Search - Franz Joseph Haydn, Johann II [Junior] Strauss, Richard [1] Strauss :: A Viennese Evening at the Proms

Barbirolli at the Proms - not to be missed

Janos Gardonyi | Toronto, Ontario Canada | 08/10/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Back in the late 60's I had the good fortune to attend a concert in Toronto with Sir John Barbirolli conducting our Toronto Symphony. It was a memorable experience. I never forget seeing the short, but sprightly venerable old man, full of energy, springing onto the podium and taking charge of the orchestra with mesmerizing force. He was a perfectionist, taking pains at every nuance and detail. At the end there was a standing ovation,
so rare for cool Torontonians especially in those days.

This CD is a recording of a live concert, made by BBC Records Archives, also from the late 60's, at Royal Albert Hall, London. This was an annual event, eagerly anticipated by a very music loving audience. And Sir John surely doesn't disappoint.
First, the Haydn "Hen" Symphony (No.83) has a great sense of humour; the clucking sounds of chicken in the first movement are delightfully pointed to perfection. The whole symphony, which is one of the conductor's favourites, comes of brilliantly.
The 2nd movement sings beautifully, the minuet is stately and stylish, and the finale is breathtaking.
The pieces by Johann Strauss II. are all idiomatic and very entertaining. The Fledermaus Overture, a favourite of conductors, finds the right balance between the lovely Viennese lilt, rubato and accelerando to avoid being "schmaltzy". The Emperor Waltz is majestic and elegant and the Tritsch-Tratsch polka is
played for all its worth; hammed up to the delight of the audience. (Sir John's inerpretation here is quite different;starting unconventionally slow, but speedig up as it goes along. Quite irresistable I must say.
Probably the most rewarding work is the Rosenkavalier Suite,where J.B. shows his most romantic,sublime, emotional side.
The Presentation of the Rose is positively stunning and the final Trio ascend to musical heaven.
To end the program, Lehar's Gold ud Silber Waltz, a staple for these concerts - much like the Blue Danube at the Vienna New Year celebrations- has the audience humming along, obviously in a very good mood by then. After this, Sir John has a few words to say in his own inimitable, avuncular manner, complimenting his
listeners for their "good behaviour, improved sense of rhytm and
dynamics".
Very enjoyable vintage CD. Sound is remastered digital, very
good. Highly recommended."

Lovable for one (and only one) item

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/20/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Nostalgists for the Proms concerts might love to revisit this homey Viennese evening, but the rest of us will notice the scrappy playing from the ever-scrappy Halle in the Barbirolli era--they can't keep up in the finale of the Haydn Sym. 83 even at Sir John's less-than-lightning tempo. The suite of waltzes from Rosenkavalier needs much more sparkle and virtuosity, and the Fledermaus Over. is leaden.



But when the Gold and Silver Waltz of Lehar begins, the whole audi4nce hums along--in tune--and it's heart-melting. There you are among the potted palms--I'm referring to the audience--and the Empire is back again."