Bachtrack writes:
“For their first Carnegie Hall appearance in nearly a decade, the Orchestre National de France performed a spectacular program of French works from the last two centuries.”
“Mǎcelaru’s expressive, technically precise conducting style brought out the many miracles in the score, including – but not limited to – fluid flute and horn solos, bright woodwind figurations in the Lever du jour, electrifying brass motifs in the Danse générale and all the tension and release in the orgasmic final chord.”
“The concert concluded with a generous encore, a complete performance of Ravel’s Boléro. Masterfully paced, slowly building from an imperceptibly quiet opening to a thrillingly explosive finish, it showed the ONF at its finest and brought an afternoon of fabulous French music-making to a vibrant and satisfying end.”
Seen and Heard International writes:
“Cristian Măcelaru and the Orchestre National de France arrived at Carnegie Hall with a program that embodied the ensemble’s evolving identity under his direction: a deepening devotion to the French repertoire with its distinctive emphasis on luminous transparency and color in orchestral sound, and a willingness to rescue voices long overshadowed by history.”
“…an orchestra equally capable of gravitas and brilliance.”
“…Măcelaru shaped an orchestral palette of pastel delicacy.”
“In the finale, Trifonov’s articulation turned percussive yet playful, and the orchestra matched him with bright-edged verve – a reading that balanced elegance and exuberance.”
“Măcelaru, ever self-effacing, ensured that the orchestra’s replies retained their brightness, lending buoyancy and wit to a score too often dismissed as merely conjuring the facile.”
Musical America writes:
“…the Orchestre National de France’s playing, at its November 9 Carnegie Hall matinee, displayed recognizable national characteristics. The orchestra’s “Frenchness” could most be heard in its winds, with their singularly clear, open sound, and in the penetrating impact of the brass instruments … thoroughly flavorful, with solos emerging sharply from the ensemble.”
“Macelaru’s measured pacing brought out the work’s ironic pomp, while his players offered vivid testimony to Ravel’s orchestral wizardry.”
Photo credit: Stefan Cohen