Dvořák’s ‘New World’ Symphony (Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra)
Tonight is something of a spiritual homecoming for me, as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra take to the stage of the Royal Albert Hall. The Liverpool Philharmonic is 'my local'. Indeed, I once went out on a date with a fine young lady from this troupe around Christmas 2021. Alas, we parted ways amicably but with no second date to arrange. I wonder if she is on duty at the Albert Hall this evening? I notice on the BBC website that this prom is part of 'Proms on TV', so maybe I'll find out upon broadcast.
The music kicks off with gusto. It's a modern piece - a European premiere, no less - called An American Port of Call. It's a bit chaotic, but in a controlled manner, if that makes sense? My mind imagines constellations of stars. We're teased with the clarinet to wonderful effect.
The second piece, Blue Cathedral, is a bit sadder. I'm getting images of walking down a rainy street, alongside a set of Victorian-style street lamps.
The Concierto de otoño is a quirky number, taking us on a journey, I believe, via four trumpets.
I don't catch the name of the next performance (is it an extension of the previous?), but its another trumpet-heavy piece, and it gets me thinking of Miles Davis. Not for the first time this season has my mind travelled here.
There are some discussions in the interval about Liverpool's relationship with America. The slave trade is, inevitably and importantly, mentioned. What hooks my interest most, is the discussion about the Cunard line and the so-called 'Cunard Yanks', whom I had never heard of before. These were young men working on the Cunard line, bringing back American music and fashion to Liverpool during the 1940's - ultimately influencing the Merseysound including The Beatles. Must try to learn more about this phenomenon when I get chance.
Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 in E minor, ‘From the New World’, starts off quite sombre. But then the main 'riff' kicks in and I know what's coming. Something epic, that's for sure. The second moment hits and now I remember the hovis advert that was joked about during the interval. It makes me smile, but there’s also a longing sadness about the music when listening out of this context.
The third movement opens with what sounds like an echo of Beethoven’s 9th (ChatGPT confirms I am not the only one who has noticed this!). I recognise other parts of the tune as well: was it ever used as part of a Star Wars movie or video game, I wonder? (ChatGPT confirms my ear is correct again! Apparently John Williams' Duel of the Fates from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace has been noted in the past as bearing resemblance to this third movement of Dvořák's! - I must be becoming a bit of a classical music aficionado all of a sudden!)
It's been the best prom for days. And it is confirmed that this evening has been filmed, and that there is going to be a quick turnaround on this one. It will be on BBC Four tomorrow! I will come back to watch this as soon as I'm able.
