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13th July - 8th September - BBC Proms


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Wednesday 29 August 2007

 

Music:  Oliver Knussen Ophelia Dances Webern Five Pieces for Orchestra Oliver Knussen Requiem - Songs for Sue Julian Anderson Book of Hours
Artists:  Claire Booth soprano Birmingham Contemporary Music Group; Oliver Knussen conductor

 

Oliver Knussen

What the papers said:

Webern’s tiny, pithy Five Pieces for Orchestra were allied to the iridescence of Julian Anderson’s “Book of Hours” in one of those appealingly twilit but scintillating concerts that the Proms do so well.
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH

Most substantial of all was Julian Anderson's 2004 Book of Hours, in which a beautifully simple opening gives way to vivid instrumental episodes punctuated and enhanced by electronically manipulated jangles that show a delight in sheer sound. It's a serious work, but one you sense Anderson had fun composing.
THE GUARDIAN

Knussen's Requiem – Songs for Sue (written two years ago after his wife’s death) is more autumnal, but also lyrical, pellucid, hauntingly beautiful and searching in its painfully honest choice of texts – especially about the fading of memories, even of people one loved. It was superbly sung by Claire Booth.
THE TIMES


What you said:

Levin
Hearing the wonderful Webern, not once but twice, will sustain me and the work that I try to do with my students of documentary filmmaking,especially early on when we try to teach them that short can be good.

Graham Healey, Aldwincle, Northants
As we (happy few) started to applaud the Webern, Ollie put his hand up and said "And again" and turned back to the band and they played it all again.For the Songs, as she walked on, Claire appeared tubbier than the photo in the programme. Hardly surprising, as she turned out to be at least 8 months pregnant, and clearly loving every minute. As we did.Finally, after the gorgeous Book of Hours, (standing right in front of one of the speakers was definitely a good idea), Ollie brought on Julian, who then brought on a pale young lad. They all walked off together. I still have no idea who this lad was. Can anybody enlighten me ? A truly Vintage Late Night Prom.


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