Ruse Opera will honor with an exquisite symphony concert entitled "Romance and Passion" 150th anniversary of the birth of one of the greatest and most original French composers of the early last century – Maurice Ravel.
His work, a model and perfection in terms of professional mastery, is built on the foundation of French and Spanish musical folklore. Ravel is a composer with a bright and distinctly individual personal style. His music is distinguished by clear melodiousness, rigor and harmony of musical form, grace, richness of harmonic language and brilliant and colorful orchestration. Ravel's sound palette marks one of the highest achievements of orchestral sonority for his time.
On Friday, October 24, at 7 p.m., Maestro Viliana Valcheva will lead the orchestra of the Ruse Opera Theater and the audience in the Philharmonic Hall on a sophisticated journey into the depths of Ravel's symphonic art, which brings unadulterated romance and authentic passion, transcending strict stylistic boundaries.
She was kind enough to share her trepidations and excitement before the event:
March marked the 150th anniversary of the birth of French composer Maurice Ravel. With a sophisticated program composed of his works, the Ruse Opera will celebrate the anniversary on November 24 at the Philharmonic Hall. Is this your idea for this concert?
Yes, the idea for the concert is mine. This composer has always inspired me with his unique musical language. His music remains an eternal example of how art can be both refined and passionate, fragile and powerful – a reflection of the complex human psyche.
What does the work of one of the few impressionists in classical music, Maurice Ravel, mean to You?
For me, Ravel is one of the most influential composers of the 20th century, a transitional figure between Romanticism, Impressionism and Modernism, one of the greatest masters of orchestration, who left a bright mark on chamber, symphonic, ballet and piano music.
I understand that the concert program includes works that can be called romantic, full of passion and strong emotions. You are a Swiss graduate, which implies a dose of more precision and even rigor. How do You balance the different nuances in these works?
The works are extremely difficult to perform, but not so much technically as in the search for the most accurate sound extraction and an extremely well-read score. Ravel writes many remarks that, if not implemented, will not produce the effect he was looking for. For example, in “Spanish Rhapsody” we have four very different movements, inspired by Spanish culture and folklore. A specific approach is required both to the sound extraction and to the very attitude and mood of the orchestra and conductor.
Tell us what works will be performed on Friday evening, November 24, at the Philharmonic Hall. Will Ravel's emblematic "Bolero," which the composer himself claims is not his best work, be included?
Yes, of course we will perform it. It is no coincidence that this work is always associated with the name of the composer, who in this case has expressed himself very modestly about his musical creation. Earlier I mentioned his “Spanish Rhapsody”, and in addition to it we will also present “Introduction for Harp, Clarinet, Flute and String Quartet”.
To what extent does Ravel's music reflect your own spirituality?
Ravel is often described as a perfectionist, avoiding sentimentality. I too always seek perfectionism, as far as I can reach it. This does not mean a lack of soulfulness, but rather a soulfulness expressed through mind and form. He himself said: “Art is not the result of inspiration, but of work.”
The photo is provided by Maestra Viliana Valcheva
