Salonen, Mørk et le Philharmonia : drôles d’oiseaux au Festival d’Aix

By Augustin Javel, 12 July 2019

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“Salonen fait évoluer sa musique entre grande tension et instants de grâce suspensifs”

Reviewed at Grand Théâtre de Provence, Aix-en-Provence on 10 July 2019

Sibelius, The Oceanides symphonic poem for orchestra, (Aallottaret) Op.73

Salonen, Cello Concerto (création française)

Stravinsky, The Firebird

Truls Mørk, Cello

Philharmonia Orchestra

Esa-Pekka Salonen, Conductor

Classical grace and Romantic eloquence from the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 7th May

The contrasting delights of Schumann, Brahms and Dvořák are powerfully evoked in performances of charm, eloquence and high drama from the Philharmonia, continuing the orchestra’s 80th anniversary celebrations.

****1

Benedetti ablaze with the Philharmonia

Christopher Woodley, 19th April

As gifts to the Philarmonia's 80th birthday season, Nicola Benedetti gives a barnstorming account of Elgar's Violin Concerto before Cristian Mӑcelaru gets emotionally drained by La Mer.

*****

A Resurrection for the ages: Kent Nagano conducts the Philharmonia

Eleanor Knight, 19th March

Any performance of Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is an event, but this mighty Philharmonia account at the Royal Festival Hall proves extra special.

*****

A brilliant UK premiere of John Adams’ After the Fall

David Karlin, 25th February

The Icelandic pianist and Finnish conductor make a superb case for John Adams' latest concerto; the Philharmonia play Ravel's Daphnis et Chloé strongly but don't convince completely.

****1

Renes replaces Runnicles in a remarkable Philharmonia Bruckner 8

Dominic Lowe, 19th February

Stepping in for Sir Donald Runnicles at very short notice, Lawrences Renes conducts the Philharmonia in a sleek and vivid reading of Bruckner's magisterial Eighth Symphony.

****1

Karpman’s opera Balls tells a great story, but overshoots the line

David Karlin, 20th November

An entertaining portrayal of the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs is marred by ham-fisted amplification.

**111

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Augustin Javel

Étudiant à l’IEP de Lyon, Augustin Javel est aussi hautboïste amateur, étudiant au CRR de Lyon. Passé par le Maroc, l’Espagne et la Pologne, il se passionne pour la musique et ses interprètes, facilitateurs d’échanges entre les cultures. Également passionné par le cinéma, il porte un grand intérêt aux compositeurs de musique de film. Gustav Mahler, Olivier Messiaen, Maurice Ravel ou Nino Rota font partie de ses compositeurs préférés.