A short review of Saturday's concert at the Paris Philharmonie, with a 100% Beethoven programme: the 1st piano concerto and the 6th Symphony.
I loved the concerto, with an inspired Christian Zacharias conducting the Orchestre de Paris from his piano. The 2nd movement (the Largo) managed to convey all the tenderness that Beethoven puts in his music when he gets dreamy. Thumbs up also to the solo clarinet. Overall, a lively and moving interpretation.
But I had come for the Pastorale, my favourite Ludwig Symphony with the 9th. The Orchestre de Paris woods were grand, as usual. Lovely oboe solos, amazing flute from Vicents Prats, wonderful bassoons and clarinet... essential for a good Pastorale. I have more reservations as regards the strings. As usual, I find their very "French" sound a bit too dry and thin for Beethoven. Overall, a very enjoyable evening: I came out whistling the 2nd movement and smiling... but also because I had the cartoon below in mind 😁
PS: happy 90th birthday Chuck Berry!
