Critique, festival. Montpellier, 40th Radio-France festival Occitanie Montpellier (Opera Berlioz), July 17, 2025. Rachmaninov / R. Strauss. Radio-France Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniil Trifonov (Piano), Daniel Harding (Direction)

The second invitation of Philhar au festival Radio-France Montpellier outclass The first already captivating (July 11). In addition, Under the wand of Daniel Harding. In addition, two flagship pieces of romanticism shine at the firmament of theBerlio OperaZ: the 3e Concerto of Sergueï Rachmaninov With the Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov et A hero life of Richard Strauss.

The concert of theRadio-France Philharmonic Orchestra July 11 was already captivating. Therefore, But that of this July 17 is one of the headlights of this 40e edition of the Occitan festival, ex-level With the Symphony “Resurrection” critique, festival. montpellier, 40th radio-france From Gustav Mahler, directed by Tarmo Peltokoski at the head of the national orchestra of the Capitol of Toulouse a few days earlier.

The assets are split by two “cult” works and two performers. Similarly, Gifted Russian pianist, Daniil Trifonov specialized in the romantic repertoire (see his discography…). Meanwhile, Without falling into the pitfall of pyrotechnics. Nevertheless, his game hit the prism of the facets that Sergei Rachmaninov deploys in his 3e Concerto on. For example, 30composed to conquer the USA and he created in New York (1909). Consequently, “” Singing In Rachmaninov’s words himself, D. Similarly, TRIFONOV assumes it sobriety in theAllegro initial. Consequently, Enchant his own keyboard. Meanwhile, which has become organ games over the long cadence (theOr Probably): the soloist triumphs over all the trap shit. Escape in a rhapsodic course (Adagio interlude), bring out the ideas, the set of stamps by its incredible touch of the treble everything is achieved. And Perform even when his piano reels like a thoroughbred to launch the final In short that the orchestra grabs in its flight and its rhythmic engine. Because the reactive direction of Daniel Harding Explore fiery romanticism, but without gesticulation. The public cheers them both strongly.

The latest symphonic poem A heroic life (A hero life, opus 40) by Richard Strauss makes the audience penetrate into the saga of a composer staging himself, a few decades after Berlioz in the Fantastic. Each of the six movements reinvents the orchestral complexity with audacity; THE Philhar in restores the kinetic power. The post-romantic breath of the initial movement poses critique, festival. montpellier, 40th radio-france the radiant personality Hero (The hero), while the grotesque register invites itself into Hero’s enemies (Of the hero opponent): these chatter in acute woods and rumble in the bass (we think of the court of Herod in the future opera Salomé). What a contrast to the sweet melodic curves of the violin solo which embodies the companie of the composer (The hero companion ) In a sensual sweetness! The game of Nathan Mierdl (26 years old) unfolds there serenely with striking sensitivity. The rise of the following movements is accomplished with precision in the laser. Separated by the mere lull of the “Viennese” movement that the arpeggios of harps (Peaceful hero works). The behind -the critique, festival. montpellier, 40th radio-france -side trumpets of Hero fight Launch a Straussian ride (less noble than that of Wagnerian), increased tenfold by the telluric force of percussion and sumptuous serious brass. This teeming orchestral life. breathless and full of ruptures finally gives way to an almost chamberwood end, enamelled with the concerting dialogue with the excellent solo horn that symbolizes The renunciation and accomplishment of the hero. Subjugated, the two thousand listeners of the Berlioz opera retain their breath several minutes before applauding. The brand of big evenings!

To the salutes, strong cheers, however, reward the two Hero-Solists of Philhar (solo violin, solo horn) as much as Daniel Harding, a modest hero of the Straussian saga. In curtain raising of this concert. the director Michel orier had addressed a vibrant tribute to the heroes of the Radio-France Montpellier festival which celebrates its critique, festival. montpellier, 40th radio-france 40e edition. Either the three founders: Jean-Noël Jeanneney (Radio-France). René Koining (Director of the festival for long decades) and Georges Frêche (Mayor of Montpellier) in the year 1985.

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Critique, festival. Montpellier, 40th Radio-France festival Occitanie Montpellier (Opera Berlioz), July 17, 2025. Rachmaninov / R. Strauss. Radio-France Philharmonic Orchestra, Daniil Trifonov (Piano), Daniel Harding (Direction). Photo credit (C) Rights reserved