You have to be in top form to attend the Beethoven Marathon by prodigious conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin and his accomplices in the Orchestre Métropolitain. The maestro has subjected his troops to training worthy of top athletes: 12 rehearsals, 4 dress rehearsals, all in a very short space of time. The complete symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven are presented as part of the25th anniversary of the link between YNS and the Orchestre Métropolitain.
In 2022, Deutsche Gramophone released a recording of the same complete works conducted by YNS with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. On Thursday evening at the Maison Symphonique, the maestro surpassed this interpretation. From the very first notes, one could already feel a difference, and it was undoubtedly the presence of the conquered audience that raised the game.
The first work on the program, Symphony No. 2, revealed Beethoven’s genius and the mastery of Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the OM musicians. The fourth movement (Allegro Molto) once again demonstrated the musician’s flexibility. For me, No.2 remains one of the German composer’s finest signatures.
After the 20-minute intermission, we were treated to an original composition by Montrealer Nicolas Ryan with the piece Eroi(s)ca, which served as a bridge between Symphonie n°2 and n°3.
Another highlight of the evening was Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s performance of Symphony No. 3 called Eroica, Op. 55 , in E-flat major. This performance provided an opportunity to contemplate Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s talent and the complicity he has developed over the past 25 years with the musicians of the Orchestre Métropolitain.
The marathon continues tonight with Beethoven’s Third and Seventh Symphonies. Hurry up, put on your running shoes and warm up before attending this second evening.
Photo Credit: François Goupil
