Classical music takes centre stage in Paris des Arts • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Opéra: A dramatic work in one or more acts, set to music for singers and instrumentalists.
• Mezzo-soprano: A type of classical female singing voice that sits between soprano and alto.
• Appassionato: An orchestra founded and led by Mathieu Herzog, specializing in Romantic music.
• Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 (RAC 3): A notoriously difficult and emotionally complex piece for piano and orchestra.
• Maria Callas: A renowned Greek-American opera singer, considered one of the most influential and dramatic sopranos of the 20th century.
• Acoustics: The science of sound and its properties, particularly relevant to performance spaces like theaters.
• Romantic Music: A period in musical history (roughly 1820-1900) characterized by emotional intensity and expressive melodies.

The World of Opera and Classical Music: A Deep Dive

This program explores the multifaceted world of opera and classical music through interviews with an opera singer, an orchestra conductor, and a visit to a museum dedicated to Maria Callas. The program delves into the artistic process, the emotional demands of performance, and the historical context of significant works.

The Passion of Performance: Léa Desandre & The Opera Singer's Life

Léa Desandre, a mezzo-soprano, expresses her deep love for opera, describing it as a powerful emotional experience for both performers and audiences. She emphasizes the communal aspect of opera, where individuals connect through shared emotion. Desandre, 32, has been singing since age 12 and hopes to continue for many years. She actively dispels the notion that opera is inaccessible, stating, “C'est pour tout le monde et c'est beaucoup plus fun que ce qu'on peut penser.”

She explains the role of a mezzo-soprano as a voice “d'entre deux” (in between), possessing agility in both high and low registers. Her background in ballet for 12 years significantly informs her stage presence, providing a strong sense of discipline, spatial awareness, and connection to the overall performance. Desandre highlights the importance of balancing rigor and instinct in role preparation, emphasizing the value of enjoying the process ("enjoy the process") as it nourishes the performance.

Currently performing the role of Cherubino in The Marriage of Figaro, she describes the character as radiating joy and positivity, a role that positively impacts her daily life. She acknowledges the emotional risks involved in intensely dramatic roles like Medea, detailing a process of thorough preparation and self-protection through repetition and deep understanding of the character. She explains that becoming intimately familiar with the role, through research and immersion, diminishes its emotional impact.

Appassionato & Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto

Mathieu Herzog, conductor and founder of the Appassionato orchestra, explains that the orchestra’s name reflects its passion for Romantic music. The program visits La Scène Musicale, Appassionato’s primary performance venue, to observe rehearsals of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 (RAC 3). Herzog describes the RAC 3 as “l'Evrest” (the Everest) of piano concertos, noting its extreme difficulty and the physical requirements for pianists – specifically large hands. He explains that Rachmaninoff’s own large hands contributed to the concerto’s demanding nature.

Herzog details the historical context of the concerto’s composition, linking it to a period of personal crisis for Rachmaninoff following the disastrous premiere of his first symphony, which was marred by the conductor arriving drunk. This led to a period of self-doubt and therapy before Rachmaninoff’s successful return with the second concerto and ultimately the RAC 3. He characterizes the concerto as embodying the “âme slave” (Slavic soul), a blend of melancholy and vitality. He also notes a subtle American influence in the work, foreshadowing Rachmaninoff’s later move to the United States, and describes the composer’s style as “un peu hollywoodien” (a little Hollywood-esque).

The Art of Acoustics & The Theâtre des Champs-Élysées

The program explores the impact of performance space on vocal projection at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, a landmark venue known for its innovative architecture. The theater, a significant site for the premiere of Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring, is praised for its clear acoustics and unique design. Desandre explains that each hall has a different acoustic profile, requiring singers to adjust their projection accordingly. She mentions the existence of “points acoustiques” (acoustic points) in some theaters, like La Scala, where singing from a specific spot enhances vocal projection.

She describes the feeling of performing in a silent hall as a “mélange des deux” (a mixture of both), both supported and exposed. She emphasizes the power of true silence, stating that these moments are often the most rewarding for a performer, focusing on the “souffle de de des respirations retenues” (breath of held breaths) of the audience.

Maria Callas: A Legacy of Passion and Complexity

The program concludes with a visit to the first museum dedicated to Maria Callas in Athens. Chrissa, a representative of the museum, emphasizes that the museum aims to showcase not only the diva but also the woman behind the legend. The museum’s collection includes personal items, such as Callas’s photo album, offering intimate insights into her life. The museum aims to inspire new generations by demonstrating that believing in oneself and one’s dreams can lead to success. A quote from the album highlights Callas’s belief in self-reliance and the pursuit of dreams.

Conclusion

This program provides a compelling glimpse into the dedication, artistry, and emotional depth required in the world of opera and classical music. From the singer’s personal connection to the music to the conductor’s historical understanding and the museum’s celebration of a legendary performer, the program underscores the enduring power of these art forms to move and inspire. The emphasis on both technical skill and emotional vulnerability highlights the complex and rewarding nature of a life devoted to music.