On Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, Arion Baroque Orchestra gave a very moving concert, Les Adieux, at Bourgie Hall. In a varied program conducted by solo violinist Chouchane Siranossian, we discovered and rediscovered the repertoire of Mozart and Haydn, as well as Andreas Romberg in his Violin Concerto in A major.
The concert began with a speech by the artistic director, reminding the audience of the importance of donations on this international day of philanthropy. This was a significant reference, not only to the current economic climate, but also to Haydn’s Symphony No. 45, “Les Adieux” (The Farewell), which was composed at a time when the musicians of Esterhaza Palace were seeking to reunite with their families, in a context where the profession of musician was already precarious…
This well-known symphony by Haydn, the centerpiece of the concert, lived up to all the audience’s expectations. The orchestra shared its energy with us right from the allegro, in a beautiful performance of a piece which, despite its popularity, is not simple and requires a great deal of dialogue between sections, particularly in its nuances. The adagio features oboe interludes and the powerful sound of the horns, which had been rather timid until then. What is also striking is the conductor’s fluid and subtle gestures. We are used to grand gestures and broad movements, yet the soloist’s efficiency is remarkable. This quality of conducting can also be found in Romberg’s violin concerto, where we can hear the beautiful colors of the horn and the very rich tones of the basses. The soloist demonstrates her agility in a piece that requires endurance and mastery of the very delicate high register in the rondeau.
After a flawless start to Mozart’s Symphony No. 5, where the orchestra’s precision was evident in the allegro, we understand the importance of a meaningful concert, where it is essential to recognize the quality of the musicians performing and an orchestra that deserves its longevity.
Photo Credit: ©Tam Photography.
