On Friday July 22 we went to Royal Albert Hall for a proms concert featuring the period instrument ensemble "Le cercle de l'Harmonie" from France. They played music of Mozart and Mendelssohn- 2 symphonies and 2 concert arias. The soloist for the arias was the Italian singer Rose Feola. She had a clear and powerful voice. The Mendelssohn aria she sung was recently "re-discovered" by a musicologist who works in our neighboring suburb of Georgetown Texas. Small world! It is a shame he was not given credit in the concert program. I only knew about this through a Facebook post one of my friends shared.
The ensemble was the size of a chamber orchestra. It sounded like the musicians were playing on old instruments, especially the winds and brass. The sound is different from modern instruments.
We were sitting far back, so we could not tell visually. The conductor chose brisk tempi, so the music did not drag. It was an exciting performance.
Here is the view of the stage from our seats in back of the hall.
I encourage everyone to attend a proms concert while in London. You will not be disappointed.
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