Comments on: Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Felix: Elijah CD

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 09:59:41 +0000

Hi again,
Just adding that I am delighted to see that the Elijah CD is back near the top of the classical chart at number 6 this week, possibly thanks to that launch in London last week.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 07:27:07 +0000

I went to the launch of the Elijah CD in London last Wednesday, the timing of which did seem a little strange, since it had already been released. Anyway it was all very pleasant, I met Paul McCreesh, chatted briefly with him and he kindly autographed my copy of the CD. However, there was no footage, nor even any mention of Simon whatsoever!!! Now as a Simon supporter, there is no denying that I am somewhat biassed in this regard, but that aside, it did seem odd not to make any reference at all to the man who sang the title role!

By: Sue

Sue — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:07:20 +0000

Link to the Telegraph review of Elijah. This recording ‘…a definite first choice’

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalcdreviews/9543026/Mendelssohn-Elijah-classical-CD-review.html

By: Petra

Petra — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:33:13 +0000

In reply to DK. Simon said the painting took 9 hours and for the performances it will be a "semi-tattoo" as he called it, a temporary one. I only hope that is is really temporary and won't irritate his scin.

By: DK

DK — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 05:13:15 +0000

Hi Jane, yes, it’s the same photograph, printed on semi-glossy stock. I guess I will keep this year’s calendar instead of consigning it to a recycling bin next year! I wonder what the Met’s posters will look like.

I do wonder how long it takes to do the body paint…though I suppose it is something like a temporary tattoo (?).

My copy of the Elijah CD arrived, and my, the recording quality is spectacular. The gorgeous colours and textures of the music are brought out brilliantly. Despite the masses of performers, the precision of the singing and playing and the use of period instruments gives it a surprising lightness…at times it simply shimmers. And I love how Simon makes Elijah not just some bombastic prophet, but touchingly human.

By: Jane

Jane — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:38:30 +0000

I was delighted to hear on Radio 3 this morning that the Elijah CD had gone straight into the classical chart at Number 4……it would have been even better if Petroc could have mentioned the soloists’ names!! He mentioned everyone else, including Uncle Tom Cobley…. if you get my drift!

Hello DK it would be great to see that calendar cover of Simon as Prospero, though I guess it is the one that we have already seen of him staring intently into the distance, decked out in his body artwork! Gosh the poor man will shortly be subjected to that. I wonder what it does to your skin?!

By: Sue

Sue — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:57:31 +0000

Well, my Elijah cd has arrived – hoping my neighbours like it!
After enjoying last year’s Prom it’s a luxury to be able to listen carefully to the subtleties of the performance – remarkable considering the scale of the forces. And a good booklet with the cd.
Its also touching to think of Simon using this as a study piece with John Cameron in his RNCM days, as he described in his BBC ‘Voices’ interview. (in Press Articles October 2004)
Thanks, Ally, for the link to the Elijah videos which add to the enjoyment.

By: DK

DK — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 15:15:33 +0000

Pre-ordered a copy of Elijah from the UK (seems only an mp3 is available in the US at this time) and received an email today that it’s been shipped…a couple of days ahead of scheduled release it seems! (Not a complaint, mind you!) It is nice to know that this supports musical education.

BTW fans may be interested to know that a photo of Simon Keenlyside as Prospero in The Tempest graces the cover of the Metropolitan Opera’s season calendar that is sent to guild members and subscribers, as well as some of the ticket stubs.

By: Ally

Ally — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:01:13 +0000

There is a new video: http://vimeo.com/47894770
Conductor Paul McCreesh and Simon talking about Elijah. Video is OK but audio is out-of-sync – unfortunately!

By: Sue

Sue — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 17:22:07 +0000

Elijah CD scheduled to be on CD Review Radio 3, Sat 24 Aug sometime after 10am.