Jean-Claude Casadesus and the Orchestre du Conservatoire

Maestro Jean-Claude Casadesus was conducting the Orchestre du Conservatoire (the orchestra of the students of Paris Music Conservatoire) at the Philharmonie de Paris.

Difficult to say who was the most enthusiastic and passionate between the 81 year old conductor and the young members of the orchestra. As a matter of fact, they seemed to energize one another!

A great beginning with Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture and its 2 very contrasted themes: the 1st one, in C minor, passionate and stormy, was brilliantly powerful and vehement, the 2nd theme was delicate and moderate as can be.

Then to Wagner’s Prelude and love-death from Tristan und Isolde, with soprano Ricarda Merbeth. In my humble opinion, the rendition was one level lower than Beethoven, but it might have to do with the fact that I was sitting just in front of the singer…

The second part was dedicated to Berlioz Symphonie fantastique: the 1st movement was good, but the 4 following ones were simply excellent! Specific mention to the 1st cellist, oboist and English horn player.