I would not totally dump on this performance. I agree to some point it was not the best I've heard, but I watched it today and was stunned by the massive sound. As I was already in a melancholic mood before starting this video, It totally made me fall apart watching this. There are only few Mahler Eights on YT who can get me to cry.
I think Bělohlávek's interpretation is excellent; the broad tempi are appropriate in the Chorus Mysticus, and yet he never drags or lets it feel static. The voices are certainly not the worst I've heard (check out the Haitink recording on YT for comparison), but it's surprising to hear such poor tone quality and, really, just poor tuning from the BBCSO's trumpets. Hard parts, yes, but a professional orchestra should do better.
I hear very funny sounding discords between the group of trumpets at the coda, which is supposed to be a crucial voice and the final signal given to the climax of this elephantine masterpiece. Trumpets did not sound right. A flop, obviously the audience didn't notice like I did.
I agree with everyone about the first soprano's performance. I disliked how loud she sang her high C (C6) and how early she came in with her B-natural (B5). The orchestral performance, on the other hand, was not too bad; however, I've heard a youth orchestra (NYOGB) play better than that.
I agree - the first soprano was horrendous in quite possibly the most moving part of the symphony. She crucified that high C and should have held her b-flat longer so that Twyla Robinson's b-flat was a continuation. She just gave up!!!!
At 2:10, a violinist glances over at the horrendous soprano butchering the high C. "WTF?", she seems to be thinking. Other than that, great stuff! I love the blaring horns at the end. As a trombonist, I know what it's like to be unleashed for a finale. Very therapeutic! Love me some Mahler.
while this wasnt the worst ive ever heard, it wasnt the best. props to the woodwinds, french horns, trombones, and vocalists (except the soprano in the aqward dress messed up her solo). the trumpets were terrible, cracking notes, immature sound, out of tune, horrendous sounds were being made. great conducting
I bought two tickets for this from a ticket agent, they were marked 'complimentary tickets', I paid £220 inc postage, bet the BBC didn't get a penny of that.
Wow, that was one of the more horrendous high C pianissimo I've heard... Twyla Robinson's high Bflat ppp is spot on as always (looks like it came out so easily! But of course it isn't). I thought her performance with Erin Hall conducted by C. Eschenbach was the best one I've ever heard.
Where is the rest of the 2nd part? I thought you had posted it? (I was in the choir and am now home in Australia - was hoping to see the concert entire)
I would not totally dump on this performance. I agree to some point it was not the best I've heard, but I watched it today and was stunned by the massive sound. As I was already in a melancholic mood before starting this video, It totally made me fall apart watching this. There are only few Mahler Eights on YT who can get me to cry.
jobvink 2 months ago
The comments regarding the trumpets are on the mark. The trombones and french horns nearly rescue them but to no avail.
parzooman 4 months ago
I think Bělohlávek's interpretation is excellent; the broad tempi are appropriate in the Chorus Mysticus, and yet he never drags or lets it feel static. The voices are certainly not the worst I've heard (check out the Haitink recording on YT for comparison), but it's surprising to hear such poor tone quality and, really, just poor tuning from the BBCSO's trumpets. Hard parts, yes, but a professional orchestra should do better.
FaulknerRushdie 4 months ago
I hear very funny sounding discords between the group of trumpets at the coda, which is supposed to be a crucial voice and the final signal given to the climax of this elephantine masterpiece. Trumpets did not sound right. A flop, obviously the audience didn't notice like I did.
TheVaccumtube 11 months ago
I agree with everyone about the first soprano's performance. I disliked how loud she sang her high C (C6) and how early she came in with her B-natural (B5). The orchestral performance, on the other hand, was not too bad; however, I've heard a youth orchestra (NYOGB) play better than that.
DeclanVB84 11 months ago
Comment removed
DeclanVB84 11 months ago
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww,
This Performance is a SCANDAL towards Mahler.
martinusB95 1 year ago
@martinusB95
Go listen to this 4-3-11 or 6-3-11 at the concertgebouw in amsterdam. I bet that will be better!
nanonoortje 11 months ago
I agree - the first soprano was horrendous in quite possibly the most moving part of the symphony. She crucified that high C and should have held her b-flat longer so that Twyla Robinson's b-flat was a continuation. She just gave up!!!!
SteveyBlunder 1 year ago
At 2:10, a violinist glances over at the horrendous soprano butchering the high C. "WTF?", she seems to be thinking. Other than that, great stuff! I love the blaring horns at the end. As a trombonist, I know what it's like to be unleashed for a finale. Very therapeutic! Love me some Mahler.
mito66 1 year ago
yeah the trumpet paying the tonic at the end is massively out of tune. tough blow though
twentythrepointfive 1 year ago
while this wasnt the worst ive ever heard, it wasnt the best. props to the woodwinds, french horns, trombones, and vocalists (except the soprano in the aqward dress messed up her solo). the trumpets were terrible, cracking notes, immature sound, out of tune, horrendous sounds were being made. great conducting
iminnocent12 1 year ago
I bought two tickets for this from a ticket agent, they were marked 'complimentary tickets', I paid £220 inc postage, bet the BBC didn't get a penny of that.
afuadonki 1 year ago
I was at this performance, a sheer delight to be there !!!!!!!!!!!!
GUSTAV MAHLER 1860 - 1911
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
wrexham1983 1 year ago 6
I was at this performance, a sheer delight to be there !!!!!!!!!!!!
GUSTAV MAHLER 1860 - 1911
ALWAYS REMEMBERED
wrexham1983 1 year ago
One word comes to mind: Sublime.
JustJim70118 1 year ago
Excellent tempi, very good tamtam. Great!
StuporMundi86 1 year ago
@StuporMundi86 I agree. A finale of such majesty should not be rushed as some conductors do.
jgesselberty 1 year ago 2
Thanks for sharing in full this epic Mahler creation...
I love MAHLER.
willistara 1 year ago 2
This is magnificient! If you can, please post the rest of the second movement.
dvorak20012000 1 year ago
Wow, that was one of the more horrendous high C pianissimo I've heard... Twyla Robinson's high Bflat ppp is spot on as always (looks like it came out so easily! But of course it isn't). I thought her performance with Erin Hall conducted by C. Eschenbach was the best one I've ever heard.
stevtomato 1 year ago
@stevtomato I meant pp >__>
stevtomato 1 year ago
Where is the rest of the 2nd part? I thought you had posted it? (I was in the choir and am now home in Australia - was hoping to see the concert entire)
clairespeakercoach 1 year ago
Glorious!
gera1262 1 year ago