MUSIQUE SYMPHONIQUE : MASTERCLASS DE DIRECTION

CONCERT PROGRAM

Felix Mendelssohn The Hebrides or Fingal's Cave (overture)
Robert Schumann Piano Concerto in A minor
Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 4

Eminent Swiss conductor and one of the world?s most sought-after conducting teachers, Johannes Schlaefli has chosen a magnificent Romantic program for his masterclass at the CNSM in Paris. The powerful sea spray of the Hebrides Overture (1832) precedes the incredible elation of love that carries Schumann?s Piano Concerto in A minor from start to finish. We know that the work is dedicated with every fiber of its being to his beloved wife, pianist Clara Schumann, who premiered it in Leipzig on January 1, 1846.

Which brings us to Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 (1807), reputed to be the "happiest" of the nine symphonies, as it coincides with the composer's "engagement" to Therese de Brunschwig. But above all, we get the impression that, by blurring the lines, the master is experimenting with new energies and other dialectics of feeling. The contrast between the mysterious slow introduction and the playful vigor of the opening Allegro is a striking example, as is the enormous "rhythmic hammer" that haunts the pure melody of the Adagio.

CONCERT CAST
Johannes Schlaefli: pedagogical direction
Antonin Bonnet: piano
Students of the CNSMDP conducting class

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