Latest developments featuring Nguci and Jacquot within OpenStreetMap organization

Rewritten Article:

The recent performance of Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto, famously known as "Rach3", at the OSM (Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal), provided an opportunity for another delightful "Symphonic Aperitif", hosted by Philippe-Audrey Larrue-St-Jacques. This event invites music enthusiasts to arrive early for socializing, followed by the performance. The relaxed atmosphere seems to resonate with a younger, respectful crowd.

Concert and Cellphones

The audience was encouraged to make use of the NEX-experience tool on their phones, designed to provide real-time information about the music being played. While informative, constantly checking the platform can divert attention from the music itself. A couple of observations worth mentioning: the tiny percentage of listeners opting to use NEX-experience and a handful of individuals using their phones for personal matters during the show, sometimes making the experience uncomfortable.

We attended the concert to experience "Rach3", opting to skip the Gaelic Symphony scheduled for Thursday evening in favor of a shorter composition, Endymion by Jean Coulthard. Our interest in Coulthard was piqued, and we had faith in the OSM. Unfortunately, the concert did not meet our expectations.

Philippe-Audrey Larrue-St-Jacques didn't disappoint in showcasing the elevated stature of Marie-Ange Nguci, the French pianist. However, her performance of the concerto focused more on technical correctness rather than capturing Rachmaninov's essence. Some flaws were noticeable in the mass of notes showered in the first movement, and she lost momentum in the 3rd when the tempo accelerated.

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Opera in Concert at the OSM, At Last!

In Pursuit of Greatness

Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto demands a certain level of emotional depth, expressiveness, and sonic texture that we found lacking in the performance. We couldn't help but compare it to a recent performance by Jean-Baptiste Fonlupt, which left a lasting impression on us. Rachmaninov's music, performed by Fonlupt, was far richer in texture and emotional depth.

Marie Jacquot handled the orchestra well in Endymion, but the performance seemed more like a decorative piece rather than a dynamic, engaging composition. The orchestra lacked breathe, and the nuances of Coulthard's piece were not fully explored.

In routine weeks without the guidance of Rafael Payare, the OSM often falls short of the grandeur expected from a major North American orchestra. It's difficult not to question whether the OSM deserves better. After all, it is a significant orchestra that should be inspiring awe and evoking deep emotions.

In retrospect, we are reminded of the great Nicholas Angelich, who was unable to complete his concerto cycle with the Metropolitan Orchestra due to illness in 2022. A performance of "Rach3" conducted by Myung-Whun Chung can be found in the "Homage" box set published in his memory. Listening to this performance might provide an idea of the profound beauty that Rachmaninov's concerto can convey.

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The political implications of using technology during live music performances, such as the NEX-experience tool, might offset the traditional entertainment value and engagement with the music.
The symphonic piece "Rach3" by Rachmaninov, performed by a pretext of expressing Rachmaninov's essence, seemed to prioritize technical correctness over emotional depth at the recent concert.
The invited pianist, Marie-Ange Nguci, while showcasing her piano skills, appears to have missed the opportunity to invoke the full symphonic spirit of Rachmaninov's 3rd Concerto.
In the pursuit of greatness, Scriabin's music invites contemplation on the role of entertainment in music and the importance of capturing the essence of a composition.

Was the OSM presenting the supposedly global ambrosia in the third Rachmaninov concerto?

Latest developments featuring Nguci and Jacquot within OpenStreetMap organization