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Discussion: Prokofiev: Symphony No. 3, Scythian Suite, Autumn - Alsop

Posts: 7

Post by Kal Rubinson June 11, 2015 (1 of 7)
I did enjoy this but it doesn't rise to the top.

The orchestra plays well in this difficult score but has a somewhat raw sound.

Alsop gets the tempi and balance just right but misses some of the important accents and "slitheriness."

Sound (mch) is middle-of-the-pack which, today, means fairly good.

I'll stick with Abbado and Kitajenko.

Post by Disbeliever June 11, 2015 (2 of 7)
Kal Rubinson said:

I did enjoy this but it doesn't rise to the top.

The orchestra plays well in this difficult score but has a somewhat raw sound.

Alsop gets the tempi and balance just right but misses some of the important accents and "slitheriness."

Sound (mch) is middle-of-the-pack which, today, means fairly good.

I'll stick with Abbado and Kitajenko.

Not keen on Alsop

Post by Chris from Lafayette June 11, 2015 (3 of 7)
Disbeliever said:

Not keen on Alsop

If any conductor today can suck the life out of practically anything (s)he conducts, it's Marin Alsop. She's somehow got a big money source behind her and backing her, so it seems she'll continue to remain in the public eye and ear for the foreseeable future. On Audio Asylum a couple of years ago, there was a post from an anonymous Baltimore Symphony member whose words, at least for me, certainly have the ring of truth:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/music/messages/20/204453.html

Post by hiredfox June 12, 2015 (4 of 7)
Chris from Lafayette said:

If any conductor today can suck the life out of practically anything (s)he conducts, it's Marin Alsop. She's somehow got a big money source behind her and backing her, so it seems she'll continue to remain in the public eye and ear for the foreseeable future. On Audio Asylum a couple of years ago, there was a post from an anonymous Baltimore Symphony member whose words, at least for me, certainly have the ring of truth:

http://www.audioasylum.com/audio/music/messages/20/204453.html

You are at least consistent in your disapproval of Marin Alsop.

There was no question her Mahler survey at Bournemouth was very well received by audiences and critics alike which she topped off with a standing ovation performance of the Resurrection Symphony at the Royal Festival Hall on Southbank - and let me say that a standing ovation from a London audience is rather rarer than the proverbial hen's teeth (although Ivan Fischer received one a couple of weeks ago for his Brahms 1 - even this seasoned campaigner almost rose to his feet).

Having said that I was aware prior to the Baltimore revelations that there had been unrest amongst some players at Bournemouth about her perceived negativity, amounting to constant criticism of flaws in individual performance but little praise - she garnered few friends amongst the ensemble. Co-incidentally or tellingly (you pays your money...) she has not been invited back despite her position as Conductor Laureate. Andrew Litton on the other hand as Conductor Emeritus visits every year and occasionally twice.

The Baltimore story fuels concern although one must always temper such reports with the possibility of unknown hidden agendas. Nevertheless, smoke and fires...

Post by nydo June 20, 2015 (5 of 7)
As a working musician in the NYC area (where she was based for many years before her career took off), the opinion expressed by the Baltimore Symphony musician is agreed upon by everyone that I have talked to. The concerts and recordings that I have heard with her conducting have never risen above the routine.

Post by samayoeruorandajin June 21, 2015 (6 of 7)
I've pretty much stayed clear of her in almost everything I can think of. I'm liable to support the musicians in how they feel about such things.

Post by hiredfox June 22, 2015 (7 of 7)
I cannot recall her ever doing Prokofiev at Bournemouth. It would seem to be a poor fit.

Closed