Ariadne on Chandos

Not a bad recording studio? © Su-a Lee

The final recording session felt somewhat emotional. The end of a musical voyage. Nobody really seemed to want it to end...we had all been so intent on getting the recording to feel right, that when it came to that final take when we realised that there was nothing further to correct, it felt like a slightly premature, yet fond, farewell. 

Last minute preparations. © Su-a Lee

The music itself is largely to blame for these feelings, as it is truly sublime and such a joy to play. Not to mention that most of us didn't previously know the opera very well and loved getting to know it. Plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat at all times! We also have Sir Richard Armstrong to thank, as he knew the score inside out and guided us through it with expertise and obvious affection. 

Producer Brian Pidgeon gives Sir Richard some conducting tips! © Su-a Lee

The team from the Chandos record label was also a joy to work with....extremely efficient and brilliantly acute on the playbacks. They also proved themselves to have a healthy dose of humour, by gently teasing the violas with a small practical joke on the final playback. On more than one occasion, the opera, became referred to as "Ariadne on Chandos" rather than the official "Ariadne auf Naxos", often by the singers substituting their lines! 

Bradley and Ruth compete highest position on the violin © Su-a Lee

There is never a dull moment in the violin section © Su-a Lee

Despite the obvious joy surrounding the project, there is no doubt that we all missed Sir Charles tremendously, who, as I mentioned in the earlier blogs, had very reluctantly felt obliged to pull out of the recordings due to ill-health. A personal message from him was passed around the whole orchestra. We were all greatly moved.

   
Maxi, Nikita and Alison certainly enjoyed themselves! © Su-a Lee

But all things considered, we were very lucky. A top-notch, fabulous cast of singers, singing an amazing Strauss opera, conducted by the superb Sir Richard Armstrong, with a wonderful recording company. All we need now, is for you, the public, to buy it when it's released this autumn!

          
Producer Brian, feeling jubliant at the end of the recording sessions, and the Control Room! © Su-a Lee