Proms at the Albert Hall

Proms 36: Wednesday, August 12th 2015

BBC Symphony Orchestra

BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London

Having never gone to my Senior Prom, the idea of a summer full of Proms at first seemed a little overwhelming. But Proms in London is completely different than the American idea of Prom. Here they're classical music concerts put on by the BBC that premier live on BBC Radio. They a unique music festival that date back to the first held on the 10th of August 1895. This year thus marks 120 years of Proms. The intention was to bring the best possible music to the widest possible audience. Tickets start for as low as £7.

One of my regrets about living in London is that I have not been able to really experience the music and theatre life that is so rich and diverse in the city. However, last night Lady Luck was on my side and I was able to see Prom 36 which featured the work of Boulez, Ravel, and Stravinsky played by the pianist Marc-André Hamelin.

The focus of the night was on Paris and the post-First World War world. It was the first premiere for Boulez's 1958 piece Figures - Doubles - Prisms. Which, to be honest, was far more technical than I was able to appreciate. He combines a sophisticated technical ear for sound to create fantastical virtuoso. However refined, it gave me the impression that the orchestra was competing within itself, striving for attention that I'm sure for someone with more of an ear music.

I was far more blown away by the two Ravel pieces. The first Frontispice (1918, orch. 2007) had its debut at the Proms. Intended for two pianists it lasted only a short two minutes. It was written at the request of the Italian poet Ricciotto Canudo which went to his poem La poème du Vardar which was inspired by his First World War experience. Arranged for the orchestra by Boulez, the piece mixes both color and urgency with the use of the solo violin and the piccolo.

The second Ravel piece was so moving, it was only after that I realized just how meaningful it was. The Piano Concerto for the Left Hand (1929-1930) was written for the left hand of Paul Wittgenstein. It's his most successful Concerto by far. Wittgenstein lost his right arm in the First World War, and attempted to reassemble his career as a pianist by further developing his left hand skills. He commissioned a number of scores from composers of the day. When he was given Ravel's piece he thought it was terrible, but after several months he learned to appreciate it, however he made adjustments to the score, which deeply enraged Ravel. He attempted to stop Wittgenstein from playing his version, but eventually acquiesced.

The Piano Concerto for the Left Hand (1929-1930)

Featured Pianist: Marc-André Hamelin

BBC Symphony Orchestra

BBC Proms, Royal Albert Hall, London

The work is an emotional rollercoaster for lack of a better analogy. The tempo works at various movements allowing the pianist a reprieve. The pianist is ushered in once more after a sustained crescendo and returns with an almost lyrical melody. The combination of wind with the piano and string and bassoon for the reprise of the Lento give the piece a relentless press to the ultimate finale.

The last piece was the popular Stravinsky piece The Firebird which comprised of the two first scenes from the ballet. The movement comprises the arrival of the the Firebird, the bird's spell and the awakening and death of Kashchey. I always enjoyed the fairytale of the Firebird, and the dance of the firebird from the ballet. There is something both aggressive and vulnerable that when hearing only the music takes on a deeper resonance of the dynamism of the characters.

I do feel as though the evening achieved its purpose. Playing to a packed house the Royal Albert Hall is an incredible venue to be introduced to some of the most talented composers of Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries. Armed with all the captivation and romance that one could expect with an evening's selection formed around the theme of the city of Paris, it was impossible not to be swept up in the cascading movement of the music. There are still quite a few Proms selections left this month that are worth highlighting. There will of course be more opportunities to experience Boulez and perhaps submerse yourself into the technical genius' repertoire as well as some other favorites such as Mozart and Bach who will be featured next week.

CLICK HERE for more details about the Proms and for the complete schedule CLICK HERE