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French Favorites

Presented by Memphis Symphony Orchestra at Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center

March 18, 2011

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Guest conductor Andrew Grams will be your guide for this musical voyage to the city of lights and the French countryside. Hear enchanting works including Bizet's Symphony in C and Ravel's Impressionist tribute -- Le Tombeau de Couperin.

• At-a-
  Glance

  • Venue Info

    Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center

    60 Perkins Exd
    Memphis, TN 38117

    Full map and directions

  • Admission Info

    Tickets:

    $45

    Info Phone: 537-2525

    Email

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  • Dates & Times

    Dates:
    March 18, 2011

    Times:
    

    8:00 PM

  • Accessibility Info

    

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  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: French Favorites
      "French Inspirations"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 24, 2011
      

      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the... Expand

      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the orchestra was once again in top form. The first piece by Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin, was a fantastic opener. The swirling melody in the oboe led the audience into the lush palate of sonorities presented by Ravel. Grams’ conducting was very organic and fluid, often resembling a dance. There were times he just let the orchestra play, which reminded me of Bernstein’s technique, while just giving key entrances. The fluttering endings of two of the movements seemed to leave the ending notes drifting in the air, like doves being released, until just out of an earshot. The second piece, Pavanne pour une infante défunte, was also by Ravel. Grams gave a very entertaining introduction to the piece before the opening entrance by the French horn. This piece, coupled with the sensitive playing by the orchestra, reminded me of a slow jazz tune. The warm colors from the orchestra, along with a good amount of sixth chords, helped solidify this in my mind. The final piece on the program was Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major. The first movement was very energetic and light. After hearing the first few bars, it was easy to recognize this work as being composed by a seventeen-year-old Bizet. The strings seemed to play with extraordinary passion as they moved like waves with their bowings. The beginning of the second movement was a little shaky. Grams’ cues were not exactly what the MSO is used to, and it showed in the three opening entrances. However, at the end of the movement those entrances returned and were played very well. The final two movements were played with great vigor, and left the audience with a sense of revitalized youth. Grams was a great guest conductor and brought out some beautiful musical moments from the orchestra. If you still haven’t ventured out to hear our remarkable symphony orchestra, make sure you purchase tickets for the upcoming pops concert on April 9. See you at the symphony! Collapse

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    Currently, additional images/videos have not been submitted for this event.

• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    Add review/comment

    • Event Name: French Favorites
      "French Inspirations"
      Comment posted by: Nathan Powell - ArtsMemphis Rants & Raver from Memphis, TN, Mar 24, 2011
      

      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the... Expand

      On March 18, 2011, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra presented a chamber concert of works by two outstanding French composers, Maurice Ravel and Georges Bizet. Led by guest conductor Andrew Grams, the orchestra was once again in top form. The first piece by Ravel, Le Tombeau de Couperin, was a fantastic opener. The swirling melody in the oboe led the audience into the lush palate of sonorities presented by Ravel. Grams’ conducting was very organic and fluid, often resembling a dance. There were times he just let the orchestra play, which reminded me of Bernstein’s technique, while just giving key entrances. The fluttering endings of two of the movements seemed to leave the ending notes drifting in the air, like doves being released, until just out of an earshot. The second piece, Pavanne pour une infante défunte, was also by Ravel. Grams gave a very entertaining introduction to the piece before the opening entrance by the French horn. This piece, coupled with the sensitive playing by the orchestra, reminded me of a slow jazz tune. The warm colors from the orchestra, along with a good amount of sixth chords, helped solidify this in my mind. The final piece on the program was Bizet’s Symphony No. 1 in C Major. The first movement was very energetic and light. After hearing the first few bars, it was easy to recognize this work as being composed by a seventeen-year-old Bizet. The strings seemed to play with extraordinary passion as they moved like waves with their bowings. The beginning of the second movement was a little shaky. Grams’ cues were not exactly what the MSO is used to, and it showed in the three opening entrances. However, at the end of the movement those entrances returned and were played very well. The final two movements were played with great vigor, and left the audience with a sense of revitalized youth. Grams was a great guest conductor and brought out some beautiful musical moments from the orchestra. If you still haven’t ventured out to hear our remarkable symphony orchestra, make sure you purchase tickets for the upcoming pops concert on April 9. See you at the symphony! Collapse

• Media
  Reviews

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• What's
  Nearby

  • Nearby Galleries

    • David Lusk Gallery - 4540 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: 901-767-3800
      

  • • Harrington Brown Gallery - 5179 Wheelis, Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: 901-590-3008
      Email: rbrown@harringtonbrown.com
      

  • • L. Ross Gallery - 5040 Sanderlin, Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: 901-767-2200
      Email: art@lrossgallery.com
      

  • Nearby Other Businesses

    • DAC Fitness - 426 South Grove Park Road, Memphis, TN 38117
      Email: info@daclife.com
      

  • • Whole Foods - 5022 Poplar Ave , Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: 901-685-2293
      Email: liza.burke@wholefoods.com
      

  • Nearby Restaurants/Dining

    • Fratelli's - 750 Cherry Road, Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: 901.650.9161
      

  • • Napa Cafe - 5101 Sanderlin Ave # 122, Memphis, Tn 38117
      Phone: (901) 683-0441
      

  • Nearby Shops

    • Mednikow - 474 Perkins Extd. #100, Memphis, TN 38117
      Phone: (901)-767-2100
      Email: sales@mednikow.com