Pour Marie-Antoinette

Description

In 1761, the young Haydn, aged 31, entered the service of Count Esterhazy, who entrusted him with his orchestra, reputed to be one of the best in Vienna. The Prince "gave the four hours of the day as the theme of a composition to Haydn, who set them to music." Thus were born the Symphonies of the Hours: Morning; Noon; Evening (titles given in French by the composer). These first symphonies by Haydn are true masterpieces, and inspired Thierry Malandain for his Ballet "Marie&Antoinette". These concertante symphonies give each soloist in the orchestra their moment of virtuosity, and offer the listener an almost "landscape-like" vision of the passage of time, culminating in a final storm that the Orchestra of the Royal Opera knows how to make furious!