Proms experiences so far this year? Options

[JamesK]

Tonights Concert: Vienna Philharmonic and B. Haitink was great. Queuing since the early afternoon, I knew this concert was going to be in high demand. Haydn's 104th was neat and tidy. And R. Strauss' Eine Alpensinfonie was magnificent. The sound filled the hall. The horns sounded a little out of rythmn with the orchestra once or twice, I think. The cowbells made several people look around to see where it was coming from. I think one improvement would be to move the off-stage band to another part of the RAH because it they sounded a bit muffled.Perhaps this is the desired effect, mimicking the alphorns in the swiss alps.

And one complaint to the stewards is that they closed the doors to the windows in the gallery just after the interval. As a consequence, it became increasingly hotter, sweatier and therefore smellier. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

[Cyrilla]

Just wondered what everyone thought of the Last Night??

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[CJB]

Just wondered what everyone thought of the Last Night??

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Mixed.

I'm glad my fav. bit of the sea songs was back and with a completely glorious oboe sound. The 1st half in particular failed to engage me, but then Delius has never been in my top 10 and I was trying to read a particularly dry and boring document whilst watching.

The momentary close up of a certain forumite sporting a newly acquired cap and her more customary tiara made my evening (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Splog]

I particularly enjoyed when the conductor put on his medal. That was lovely.

I do find it rather irritating when the audience start playing hooters etc on the last two notes of the hornpipe. I have never experienced it when playing - my audiences must be more well-behaved - but if they can't play in time, shut up! And the conductor forgetting to play the rest of the piece after the encore was priceless. Talk about having a great rapport with the audience, what a guy. I'd never get away with that. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Misterioso]

The 1st half in particular failed to engage me

....and me, because I didn't even get the chance to see it, as we were subject to a Terrestrial Variation. Instead, we were treated to the Scottish version of the first half, from somewhere in Glasgow, with music that was really not what I watch the proms for. I simply fail to understand why it was suddenly felt necessary to have a Scottish version; for the last 20 years in Scotland, I have watched the Last Night live from London...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Nicola Benedetti in the second half playing the Bruch Violin Concerto almost made up for it - except that the picture was slightly out of sync with the sound. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif) Lovely conductor, though.

[Deborah]

Just wondered what everyone thought of the Last Night??

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The momentary close up of a certain forumite sporting a newly acquired cap and her more customary tiara made my evening (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

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[Seer_Green]

I don't think I'd be easily converted to a male singing Rule Britannia...not least because I couldn't understand a single word he sang! I suppose they like a 'character' these days and he certainly seemed to fit that role! I think it would be hard to live up to Sarah Connelly who was fab a few years ago...I'm also ancient enough to remember a superb last night with Felicity Lott and Anne Murray.

[linda.ff]

I don't think I'd be easily converted to a male singing Rule Britannia...not least because I couldn't understand a single word he sang! I suppose they like a 'character' these days and he certainly seemed to fit that role! I think it would be hard to live up to Sarah Connelly who was fab a few years ago...I'm also ancient enough to remember a superb last night with Felicity Lott and Anne Murray.

Oh no, they sounded TERRIBLE in Rule britannia, both ornamenting against each other and vibratos clashing painfully. Spirited, yes, certainly, but...

Despite his being male, Bryn Terfel is the one I remember most, in rugby gear (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I've done Britannia myself years ago in a local "last night". You don't even have to open your moeth to get the big cheers, just walk on in the helmet and union jack and a trident... great feeling.

(I also starred as the page-turner. there were only four people in this concert, and the pianist played a Scott Joplin rag. I swanned on on my prima donna frock halfway through the second page with arms widespread and a beaming smile, turned the page and bowed and went out again to great applause. I swanned on again towards the end. He mouthed at me in alarm "there isn't another turn" and I mouthed back through a big smile "I know, just keep playing" and as he finished the piece, I turned with a grand flourish to find I was "wrong" and slunk off sideways. Talk about upstaging!) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[JamesK]

I mostly watched the proms in the park (Belfast and London) on red button because the programme for the RAH was not to my taste. It was very nice.

I was disappointed after the gold/silver medal winners came out and didn't actually sing to Rule Britannia! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[Dulcet]

Just wondered what everyone thought of the Last Night??

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Mixed.

I'm glad my fav. bit of the sea songs was back and with a completely glorious oboe sound. The 1st half in particular failed to engage me, but then Delius has never been in my top 10 and I was trying to read a particularly dry and boring document whilst watching.

The momentary close up of a certain forumite sporting a newly acquired cap and her more customary tiara made my evening (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I, on the other hand, was v upset that they cut spanish ladies and clarinet cadenza from the sea songs!

Didn't like Gadfly at all - most perfunctory, too fast, too loud, too unmusical.

Missed first half... loved Carnival and Calleja and Britten national anthem is gorgeous.