Buzz
The BBC Proms, a staple of British culture, take place every summer for eight weeks, offering some of the finest classical music performances. These concerts are available for a reasonable price in London or can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home via TV. Since its inception in 1895, the Proms were designed to make classical and modern music more accessible, bringing a relaxed atmosphere to what is often considered a formal genre. This list highlights some of the most outstanding performances in Proms history.
10. 1812 Overture Tchaikovsky
A towering and well-loved piece of classical music, Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture is a fitting choice for the Proms. Composed in 1880, Tchaikovsky carefully planned its execution, though it's likely he never experienced it exactly as he envisioned due to various circumstances. The Overture celebrates Russia's victory over Napoleon's French invasion of 1812. The piece features La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, only to be overwhelmed by cannon fire, with the final tolling of church bells marking the Russians' triumph. The grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall is the perfect venue for this majestic work.
9. Jupiter Holst
The decision was a tough one between including Jupiter or Mars from Holst’s Planets suite. Ultimately, I went with Jupiter, as this particular rendition is truly remarkable. The orchestra manages to keep the lightheartedness of the piece, fitting for a work subtitled ‘Bringer of Jollity,’ while also capturing the gravitas in the slower sections. Composed between 1914 and 1916, the suite represents the known planets of the solar system at that time, with Pluto being discovered in 1930. When Pluto was later reclassified as a dwarf planet, Holst enthusiasts rejoiced, feeling the suite had returned to its original completeness. Given the time period it was created in, it is only fitting that the hymn 'I vow to thee, my country' was woven into this composition.
Teenage Dirtbag
This entry might catch some by surprise. The Proms have always embraced new and unconventional ideas. Is a ukulele orchestra appropriate for a classical music setting? Can Teenage Dirtbag fit the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall? Who cares? It's clever, fun, and that’s what truly matters at the Proms. In recent years, the Proms have showcased special events dedicated to themes like Dr Who, film music, and Stephen Sondheim's works. The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain has toured internationally, performing their own versions of popular songs. A particular highlight is hearing a deep-voiced Yorkshire man sing Kate Bush’s 'Wuthering Heights.'
Continuing with the lighter spirit of the Proms is this performance of Arnold’s A Grand, Grand Overture. The piece requires a rather unusual collection of instruments: three vacuum cleaners, a floor polisher, and four rifles. Where else but at the Proms could you witness TV naturalist and national icon David Attenborough earnestly playing a floor polisher before being shot? Though it might seem absurd to include such unconventional 'instruments,' they are integral to the piece. This work breaks down the stuffy image often associated with classical music, offering a mix of humor, emotion, and sheer absurdity.
This performance of Arnold’s A Grand, Grand Overture takes the Proms’ playful approach to music even further. The piece demands a strange ensemble: three vacuum cleaners, a floor polisher, and four rifles. Where else could you witness the likes of David Attenborough, a beloved figure, earnestly operating an upright floor polisher before being shot? Although the inclusion of such odd 'instruments' may seem comical, they are essential to the performance. This piece effectively challenges the often staid image of classical music, blending whimsy, intensity, and absurdity in equal measure.
6. Piano Concerto No. 2 by Rachmaninov
The Proms are not merely about experimenting with classical music and its public perception. They provide a unique opportunity for the public to witness world-class musicians performing extraordinary works at an affordable price. This piece was created by Rachmaninov as he emerged from a profound depression. What could be more profound than the somber tones of a melancholic Russian composer? The concerto begins with heavy, slow, and tense notes, gradually leading to the theme that underpins the entire work. While Rachmaninov may not be the easiest composer for casual listeners, this particular piece is incredibly moving. It is so emotional that the second movement was famously used as the basis for Eric Carmen’s 'All By Myself.'
5. Symphony No. 5 by Mahler
The video above presents the fourth movement, arguably the most famous part of Mahler's Symphony. However, I strongly suggest listening to the entire work. There’s no need to be overly pretentious—if you can’t get through the full symphony, simply enjoy the sections that resonate with you most. Even at prestigious classical concerts, it is common for only the fourth movement to be performed, making the Proms a rare opportunity to experience the symphony in its entirety. With every Prom concert selling out, it’s clear that there is a strong public demand for intense, immersive music.
4. Symphony No. 3 by Saint-Saens
The Great Organ at the Royal Albert Hall, once the largest in the world, demanded a piece of music that would showcase its grandeur. Saint-Saens regarded this symphony as his finest achievement, and echoes of his earlier compositions can be heard throughout. While I've never experienced it live, I’m told that the organ's lowest notes, barely audible, provide an almost electrifying sensation.
3. Rule Britannia Arne
This timeless song, first introduced in a court pageant celebrating Alfred the Great in 1740, has remained instantly recognizable ever since. This video features Sarah Connolly’s second performance of the piece. She brings a playful lightness and clever interpretation to the song. What could have been a grand, boastful anthem now feels like a cheeky jest. When she flourishes her ‘sword,’ I dare you not to smile. The final night of the Proms this year was on September 10th, offering selections from a variety of sources including Wagner’s Götterdämmerung and ’The Sound of Music.’
2. Pomp and Circumstance Elgar
The Last Night of the Proms is renowned for showcasing bold, grand pieces of music that fill the entire hall. It is also marked by a certain jingoistic fervor, which is embraced and even celebrated. Some pieces are tradition at this event; without them, I suspect the crowd might start waving their flags in protest. Classics like Jerusalem, God Save the Queen, Land of Hope and Glory, and, naturally, Rule Britannia, make regular appearances. Elgar’s marches echo the era of the Edwardian British Empire, when a vast portion of the globe was marked in imperial pink. The confidence of that time is heard in every note, making it impossible not to wave a Union Jack.
1. When I Am Laid In Earth Purcell
This is undoubtedly one of the most moving arias ever written, and also one of the most powerful performances of it. Famously known as ‘Dido’s Lament,’ it is the heartbreaking final aria from Purcell’s opera ‘Dido and Aeneas,’ which tells the tragic tale of the love between Carthage and Rome. Yet, you don’t need to know the story of the Aeneid to feel the anguish in Dido’s desperate plea to her lover as he leaves: “Remember me, but ah! forget my fate.” In her sorrowful final act, Dido chooses to end her life, and although she is remembered, it is not by the man she loved, but by the chorus. Sarah Connolly delivers the aria with raw emotion, free from the excessive theatricality often found in other classical renditions.
+ Benjamin Zander
If this list doesn’t quite resonate with you, or if you’re not fond of classical music, take a moment to watch this brief TED talk. TED conferences, accessible online, aim to share 'ideas worth spreading,' and perhaps this one will spark your interest.
