Youthful Intensity, Onstage and in the Program
Anthony Tommasini - New York Times
18 février

“With a haunting account of an early work by Messiaen, a demonic performance of Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 with the fearless French virtuoso Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and a lush, urgent rendering of Strauss’s autobiographical symphonic work “Ein Heldenleben,” Mr. Nézet-Séguin proved that his fast-rising career is built upon deep talent, technical flair and passion.”

“Almost as if the previous hellish descent had not happened, the music (Les Offrandes oubliées) becomes ethereal, with glowing harmonies and quizzical phrases, all conveyed vividly by Mr. Nézet-Séguin and his players.”

“The conductor and Mr. Thibaudet were clearly on the same page for their performance of the Liszt concerto.”

“Bringing structural coherence to Strauss’s 40-minute, six-section “Heldenleben” is a challenge. The performance Mr. Nézet-Séguin drew from his orchestra had taut narrative integrity. Each episode moved inexorably to the next.”

“The burnished colorings and richness of the playing were impossible to resist.”