But it was an inspired choice to have the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra conducted by Bernard Haitink bring the BBC Proms towards its
conclusion in the penultimate concert of the season last night (7th
September 2012). www.bbc.co.uk/proms www.wienerphilharmoniker.at
The Vienna Philharmonic brought their wonderful string sound
to Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 in an affectionate performance conducted by Bernard
Haitink. Even in the rustic third movement menuetto there was a civilised sound
to the music making.
In the finale the orchestra surged forward in a truly
spirited allegro spritoso giving a wonderful conclusion to the work. Haitink
certainly knows how to bring out the humour and joy of Haydn’s last symphony.
For all the enjoyment of this beautiful performance I still had a nagging feeling that Haydn should have a little more grit, but perhaps that’s just my personal taste affected by the period instrument movement. Nevertheless this was a lovely performance.
The VPO really came into their own in Richard Strauss’
Alpine Symphony where those wonderful strings brought a warm glow to Strauss’
writing. The horn section was really something to hear, particularly in ‘On the
Summit’ where the orchestra made an overwhelming sound.
There were beautiful woodwind sounds just before ‘Thunder
and Storm’ and what a storm it was. As the work drew to a close those beautiful
Vienna strings brought the most wonderful glow of sunset to a magical
conclusion.
Haitink’s concept was largely broad but it allowed the
orchestra the freedom to do their best in bringing out all of Strauss’
beautiful detail.
Another Strauss, this time Johann Strauss II, gave us the
encore in one of his waltzes as only the VPO could do. A memorable concert.
This concert can still be heard on BBC iPlayer but you will need to play it through a good quality audio system to hear it to
the best effect.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01mf9jt/BBC_Proms_2012_Season_Prom_75_Haydn/
See other Prom reviews:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01mf9jt/BBC_Proms_2012_Season_Prom_75_Haydn/
See other Prom reviews:
Last Night of the Proms 2012 with Nicola Benedetti, Joseph
Calleja and Team GB’s Olympic medallists
BBC Prom - Max’s Ninth, fine Delius from Tasmin Little and
an Impressive Shostakovich Tenth from Vasily Petrenko
Subtle Saint-Saƫns from Benjamin Grosvenor at the Proms
A Battlefield at the Proms
Handel’s Water Music and Fireworks Music as they should be
played
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