A concert dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of the eminent French composer Maurice Ravel was successfully held at the National music and drama theatre named after Magtymguly. The concert was organised by the French Embassy in Turkmenistan, the French institute, and the Ministry of culture of Turkmenistan, with the support of «Bouygues Turkmen».
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Turkmenistan, Mr. Philippe Merlin, thanked the audience from the stage for their interest in the outstanding XX century French composer, who said of himself: «I think with music», and expressed confidence that, thanks to the excellent performance of his works by the State symphony orchestra of Turkmenistan, the audience in the hall would receive true aesthetic pleasure.
«Pavane for a dead princess» opened concert program of the evening. Musical legacy of Ravel is relatively small, but priceless. Musicologists call his style impressionism in music, for such a vibrant and rich palette of sonic colours is felt in each of works of the composer. «Pavane for a dead princess» is one of finest works of Ravel. It was performed in the hall, drawing thunderous applause from the audience.
The soloist in the «Piano concerto in g major» was the outstanding pianist, honoured artist of Turkmenistan Vladimir Mkrtumov. A unique, original melody flowed from the piano keys like a mountain stream, babbling and sparkling on a sunny day. And, finally, crowning achievement of the program was most famous work of Maurice Ravel, «Bolero». The same musical phrase, filled with unsettling tension, was repeated repeatedly, gradually intensifying the intensity. Maurice Ravel pioneered musical possibilities.
– I consider it a historic event in musical life of Turkmenistan to be able to embark on a journey into the world of music of Maurice Ravel to a sold-out audience at the Magtymguly theatre, – said Rasul Klychev, artistic director and principal conductor of the symphony orchestra, thrilled by the performance. – I would like to take this opportunity to thank the talented pianist Vladimir Mkrtutov for his courage in tackling any complex piece and performing it brilliantly.
