The Parry 5th Symphony (Symphonic Fantasia)
kicked off: not a piece I know at all, and on tonight's rendition, not one I will be hurrying to hear again. No criticism of conductor or orchestra, it just isn't really very interesting. A bit of pomp, with none of the great tunes that make Parry's other work rise from the pedestrian.Scriabin's 1st Piano Concerto
was described in the Prom's booklet as being influenced by Chopin. I can see the point that the author was making, and it certainly isn't the mature Scriabin of the Poem of Ecstasy. Chopin tho? The melodic treatement was much much more fragmented than Chopin, and the lyrical sweeps were of a Russian style, not the elegant Romanticism of Chopin. Goerner was a fantastic soloist: he obviously believed in the work, which could, I suspect, fall rather flat. Tonight it didn't.Main attraction of the evening, however, was always going to be Tchaikovsky's Pathetique - one of those pieces which always brings a lump to the throat and a tear to the eye. No exception tonight - Sinaisky had a romantic conception of the piece (doesn't everyone?) that also allowed lots of detail to emerge. I have to say, mostly details that I have never noticed, despite having three recordings, all of which get regular outings. One of the reasons for seeing things live, is, for me at least, the opportunity to watch what happens - often the theatrical show can make you notice things which otherwise are missed in the purely musical thrill.
Sadly, some of the horn playing was a bit off, as was the double bassoon at one (crucial) stage.
So, not a vintage night, but thoroughly enjoyable. Now off to look for some more bits of Scriabin and look up my Mravinsky
recordings...
