Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo 2012 BBC Proms

Unusual programming for Prom Concert 46: three complete symphonies back-to-back, and all by the same composer. Since the composer is one of my favorites, Ralph Vaughan Williams, ( I have several complete sets of his nine symphonies), it works for me.

The occasionally rather violent 4th and 6th symphonies surrounded the peaceful 5th. All great as pure music, although music critics tried to attach special significance relating to the events of the time. BBC iPlayer site .

On the second half of Prom Concert 51 the massive Shostakovich war time symphony, the 7th("Leningrad"), was played very well. Its themes have been related to the Nazis marching in and the following military events, although the composer likened it to more general violence in the world. Available for six more days at the BBC iPlayer site .

Again, rather unusual programing for Prom Concert 52, a complete performance of the beautiful/exciting music Prokofiev composed for the Cinderella ballet. Acts 1 and 2 in the first half and the 3rd after intermission. BBC iPlayer site .

Following intermission on Prom Concert 63 the Berlin Philharmonic played nice French selections: Debussy's Jeux and Suite No. 2 from Ravel's Daphnis et Chloe. Seven more days at the BBC iPlayer site .