G.P.

This week I have been observing the famous Italian conductor Riccardo Muti in rehearsal with the Orchestre National de France and the Radio Philharmonic Choir. They prepared a program of Porpora, Cherubini and Schubert for the Saint-Denis Festival here in Paris.

Muti's rehearsing gave me a lot to think about and for many different reasons. He maintains a sort of "maestro aura" at all times which I find very interesting. How much of it do you really need and how much is too much? The orchestra of course expects you to be their boss, not their pal, but when you place yourself too high above the players and singers it is destined to turn against you at some point. I have noticed that certain nationalities are more prone to this kind of behavior than others. A tradition, maybe?

I just returned from the dress rehearsal at the Basilique Saint-Denis and found out that the concert will be sent as live streaming video today at 20:30 CET! The link can be found from both Festival Saint-Denis and Radio France websites. I think it is worth to see one of the biggest maestros of today live, although to be honest he is not at his best with choral repertoire. The soloists are brilliant anyhow, among them my compatriot Topi Lehtipuu!