Orchestre de Paris, Paavo Jarvi

1 September 2013

A wonderful concert of contrasts and connections with a good measure of French flavour was enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic audience.

Whereas so many musical presentations begin in stirring fashion, this Prom opened with the strings section of the orchestra and a lone tubular bell in the meditative Cantus in memoriam Benjamin Britten by Arvo Part. The audience was immediately drawn into the haunting soundworld of the Estonian composer in this performance under the baton of an Estonian conductor. There was something magical about the intensity and intimacy of this sparse music heard in such grand surroundings and by so many people. As the piece ended and before the conductor’s baton fell the silence from the audience was almost tangible.

This piece was paired with a brilliant performance of Britten’s Violin Concerto. The work moves through different moods and styles. There are moments of calm and of excitement as the violin dialogues with various sections of the orchestra. The soloist’s technique is tested to the limit with rapid changes of pitch and style. A tremendously spirited and committed performance was given throughout by Dutch violinist, Janine Jansen.

The second half coupled two French Romantic works. The first, Berlioz’ Overture: Le corsair, was full of energy and particularly gave the brass players a chance to enjoy themselves. The culmination of the evening was a very enjoyable performance of Saint-Saens’ (“Organ”) Symphony No 3 in C minor.

There was an amusing start to the performance as organist Thierry Escaich appeared by the organ to great applause but was then unable to gain entry to the console. After disappearing he then reappeared on the opposite side of the console to even greater applause before taking his position on the bench!

This piece has long been a favourite of mine, being one of the first pieces of “classical” music I ever heard performed live. I was not to be disappointed by this performance. The orchestral playing was superb, the piece allowing various sounds to emerge from the whole. The appearance of the piano still surprises! The organ complemented the other forces with its presence felt (literally) even in the quietest passages. The thrilling contribution from the Hall’s organ as the piece moved towards the climax highlighted again for me what a magnificent instrument this is – now in excellent condition and on this occasion again in the hands (and feet) of a master.

Formidable! SP