“Fairytale and darkness, all in one celebratory night for Ravel and Boulez”
The night started on a high note with Pierre Boulez’s Notations 1–4 (orchestral version), a piece that showcased a rich accretion of orchestral detail. Notation 1 felt childlike and whimsical, its complexity manifesting through an intricate interplay of sounds. Notation 4 was a cacophony of accelerating, repeated six-note motifs, creating an electrifying tension. Suspense and rhythmic precision shone through in Notation 3, with the percussion adding a martial character. Meanwhile, Notation 2 made its mark with a sharp, mechanical opening that developed into something almost hypnotic. Boulez’s mastery of texture and orchestration was evident, setting an engaging and challenging tone for the evening.
Maurice Ravel’s Mother Goose ballet transported the audience to a world of childhood wonder, its bedtime story-like quality beautifully rendered by the orchestra. The delicate spinning wheel introduced us to the fairy-tale world, followed by the serene Pavane of the Sleeping Beauty. Tom Thumb conveyed curiosity and whimsy, with bird-like sounds fluttering through the hall before sharply transitioning into the exotic textures of Little Ugly, Empress of the Pagodas. The Conversation between Beauty and the Beast carried a heavy, foreboding presence, adding depth before the ethereal conclusion of The Fairy Garden. The celesta’s delicate tones added a layer of enchantment, making for a truly immersive experience.
The highlight of the evening was Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, performed by Bertrand Chamayou. A masterclass in precision and technique, Chamayou delivered an astonishing performance, demonstrating the sheer depth of sound and color achievable with just one hand. The concerto’s dark premise was mirrored in its brooding orchestration, mechanical echoes, and sudden shifts in mood, making for an intense yet captivating listening experience.
The concert concluded with Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, orchestrated by Ravel. This final piece was grand and regal, infused with emotion and dynamic contrasts. It traversed through somber, solemn passages before culminating in a triumphal and resounding conclusion. The orchestra brought the work vividly to life, embracing its multiple tonal shifts with impeccable precision and energy.
Under the baton of Ludovic Morlot, the orchestra delivered a truly outstanding performance, bringing out the full brilliance of each piece. The evening was a remarkable journey through orchestral textures and emotions, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance.