piece before but I sat spellbound.
I have the proms performance in my library from 2012 with these forces of the Bruckner. A top shelf reading of a piece that’s noted for being difficult to bring off. They went to make a very successful CD for Chandos.

They would have appreciated the new air con in the hall that the announcers keep mentioning.
Less welcome perhaps - it appears from their website that the Queens Arms is closed for refurbishment The next nearest pub is a long way away …..