Ambronay. Concert on 19.09.2013

I was in Ambronay last Thursday and it was totally unplanned as I had no tickets. But I found a couple in the morning and there I was in 2 row at the right side. So I could see Phil in profile and al little to the side the semi bald head of the conductor who was super but not see-through. PJ looked kind of slender and smiling as he bounced the stairs to the center. A bouncy very adorable agile man. I had been told he had a bad throat and he confirmed later.His voice was magical as always and the place was full to the brim. His first song flowed delicately and then throwing his whole body in the performance his hands flew softly. SO expressive. Throughout it was a high level performance and he kept leaving after 1 or 2 songs with the director in tow. I imagine he was still testing his voice. But Philippe, malade or not, has a way of rising above and gaining more strength as he goes along and this is what happened here. His "Cual nave" was loudly received . Much applause after each delivery, his Alto Giove was as beautiful as it was unexpectedly (to me) long.The aria "le limpid'onda " was so sweet and the ensemble followed him as sweetly too. His last encore was "Dall'amor piu sventurato" and it was very exciting. I am not sure if he skipped any, which would have been understandable but once you are in the magic of Philippe your mind stops thinking and counting and there is only emotion. He was not signing and I imagine he just wanted to get to a warm bed before returning to Paris.    I did manage to see him for a few minutes if only to give him a bottle of welcome back champagne. I will see him on the 25 again although I hate to bug him and give him stuff but I m SOOOOOO grateful for giving me heavenly music and being such a treasure!!! Still, even embarrassing it is worth it to see him up close and embrace him ....A night in Heaven!Tried to see anyone in green but i didn't notice anyone. Hope to get to see some of you in Paris!!!!Much love
Maria
I know they do not allow photos but they   cannot say anything about one sketching harmlessly.

Gosh, Tuffy, you've just made me turn a delicate shade of green and how inconsiderate of the conductor not to make himself transparent!   Did you get to either of the masterclasses as well?

A.

My dear Maria!    

I thank you so much for your lively report and all your kindness and warmth!
Welcome back on Forum and toi toi toi for Paris!
Baci.

Wonderful concert in Le Sentier on Saturday evening. If he had a bad throat, it wasn't apparent. All places taken and standing ovation at the end. Great evening!

I agree, wonderful concert in a warm atmosphere. It's fantastic to see these great musicians sharing their love of the Baroque in a small church into a region of mountains, lake and trees.
After the eightmonths of absence, Philipp seemed in full control of his art, serene and mature.
Wish him well in Paris back et merci d'être venu jusqu'au Sentier en Suisse pour ce merveilleux concert.

Poor guy....hope he is well again  

Philippe's concert was magical. There is something his presence awakens in people. I don't know what it is but I feel it. His voice is part of it. His is agile and young with lovely low tones and a coloratura in the high range that he accentuates with his shoulders and body as well as his hands. I had never seen him SO close so I am still reeling. all his arias were delivered with incredible accuracy and expression But in the encore "Sposa, non mi conosci.." his emotion was palpable and touched everyone deeply. Come nave was fiery and strong, and his Alto Giove is a work of art. I feel he painted the most beautiful painting with the colors of his voice. God bless him!!! ( I will translate the review if no one else has done it) M
Oh and Duffy, he is very well, not sick not tired and full of energies!

I would like to share a photo but forgot how to do it!

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