Prom 65: Berliner Philharmoniker plays Schnittke and Bruckner (4.09.22)

[Ein Heldenleben]

I see from the Times that Harding used Benjamin Korstvedt’s 2019 edition. 4 star review saying pretty much what we’ve been saying ….but not keen on the Schnittke .
On a minute detail did any one else notice that immaculate exposed Horn trill? what a player that person is.
On the Horn front how do they go from that Misty blurred sound to full blaze ? Must be the greatest horn section around….

[Petrushka]

Arghh Hope you nonetheless had an enjoyable experience, P

I was there, of course, and agree with all the comments on the superlative playing. Harding, though, is a strange conductor to watch with a somewhat minimalist approach, even in the most blazing climaxes, that makes him seem disinterested. Would the orchestra have played like this even if it had been me in front of them? Probably.

[Darkbloom]

I was there, of course, and agree with all the comments on the superlative playing. Harding, though, is a strange conductor to watch with a somewhat minimalist approach, even in the most blazing climaxes, that makes him seem disinterested. Would the orchestra have played like this even if it had been me in front of them? Probably.

The last time I heard him at the Proms he was doing Mahler 2 and that odd sense of detachment was very noticeable. Of all the Harding performances I have heard over the years, I struggle to remember very much about any of them.

[Alison]

The last time I heard him at the Proms he was doing Mahler 2 and that odd sense of detachment was very noticeable. Of all the Harding performances I have heard over the years, I struggle to remember very much about any of them.

Only just caught up with this Bruckner 4. Having threatened to carry all before it at the outset I can’t help thinking the finale in particular wasn’t very gripping. The final chord seemed oddly perfunctory. Harding still an enigmatic figure in my book.

Has anyone heard the new LSO/Rattle?

[Petrushka]

Has anyone heard the new LSO/Rattle?

BBC Music Magazine (Michael Tanner) give it the full 5 star rating for both recording and performance. It's gone on to my Christmas list, Alison.