Ironically, I wasn’t able to watch the first night of the proms as it was going out live, because I was double booked! I had booked to go see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Liverpool Empire.
So it was that I watched the broadcast on a National Express coach (on my way down to see the second night in person), using my trusty Lenovo tablet.
It was fitting that Mendelssohn opened the first night, because it was his theme to a midsummer nights dream that I had seen back in 2016, at my one and only previous proms attendance.
My only prior encounter of Sibelius was from my time of using the eponymous computer software in GSCE music at high school. As it turns out, there is more to discover about the Finnish composer; not least of all that he apparently had a penchant for violins.
His concerto is apparently famous for being a tough outing on the soloist. Hearing the piece, I can understand why, but it is played to perfection by Lisa Batiashvili. I am particularly impressed with her handspan across the instrument, and the vibratos played on the higher registers.
Next up is a living composer whom I’ve never heard of. Errollyn Wallen is interviewed by the BBC presenters, and I’m interested to learn about her composing routine, and that she is the resident composer for his Maj the king of England, no less. In any case, I really like her piece of music that is played, which I can understand has been put together in context of abstract shapes and colours. I’m keen to know more about her music when I get time!
Finally the Vaughn Williams piece, which I think is an opera sung in English. By this time my bus journey has been dragging on a bit, and my concentration is starting to wane slightly despite my best efforts. Nonetheless, I notice the nicely coordinated outfit colours of the choir, and can only praise this opening night of the season!
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