Virtual Pub

[Larry]

And so it begins. The BBC Phil are performing Mahler Symphony No 1 this Saturday at the Bridgewater. Mahler 2 by Elder and the Halle on Thursday 28th Jan. Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed the Halle version of Mahler 2 a couple of seasons ago will be eager with anticipation. I hope that the Choir is held back in the same way until that final glorious crescendo!

Larry

[SAD ONE (Iain)]

WOW !!!! WOW !!!! WOW !!!! WOW !!!!

Don't tell Fabric Lugs but this one was on a par with Shosta's 5th. Brilliant.

I have loved this symphony for years and played it frequently years ago but since curing myself of vinyl had not replaced it on CD until quite recently. I played it the other day though to re-familiarise myself. It was great at home and loved it but the live concert experience was incredible. I have heard it played live once before many years ago when I had a Season Ticket at the Festival Hall.

The subtlety of much of the symphony was amazing. At times, even though thanks to Larry's organisational skills, we had the best seats in the house, the playing was so quiet that a pin dropping would have sounded like a thunderclap.

But being Mahler of course, the loud bits were astounding. Long before 5.1, Mahler had developed surround sound. His ‘off-stage’ effects with brass sections placed in corridors and balconies just adding to the musical excitement and emotion of the piece.

When the solo singers, in the choir circle rather than at front of stage, came on song, the emotion heightened. If you did not cry a little at this point have your heart checked. The choir likewise were stunning. If I had forgotten what the human voice could do for the soul, I remembered now.

It was a concert I will never forget. Great orchestra, great choir and great company with whom to enjoy it.

F. Usseff
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You might not realise this but in reality there are no bald people. There are only ginger haired people with initiative.

[Cloth Ears]

Hmmm, all the gigs I miss seem to be the good ones.

Not that I'm paranoid, or anything.
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What? Sorry, you'll have to speak up. I said, you'll have to speak up. What? Sorry, I said...

[SAD ONE (Iain)]

Well you did enjoy the others you did make.

Hope you can make the 3rd and the 4th. Hope you get your priorities sorted properly this time.

Gus Tav
_________________
You might not realise this but in reality there are no bald people. There are only ginger haired people with initiative.

[Cloth Ears]

I shall do my best, mon ami. Mahlereusement I won't be able to make them all, helas.
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What? Sorry, you'll have to speak up. I said, you'll have to speak up. What? Sorry, I said...

[SAD ONE (Iain)]

Hi Cloffy

Did you make it to the Mussorsky – Pictures at an Exhibition concert recently? Forgive me but I can't remember seeing you there.

Having been reminded what a great work it was I took my CD version to the recent hi-fi show. I planned to just play a track or two for my own benefit when the room traffic slowed a little

I was amazed that having found an opportunity to play it the room filled up and most of those assembled, stayed for the whole symphony. I did not dare to change the CD, they all seemed to enjoy it so much.

Mo Dest
_________________
You might not realise this but in reality there are no bald people. There are only ginger haired people with initiative.

[Cloth Ears]

Yep, I woz there.
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What? Sorry, you'll have to speak up. I said, you'll have to speak up. What? Sorry, I said...

[Larry]

Mahler 4 last night was awonderful. Marcus Stenz did it again getting a fine performance from the Halle. Soloist (Carolyn Sampson) sounded (and looked) angelic.

[Larry]

BBC Phil played Mahler 7 very well last night - tons of excitement. Given audience reaction (incredibly positive) I must be alone in thinking Noseda doesn't get the lyrical side of Mahler at all. Maybe it is the view of Mahler as the first modernist, and I'm an old romantic. CE would have loved it!

Anyway, I had to play the inner movements today of the Solti 7. A musical delight.

[Cloth Ears]

[SAD ONE (Iain)]

[Larry]

Well, the man is a genius.

Elder took Mahler 8 to places that I could not have imagined. This was a once in a lifetime concert (to be repeated in Birmingham next season!)
Manchester audiences are a little reticent with their standing ovations. Tonight the whole of the hall stood as one for this remarkable event.

If the Guardian gave Noseda 5 stars for 7, then they are going to have to invent a whole new galaxy for Elder / Halle / BBC Phil / Halle Choir / CBSO Choir / 8 remarkable soloists.

[Cloth Ears]

I'd have to agree. I'm not very familiar with the 8th Symphony and haven't got a recording. That may be a problem now, because I can't imagine any recording living up to the performance we got last night.

At about bar 2 in the opening movement, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and they went down again sometime on the way home. I realised, during the ovation, that I was trembling. It was an amazing experience, powerful, visceral even, yet also very moving. A privilege to have attended it.

I can only hope they bring it out on CD...


Glad you're enjoying the Pratchett, Iain. My wife won't allow me to read them in bed, because my laughing out loud distracts her from her book.
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What? Sorry, you'll have to speak up. I said, you'll have to speak up. What? Sorry, I said...

[Larry]

Well, I haven't booked tickets for '9 yet. Again Elder with Halle.

A must, I think.

Thursday 27th May

[Cloth Ears]