LUDOVIC TÉZIER AND PINCHAS STEINBERG SIGN AN EXCEPTIONAL SIMON BOCCANEGRA AT THE MONTE-CARLO OPERA
An impassionate standing ovation paid tribute to a concert version of Simon Boccanegra of Guiseppe Verdi given Sunday March 5th at the Rainer III auditorium in Monaco.
Between an excellent vocal cast […] and a masterful musical direction which brought out the finest qualities of the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. […] the enthusiasm of the public was genuine and merited.
The flawless interpretation of conductor Pinchas Steinberg does not surprise us in the least. We already knew about the undeniable talent of the maestro from his previous productions in the Principality, whether it was Une Tragédie Florentine, Pagliacci in February 2015 or Fanciulla del West in November 2012.
As if mounted on invisible springs, the rather frail silhouette of Pinchas Steinberg is in opposition to the strong fervour of his baton, which cuts through the air with incredible precision. With opened arms Steinberg creates a rarely heard power at the end of the prologue, while at other times he brings down the intensity of the orchestra in order to respect the delicate qualities of a voice. The Monte-Carlo Philharmonic responds with impeccable instrumental integrity and allows us to enjoy a myriad of nuances from dense to refined, from ethereal to dazzling.
The Maestro leads singers and chorus with the same integrated precision. A sublime result which allows us to be aware of the tremendous craftsmanship behind the scenes.
Jean-Luc Vannier, www.musicologie.org, 6 March 2017