Attending another performance in L.A., with its standard standing ovation afterwards (yawn), I was reminded of a different experience three weeks ago in Paris. I went to see James Conlon direct the French National Orchestra in a program of three rather short pieces, including (I believe) the European premiere of Erwin Schulhoff's Ogelala, as well as a Prokofiev concerto and Roussel's Bacchus et Ariane. The evening included a piano solo performance with the orchestra by a brilliant young pianist of 20, Lise de la Salle, glittering in a golden gown, with long blond hair, against the orchestra all in black.
The audience was wildly enthusiastic. There were repeated encores. No one stood up.
Comments