Bertrand Chamayou and Esa-Pekka Salonen performed Ravel's piano concertos with the Orchestre de Paris, highlighting technical mastery and expressive depth.
Bertrand Chamayou performs Ravel's piano concertos
Bertrand Chamayou performed Maurice Ravel's two piano concertos with Esa-Pekka Salonen conducting the Orchestre de Paris. The concert took place in a setting that emphasized the jazz influences present in Ravel's compositions.Gabriella Smith's Tumblebird Contrails opens the concert
The concert began with Gabriella Smith's Tumblebird Contrails, a piece described as rhythmic and in line with Salonen's dynamic conducting style. Smith composed the work at age 23, and it was noted for its sophisticated use of symphonic elements.Inspiration and atmosphere of Tumblebird Contrails
Tumblebird Contrails was inspired by a hike and evoked the atmosphere of Point Reyes, California. The piece used musical textures to suggest the sound of waves on sand and included chaotic percussion, concluding with a calm and reflective ending.Chamayou's performance highlights technical and expressive skills
Chamayou's performance of Ravel's concertos showcased his technical dexterity and expressive phrasing. The Orchestre de Paris played in a smaller formation, drawing attention to the jazz elements in Ravel's score.Details of the performance and technical challenges
During the first cadenza of the concerto, a technical issue with the piano's low octaves was noted, possibly due to inadequate tuning during the intermission. Chamayou's playing was described as pensive rather than sad, with the final cadenza reflecting a deep introspection.Salonen's direction and the final movement
Salonen's energetic conducting was evident in the final movement of the Piano Concerto, where the woodwinds struggled with the continuous forward flow. The Concerto for the Left Hand was performed with ease by Chamayou, who used the right hand blocked on the piano.Additional pieces and audience reception
The concert included Thomas Adès' encore, composed for a film score in homage to Colette, and Béla Bartók's Mandarin Marvel. The performance of Mandarin Marvel was energetic and received audible applause from the audience.
