Roberto Alagna

Performance

Philharmonie de Paris 

Monday  23th of September 2024

Cast

Roberto Alagna - Ténor

Ludovic Tezier - Baryton

Orchestre National de Belgique

Conductor - Giorgio Croci 

Press Review

Olyrix - Roberto Alagna and Ludovic Tézier, lyrical stars at the Philharmonie - Emmanuel Deroeux - 25 September 2024
 

Tenor Roberto Alagna and baritone Ludovic Tézier combine their talents at the Philharmonie de Paris, in a recital of 19th century arias produced by "Les Grandes Voix".
Roberto Alagna and Ludovic Tezier have been accomplices for several decades and still seem to enjoy sharing the stage. They offer a recital highlighting the great lyric composers of the 19th century and the extent of their expressivity. 

With the charm of his emblematic ease on stage, Roberto Alagna never hesitates to create a connivance with his audience (already won over as soon as he enters), enjoying having fun with him (even if his witty remarks sometimes only benefit the front rows). From the outset, his heroic timbre resounded with constant valour. His high notes are always golden with a brilliant light. Although he sometimes seemed surprised by the tonality of the orchestral accompaniment (which did not choose to play lower in order to give him more comfort in the upper register), he turned it into an asset, reinforcing the brilliance of his voice through his expressive commitment. The audience will particularly remember Moniuszko's intense lament ‘Szumią jodły’ (the fir trees rustle), combining tender interpretation and valiant timbre.

Ludovic Tézier is undoubtedly his partner in presence and ease, albeit more poised. The richness of his timbre allows him to be as dark as he is brilliant and tender. His ‘Nemico della patria’ from Giordano's Andrea Chénier drew a well-deserved cheer from the audience, so heroic was the baritone's portrayal of his character. The tenderness of his inflections is captivating, and also marked in Wagner (with Tannhaüser). The duet moments are particularly touching, marked by a friendly complicity rather than rivalry, such as the famous oath of friendship "È lui! desso, l'Infante! Dio, che nell'alma infondere" from Verdi's Don Carlo.

The two star singers are fully supported by the Orchestre National de Belgique under the baton of Giorgio Croci, a fellow traveller who conducted the gala celebrating Roberto Alagna's 30th anniversary at the Chorégies d'Orange in 2016. Although certain instrumental passages could be more narrative, and the strings are covered by the brass sections in their moments of power, the pianissimo passages seem all the more pleasant and delicate. Flurries of controlled, homogeneous energy soar towards airy, subtly balanced passages.

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