My only day of rehearsal with the LSO and Maestro Gergiev for my debut as Marguerite in Berlioz's masterpiece "Damnation de Faust" just came to an end. I wish the clock had not marched forward (even if my jet lag was begging differently!). Gergiev's complete mastery of this piece, in sublime combination with the orchestra's innate and uncanny way with Berlioz's near demented, yet utterly enthralling music was nearly too much for me. How those strings can find SUCH a clear unison, such a sizzling warmth in the most miniscule of piano's, I'll never know, but I most certainly did not want it to end!!! This is the sign of a brilliant orchestra to me: when the whole is absolutely integrated and seamless, and yet the moment a solo passage steps up, you know you're listening to the best in the world take the lead for that brief moment.
This past year alone I have worked with some of the greatest Maestri in the world, and Gergiev's intense, yet subtle influence confirms for me my strong desire for a great Maestro: someone who INSPIRES.
Thank you Maestro, thank you wonderful LSO, and thank you wonderful colleagues - what a JOY and a privilege to make music together!
PS - most sadly, I don't believe any radio broadcast is planned; this is one for the ticket holders - my apologies to those of you outside of the hall...
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7 comments:
It will be interesting the comparison between the Berlioz of Davies and Gergiev...
The Orchestre National de France sounded great conducted by Davies past February...
Toï toï toï for tonight! Too bad there's no radio broadcast... I really hope they're gonna broadcast it though, because you will surely portray a fantastic Marguerite. Maybe you could stop by Ireland next time ;)
Anyway, in bocca al lupo, and enjoy your night!
You were right about those strings! In fact the whole orchestra were superb - just as were the singers! Thanks for a great night!
I was there!!! I'd got a ticket weeks ago, because I love the piece, and then I discovered you were singing in place of the originally announced Mezzo - so that was a real bonus! And then Sir Willard White stepped in to sing Mephistopheles - which was another bonus! And what an exhilerating evening and a fabulous performance: by orchestra, chorus, conductor and soloists! And you were wonderful - you WERE Marguerite, you sang with great beauty and acted the role too (I know it was a concert performance - but you were being Marguerite throughout the time you were on stage). In your next recital disc can we have some Berlioz - please!!! and as you were singing I thought - Dido in the Trojans next?
Dear Joyce, once again THANK YOU so much for this glorious magical moment of music. I still can't believe this was your first (and hopefully not last!) Marguerite. Everything was immediately there, right from the start. Wouah! It's really a pity there was no broadcast and just one concert. But I really hope, you will repeat this success (if possible with the same amazing orchestra and conductor) and thus allow all your fans to get to know your personal portrayal of Marguerite. By the way, your new elegant gown made me think, while listening, of possible future Didons and/or Cassandres... Let's dream… Thanks also once more for your kindness and for giving so much of your time and sharing your enthusiasm with your numerous fans. Toi, toi, toi now for the Barbiere. Looking forward to the new CD/DVD and for many new adventures!!! Cheers
Rub it in why don't you! :)
So it was an amazing rendition of Marguerite, we weren't there, it wasn't recorded, and now we can keep stewing in our own frustrations. Plus I just checked, no new Marguerita performance is scheduled any time soon :(
Marge must be about a perfect role to sing for JDD. Cassandre should be fun too but how with such a sched? I imagine it's all programed 4 years in advance. Oh well!
Hope you Joyce had lots of fun singing Marguarite and you'll find a way to record it on one of your next CDs :)
Cheers and have a safe trip to the States!
Dolcevita, just so you know, Marguerite's arias "D'amour l'ardente flamme" and "Autrefois un roi du Thulé" are on YouTube...
So even if we weren't there, we have a glimpse of Joyce's Marguerite :)
And I'll be waiting for the next one... on stage, maybe? ^^
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