rafa-st-christophe-de-javel.

CLAUDE RAYMOND - Conductor

At the CNSM in Paris, CLAUDE RAYMOND obtained a 1st prize in  harmony and counterpoint, while continuing his piano studies. Then, he obtained a 1st prize in Conducting at the Mozarteum in Salzburg and in Conducting at the International Guido Cantelli Competition in Stresa.

In 1965 HERBERT von KARAJAN chose him as assistant following a competition in Berlin. Claude RAYMOND is thus one of the few conductors to have worked for more than 20 years alongside one of 
the greatest conductors of the last century at the head of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra where he participated in rehearsals, recordings, films musicals and collaborated with the Salzburg Festival.

He was also the permanent conductor of the Orchestre de Saint-Etienne (1987-1990). Since 1998, he has been Artistic Director of the Orchestre Lyrique et Symphonique des Hauts-de-Seine and has also often conducted in all European countries.

 The “VIOLON D’INGRES” Orchestra

The "Violon d'ingres" is a symphony orchestra of about fifty amateur musicians whose repertoire ranges from baroque and classical to the modern period. The orchestra also accompanies soloists and choirs in major religious works such as oratorios and masses.

The orchestra benefits from the exceptional experience of its professional conductor, Claude RAYMOND, as assistant conductor for so long to HERBERT von KARAJAN in Berlin. He has conducted the “Violon d’Ingres” orchestra with mastery for almost 30 years and greatly appreciates the “amateurs” to whom he is bound by a fervent love of music and friendship.

 Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor

 Beethoven's Fifth Symphony was instrumental in Allied victory in World War II as the first four notes in  dot-dot-dot-dash indicate the letter "V" for Victory in Morse code, preceding on BBC radio "The French speak to the French" the transmission of coded messages to the French Resistance.

The first movement Allegro con brio is one of the most intense in the history of music thanks to its very famous rhythmic passage. It is undoubtedly the most popular of Beethoven's symphonies, and it 
aroused immense enthusiasm throughout Europe after its first performance in 1808. It has four movements Allegro con brio - Andante con moto - Scherzo - Allegro Finale including the famous Presto to conclude.

The works of William WALTON

From 1920 to 1930, Walton was at the head of the musical avant-garde in the United Kingdom. From 1937, he was the official composer of the kingdom on the occasion of the coronation of King George VI, for which he composed Crown Imperial March, then in 1953, on the occasion of the coronation of Elizabeth II, with his work Orb and Sceptre. “The terrible child of English music” has thus become an illustrious composer. His "Spitfire Prelude" is patriotic music written for a film "The First of the Few" describing the birth of the famous aircraft "Supermarine Spitfire" which in 1940 provided a major asset  to the brave pilots of the allies to win the "Battle of Britain".

The “Lark Ascending” and Oboe Concerto by Ralph VAUGHAN-WILLIAMS
 
Vaughan Williams is one of Britain's best-known symphonists, with a very extensive and varied oeuvre. His “Lark Ascending” is a 15-minute quasi-cadenza for solo violin accompanied by a chamber 
orchestra. It is a work of extraordinary lyrical beauty that captures the imagination of the audience at every performance; it has also been the most popular classical work in Britain for a very long time.

On the other hand, while awaiting the order for take off, the young Spitfire pilots must have listened to these birds sing in the fields around their grass runway airfields – before soaring into the air at their turn !

The oboe concerto was written in 1943 and the 1st movement Rondo Pastorale (Allegro moderato) shows a perfect understanding of the singular timbre and colours of this instrument.

The Work of Edward ELGAR

 The Enigma Variations, Op. 36 is a symphonic work composed in 1899, based on an “enigmatic theme” and fourteen variations. This is one of his most famous works, for its music and the dedications "to my friends described here" each variation being a musical portrait of a character of his close entourage, and finally of himself in the final.

"Nimrod", a formidable and poignant elegiac adagio, is dedicated to his best friend. It is easy to hear!