I am currently watching tonight's Prom on BBC4.
A transformed programme. Dawn Upshaw's cancellation meant that Osvaldo Golijovs Three Songs for Soprano and Orchestra was replaced by Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. A bit bizarre, it would seem, but that soloist and that orchestra are performing it tomorrow night in Edinburgh, so it makes logistical if not musical sense.
Now we have Mahler 5. An amazing symphony with a palpable sense of romanticism. Apologies to those for whom I have promised to flag up nice easy listening non-vocal music. Should have mentioned this one. It starts in a blaze of glory and hen gets wishy washy, before breaking into the most gorgeous lyrical passage of sostenuto increasing in volume and passion. I admit I had to consult the radio times, what are they doing after the Mahler Five - a bit of Brahms, a bit of Classic FM 'we'll give you a short extract out of context because you're stupid and we want to patronise you". This is also part of Mahler 5.
Can I just say that despite the ubiquity of this passage on all "Classic FM Mood Music for Dusting and Floor Mopping"-type compilation CDs, it is ace music. And so weird to have a Prom without a singer.
Ah well, it's repeated at 1.40 am. And will be on Listen Again for a week.
I have the same problem. Something kept coming up on non-random on my mp3 player. I assumed it was a light operetta. Eventually I peered at the screen and realised it was Das Lied Von der Erde.
Mahler is on my list of composers I want to get to know better. But he's queued behind Britten, Mendelssohn, and Haydn.
But I'm trying to make myself watch all the Proms regardless of what's on. After all, it's free. And I might learn something.
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