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Sorry I missed the get together, but loved the concert (forgot we had such great tickets, 6th row, in the middle), pretty much loved all of it, but Danny singing was a clear highlight, even Helena Bonham Carter acquitted herself quite well. The orchestra and John Mauceri were terrific, particularly when needing to ensure that the orchestra were playing to the click track in order to match the synths (you could tell, JM put the headphones on), I certainly didn't notice any moments where things were out of sync. Must be tricky to pull that off successfully live.
The one thing I noticed was how much more of a wall of sound there was live compared to the soundtrack albums. For example, the Beetlejuice opening titles music sounds so clear on album but was a thick, swirling maelstrom live. Quite possibly the slightly cruddy acoustics at the RAH, but it certainly makes you realise just how much of a viceral impact the music has live. Similar with Mars Attacks! where the brass got slightly lost amongst the choir and percussion, which is a similar issue on re-recordings whereas the brass are clearly brought out on the original album. Just makes me wonder the extent of the influence of the mix as to how effective the orchestration is/needs to be - i.e. you can fix unbalanced orchestration in the mix. I am not saying that this applies to Danny Elfman's music, but it certainly gives you a different sense of scale live. Compared to say, John Williams where, notwithstanding there is still plenty of viceral impact, the live orchestral balance seems a lot closer to the recordings.
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Yes, I noticed there were no programs at the Leeds show. My wife asked me why I didn't ask Richard Kraft very kindly to take the one I bought at the RAH and get it signed by Danny, Tim and Helena, and give it me back in Leeds. Like I knew for certain I'd see him again lol! AND as if he didn't have more to do!
I joked perhaps I should have asked for a backstage pass and a quick go on that theremin while I'm at it!!! Must admit, I'd love to have a crack at Harry Lubin's Outer Limits theme. It would more likely sound like a cat being strangled of course...
But yes, as has been said, a once in a lifetime event. My seeing two shows was a bit of a mistake, but one now I'm so glad I made. Wouldn't change those two days for anything.
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Batman suite in slightly crappy quality, but gives you an idea what it was like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEaXaigFTus&feature=player_embedded
Karol
That's not bad actually Karol, and certainly if you've experienced it already it's a great reminder of the event. I see you were in a similar seat to me. The crowd were a little more enthusiastic at the RAH before each of the most popular pieces, cheering as the title came up starting with Batman and carrying on with Edward Scissorhands and NBC really getting a great response.
After that, and Danny and Helena's performances I think we'd have cheered anything, the audience by this time being especially warmed to the performers! The Yorkshire crowd seemed a little reserved by comparison. We too got upgraded tickets (and pretty wonderful seats this time), which at first made me worry about underselling, but by the end there was still the standing ovation, and looking around it was still a healthy crowd, and very appreciative, naturally.
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The Yorkshire crowd seemed a little reserved by comparison.
The word you're looking for, old horse, is "sophisticated"...
Ha! Love it. As I said on the Monday afternoon, you don't get much more Yorkshire than Barnsley, where I live.
Maybe then, there were more Americans in the Albert Hall. Personally I loved it when they cheered for Batman, and then later more and more. Reminded me of those lovely Doctor Who Proms.
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Had a good time at the one in Birmingham tonight. Enjoyable concert. Disappointed not to get a programme but didn't see anyone selling them. (Lots of empty seats.)
But why oh why did they put it in the National Indoor Arena which is a decent enough venue for pop music but not really suited to an orchestra, when arguably the finest concert hall in the country (Birmingham Symphony Hall) is right next door to it?!
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I just wish they had some proper ale, which they didn't. Something heavy, bitter and dark would suit me just fine.
Karol
Yes, the pale ales seem to be the best sellers these days, as friends of mine with your tastes also find annoying. I admit I too prefer them pale and hoppy, though I'm with you on the bitter side. Got to have an edge. Still, with the colder months starting there should be more darker ones around. Did you go to the Goat? I popped in there before I got to the Spaghetti House.
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We ended up at a place called Archangel. We weren't picky....as long as they were open, we were fine.
But yeah, I'd love it if they'd had a better selection. Heck, they didn't even have beer on tap, which seems strange to me.
What? Bottles only? Not a genuine pub then, but a bar nonetheless. And open 'till 2pm. I suppose there's a compromise there somewhere. I mean, I got my last half in Victoria and they all shut at midnight!
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