An exhilarating first dance for OM in Vienna
For its very first concert at Vienna’s Konzerthaus, OM had wisely chosen the work that would serve as its presentation. What could be more magical than to perform a waltz in the world capital of this dance? And not just any waltz: Ravel’s La Valse, a work with French roots that resonates with OM’s identity.
From the very first notes, the concert resembled a first meeting between two young people… and it was, without a doubt, love at first sight. The love affair between OM and the Viennese public was immediate.
Interestingly, two other dances awaited spectators during the program. First, the frenzied tarantella from the second movement of Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2. This Allegro scherzando, with its mischievous character and overt sense of humor, drew smiles… and even a few spontaneous laughs from the audience, so surprised and amused was the ending.
In front of a conquered crowd, who immediately demanded an encore, Alexandre Kantorow returned to the piano to offer a delicate moment: a lied by Schubert, the tutelary figure of Viennese music, who was born and died in this very city. A simple, graceful offering that strengthened the bond between soloist, audience and venue.
The second part of the program featured another dance – but of an entirely different kind. Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony contains, in the second movement, a seemingly cheerful and elegant waltz, which contrasts with the pain and melancholy of the other movements. But this waltz is not quite a waltz: written in 5/4 rather than 3/4, it creates a rhythmic instability, an impression of imbalance, as if the dancers were stumbling at every turn.
Beyond this blurred grace, it was above all emotion that marked this performance by OM. The “Pathétique” was delivered with such intensity that a long silence followed the last chord, an almost sacred silence, which the audience dared not break until Yannick Nézet-Séguin turned back to the hall. It was as if the entire audience had been holding its breath until this discreet signal.
Then came the applause – powerful, sincere – and the standing ovation that sealed this brand-new union between Vienne and OM. The musicians, deeply moved by the welcome they received in this prestigious venue, felt an instant love affair with the city, the venue… and above all its audience.
And at that moment, they knew that this love was shared.