proms 7th sept.

quote:

Originally posted by Rockhopper:
A live concert beats all the CD's and LP's every time.

I think this is something of an over generalisation.

To be sure, a live concert certainly lends a special extra something and a good concert is in many regards superior to a great recording. However, listening to a prom on the radio isn't really quite the same thing. Indeed, how different is it from listening to a live recording on cd from decades past?

What's more, a poor concert, is very easily inferior to a good CD (I can think of several examples that I have attended in the last week that have nothing on good recordings I have heard).

However, I can't wait until radio 3 start broadcasting the festival next week as it will be interesting to see just how much of the magic of the concert hall remains in the living room.



All that said, it is true that a really magical concert (and I will spare people listing various experiences again, but seek out my Magic of the Concert Hall thread) delivers something that no recording will ever hope to. However, a lot of that is down to physical presence in the hall - a good deal is lost in the relay. More than once I have lost interest in a mediocre broadcast which, by accounts of those I know who were there, was really something in the flesh.


regards, Tam

Tam is right. These days, concerts are so often spoiled by members of the audience shuffling, coughing and generally creating a disturbance. Not to mention the mobile phones and text alerts. All of this ignores the efforts of the orchestra to produce a memorable event.

Tam, did you hear the Mahler 2 the other night? If so, what did you think?

David

quote:

Originally posted by David Sutton:
Tam, did you hear the Mahler 2 the other night? If so, what did you think?

Unfortunately, I had to attend a meeting but it is sitting on a video waiting for me to have a chance to watch/listen to it. I must say, I'm more than a little curious as Haitink's Concertgebouw cycle is very intesting (and while there's some stunning stuff - the 3rd especially - the second lacks fire, however, I'm told his later Berlin reading is far superior).


Will be glued to the box tonight though for Mackerrras and Mozart.


regards, Tam