Prom 43: Tuesday 16th August at 7.00 p.m. (Copland, Bax, Bartok, Barber, Prokofiev)

[Brassbandmaestro]

I adored the performance of Spring Fire recently at the proms, well, a few years back!!

I try and respond to your wave B-o-D!!

[jillfc]

Someone's got to stand up for Prokofiev 4, so it might as well be me. I love this piece in both its versions. I remember a splendid occasion a few years ago with the BBCSO at the Maida Vale studios, when Edward Downes talked about and conducted them both. I'm glad that we're getting the revision this evening: it is, I think, more satisfying; but given the relative rarity of performances, I'd make real efforts to attend a concert that included either.

So I shall certainly be there tonight, and I hope the doubters stay to the end and find themselves rewarded by the experience.

[Brassbandmaestro]

Hello Jillfc! I love all Prokovief's symphonies! It's good to see them being performed at the Proms. I hope I be able to stay to watch it!

[Colonel Danby]

I also adore Prokofiev, particularly the Symphonies, almost even as much as I worship Arnold Edward Trevor Bax, so I shall certainly been there till the bitter end (if only in spirit). I've got the revised version of the fourth with the RSNO under Järvi pere on Chandos, which is a lot better than the original I believe.

I'm really looking forward to tonight's prom...

[Simon B]

Someone's got to stand up for Prokofiev 4

But not alone... The presence of Prokofiev 4 on the programme (especially in the 1947 version which I much prefer) is my reason for making the effort to go up to London again (after Swan Lake yesterday and before the Philhamonia tomorrow). Almost all the Prokofiev symphonies are a must-see for me, with the possible exceptions of 1 & 2...

The alleged "problem" with both 3 and 4 evades me. Mention of Downes is significant - his performances of the Prokofiev symponies with the BBCPO about 10 years ago introduced me to most of them (bar the overplayed 5). His advocacy demonstrated (to me at least) that the received wisdom that most of them are not top-drawer is wide of the mark.

The opportunity to hear a Bax symphony live is a significant side-benefit too. I don't think I've ever heard one live, though I have played in a peformance of 4 some years ago. I seem to recall hearing the Bax Violin Concerto (or was it viola) in Liverpool with V Handley some years ago, but must admit it made almost no impression at all to the point where I can't remember which instrument it was for. The symphonies are a different beast altogether, especially the brooding, angry 2. Though I do think 4 would be the best and most accessible choice at a Prom for a large audience most likely entirely unfamiliar with any of his works except perhaps Tintagel.

Talking of audiences, I'm a bit amazed this concert is sold out and has been for some time. An entire programme of largely unfamiliar works... Have masses really, seriously booked just to hear the Barber Adagio? I hope not, as it could make for an irritating level of inattention in such a long concert. We'll see...

[prokkyshosty]

It's sold out? Wow indeed! I do wonder how many people are really going to stick around for the third part, though.

Simon B, don't give up on Prokofiev's 2nd just yet! It really is a remarkable work in a fascinating 2 movement format based on Beethoven's last piano sonata. I do think Prokofiev 5, 6 and 7 are clearly the masterpieces, and 2, 3, 4 (and 4+) lie somewhere in the middle. The Classical Symphony I've heard too much to care any more about it.

[Serial_Apologist]

Having heard only the original version of Prokofiev 4, I just wish to apologise for my disparaging remarks in the earler message and any false impression made :doh:, and hope it will not have put anybody else off.

[jillfc]

And just to reassure those who are worried about transport home, if the programme runs anything like to time (ie with the third part starting around 9.20) then you should be away by 10pm - I've never heard a performance of the revised version that lasts longer than 40 minutes. So I hope the arena and gallery will be full of Prokofievians.

[Serial_Apologist]

Prokofievians. Hmm. Try saying that after a few!

[PJPJ]

And just to reassure those who are worried about transport home, if the programme runs anything like to time (ie with the third part starting around 9.20) then you should be away by 10pm - I've never heard a performance of the revised version that lasts longer than 40 minutes. So I hope the arena and gallery will be full of Prokofievians.

This one lasted a smidgeon under 40 minutes, and I thought it excellent. Furthermore, the whole programme seemed to work very well. Andrew Litton and the band must be absolutely bushed.