This was the first of two concerts where the instruments played correspond to those in use at the time the composer was at work. In this case it was Franz Schubert (1797 - 1828). As a period instrument ensemble Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble was formed in 1982 initially in Paris and is now based in Grenoble in the south east of France. Its early reputation was based on its concentration on French Baroque music.
The concert was conducted by the Orchestra’s founder, Marc Minkowski. Every conductor has his or her style. Marc Minkowski’s is probably described as comfortably energetic for he leads his players along all the way with aplomb. By and large the sixty or so in the Orchestra seemed to be in their thirties - and exude enthusiasm.
Of the three symphonies we heard, the first, No 1 was probably the least known. It was written by Schubert when he was 16. The more familiar No 5 followed, by which time we knew were listening to some first rate Schubert.
After the interval we heard the two movements of Schubert’s Symphony No 7. He started writing the work in 1822 but had not finished it by time of his death in 1828. Even so it has become one of the most popular symphonies, not just because it was unfinished.
The applause was well deserved and an encore considered necessary. We heard the last movement of Schubert’s Symphony No 6.
Event: Wednesday 14 August 2013 at 7.30pm