Purcell, Debussy and Mozart by the Orchestra of the Rouen Normandy Opera in Deauville
First visit of the Rouen Normandy Opera Orchestra with thirty-five musicians to the Salle Elie de Brignac in the cultural season of Deauville
The Rouen Normandy Opera Orchestra accompanies the productions of the Théâtre des Arts / Opéra de Normandie and gives some fifty concerts each season in Normandy, in France and in the major international capitals. Its first visit to Deauville celebrates and illustrates the assets and new artistic dialogues of a reunited Normandy.
On the program
Henry Purcell, "Chaconne" in G minor
Preceded by a Passacaglia, this meditative piece is based on an obstinate bass of four bars. It reflects, by its very simplicity, the exceptional expressive qualities that made Purcell one of the most important composers of the Baroque period.
Claude Debussy, "Danse sacrée et Danse profane
Composed in April-May 1904, the "Danses" are the first score Debussy completed after the premiere of "Pelléas" and "Mélisande". They originate from a commission from the Pleyel firm, whose director Gustave Lyon (to whom the work is dedicated) had patented a chromatic harp without pedals and equipped with two planes of strings, originally including all the notes. With this instrument, Pleyel wanted to compete with the diatonic harp with pedals, of which Érard had a monopoly. However, its success was short-lived because of the tuning difficulties it posed. Debussy's score, a competition piece for the chromatic harp class of the Brussels Conservatory in 1904, can be happily performed on a pedal harp. Its modal writing, with its subtle archaism and clear textures, is reminiscent of other early works by Debussy (the "Danseuses de Delphes", the incidental music for the "Chansons de Bilitis" or the "Tarentelle styrienne"). The harp is here the solo instrument, the strings weaving a transparent sonorous backdrop - in the score, Debussy explicitly mentions the "accompaniment of a string orchestra". The "Danse sacrée" has the appearance of a saraband, and uses a theme from La Danse du voile by the Portuguese composer Francisco de Lacerda, winner in 1904 of a composition competition organized by Le Figaro, of which Debussy had been one of the jurors. The "Danse profane" is a charming waltz that swirls indolently. Both pieces were publicly premiered on November 6, 1904 by Lucille Wurmser-Delcourt, with Édouard Colonne conducting the strings of his orchestra.
Mozart, Symphony No. 38 called "Prague
Symphony No. 38 in D major, known as "Prague", KV 504, is a symphony composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in late 1786, when the composer was about to turn 31.
In 1786, the frivolous and unlovable Austrian public seemed to have had enough of Mozart's music. His popularity was waning, the number of concerts given and their success was diminishing, in short, the decline of his life was announced. However, the esteem in which he was held in Prague, the capital of Bohemia, did not wane. To thank the city, Mozart took with him, when he had to go there for the rehearsals of Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro, an unpublished symphony, probably written several months earlier but never performed: the Symphony No. 38 in D major "Prague".
The Orchestra of the Rouen Normandy Opera
Founded in 1998 by Oswald Sallaberger, who led it until 2010, with David Stern as principal guest conductor from 2002 to 2005, the Orchestre de l'Opéra de Rouen Normandie was then placed under the direction of Luciano Acocella from 2011 to 2014. Since September 2014, Leo Hussain has been its principal conductor.
Composed of forty instrumentalists, often reinforced by additional musicians who enrich by their frequent and regular investment the spirit of openness and curiosity that characterizes it, it explores a very broad spectrum of the lyrical and symphonic repertoire, from the Baroque to contemporary creations.
Faithful to the specificities of its membership, it has also given itself the mission of interpreting the classical repertoire on gut string instruments and classical bows, often complemented by trumpet and timpani parts on adapted instruments. Its programming favors the individual development of its artists, who regularly have the opportunity to play as soloists and chamber musicians.
This flexibility and versatility are enhanced by the many guest conductors who come to the Orchestra each season. The Orchestra frequently performs in its region, both at the Théâtre des Arts in Rouen and on tour, but its strong and assertive identity also extends beyond the borders of Normandy. Its concerts in prestigious venues such as the Cité de la Musique, the Salle Pleyel, the Opéra Comique in Paris, and in Luxembourg, Hanover, Bruges, Brussels, Havana, New York, Delhi and St. Petersburg highlight its concern for exchange, diversity and its unique approach to different musical styles.
Practice
Friday, June 22, 2018 - 8:00 p.m. - Salle Elie de Brignac
Rates : 8€ (Full)
Reservations and rentals :
> by phone : 02.31.14.02.14 (Monday to Friday from 10am to 12.30pm).
> by email : serviceculturel@deauville.fr by filling in the form here.
> At the Deauville Tourism reception desk - Quai de l'Impératrice Eugénie
> On site: Service culturel Ville de Deauville - BP 31600 - 14801 DEAUVILLE cedex (building next to La Poste de Deauville). Monday to Friday from 10am to 12:30pm.
> Just before the show: at the entrance to the Theatre of the Barrière de Deauville Casino. Ticket office open from 7:45 pm on show days.
