MUSICALAMERICA.COM
May 26, 2006

Masur Conducts the 'Leningrad” in Paris

Frank Cadenhead

PARIS – Now in his fourth season as music director of the Orchestre National de France, Kurt Masur is perhaps today's most acclaimed classical music figure in France. His Beethoven and Mendelssohn symphony cycles (Nov. 2002 and Feb. 2003 respectively) were both popular and critical successes; his ongoing Schumann symphony cycle has been attracting sell-out crowds; and people are still talking about his stunning realization of Beethoven's imposing "Missa Solemnis" earlier this month.

When Masur became ill in February, ONF took the unusual step of postponing the scheduled performance of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 7, "Leningrad," programmed as part of its centenary celebration of the composer's birth. It finally took place on May 18 at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, and, in the process, set something of a gold standard, both for performances of the work and for the orchestra's level of accomplishment under this master musician.

Masur explored the full architecture and deep emotional depths of this vast work, with close attention to detail: The familiar extended crescendo in the first movement was a textbook example of controlled tension (as was his treatment of Ravel's "Bolero" some months ago). The finale, "the eventual victory," was exquisitely crafted -- exploding with maximum impact yet never muddy from the ferocious volume levels.

In the second movement, "Moderato (poco allegretto)," the orchestra played with a rare sense of ensemble, as if the musicians were listening and responding to one another, chamber-music style. They achieved a unity of expression often found in the famed international orchestras, but rare among France's contentious ensembles. Virtuoso contributions by section principals further contributed to the overall quality. ONF will perform the "Leningrad" when it makes its BBC Proms debut in July as part of a European tour; recording Masur's interpretation with this orchestra would be a wise move for all concerned.

Masur and soloist Nelson Freire's elegant phrasing on Grieg's Piano Concerto in A minor, the program's first half, brought a healthy freshness to the work. This pianist, very popular in France, clearly understands that one needn't flog this warhorse to make it run.

France Musique broadcast the concert live nationally and it was carried as well on many European Union Radio Network stations throughout the continent.