Royal Albert Hall
Date: 13th August (Sunday), 6:00pm
Seats: Rausing Circle, Row 1, Seats 158/159
Program: Piano Concerto No 3 in D Minor (Rachmaninov), Symphony No 2 in E Minor (Rachmaninov)
Performers: Alexander Gavrylyuk (piano), Latvian Radio Choir, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Notes: I was so excited for our night of Rachmaninov! The Latvian Radio Choir was a lovely surprise - they actually 'introduced' each piece in a way by singing an Orthodox Russian hymn. They even moved through the Hall while they did to create a great atmosphere and lead into each piece.
The piano concerto, while not the one I had played in the past, was fantastic. The soloist was a little... much at times (he pulled weird faces, and there wasn't much in the way of dynamic range), but musically it was incredible. It's really complex!
The symphony, on the other hand, floored me. The orchestra was incredible, and I actually had it stored in the recesses of my memory from having played it in the past (although I couldn't quite place when). The themes were familiar though, and it was expressive and passionate. One of my favourite performances from all the Proms so far. Much well deserved cheering for that one!
Things I've learned about the Proms so far:
1. When Promming, people WILL try to edge you out of your spot if you don't protect it.
2. Between movements, half the hall WILL cough loudly, even though they don't need to.
3. All performances will get lots and lots of applause, even if it wasn't the best performance ever.
Prom #8 for us (#3 ticketed)... Has it really been so many? Goodness. And we still have more to go! What a summer.
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