In the late afternoon, under four shade giving plane trees, piano students from Conservatoire Pierre Barbizet perform each a piece of classical music. The power of concentration these students have acquired at such a young age also let them conquer the tension between being nervous and wanting to perform. Only the piano and the music remain.

The advanced students, in age and skills, are also more self conscious and sometimes more tense but what impresses me is their ease of concentration, being absorbed in the inspiration of the music piece they play. Although the audience is modest in number the quiet and attentive atmosphere is telling. People are at their best when concentrated.

When the air feels light in the evening, the classical music recitals continue by professionals with a name. The Quintette Soléa, with soléa referring to solemn and sunny, performing pieces by Bach, Vivaldi, and Albinoni. Two violins, alto violin, violoncello and piano succeed in creating a warm atmosphere of homecoming. A Déjà Vu.

Pianist virtuoso Vittorio Forte engages the night. The Italian musician gives a piano recital of music by Medtner, Schumann, Martucci, Rachmaninov and Gershwin. Playing by heart with masterful delicacy, the audience did not want to part with him. As a final farewell, Forte played Jacques Brel’s chanson Ne Me Quitte Pas.

Nine dancers educated and trained by Michel Kelemenis, National School of Dance of Marseille perform the Hymne à la Jeunesse – Hymn to the Youth. The dance is a playful depiction of youthful intimacy, boldly expressed on the tunes of classical and modern music.

End of June, a fatal police shooting of a young man of 17 years old triggers days of riots, nationwide. Still, longtime friend Chika manages to pass by for a few days on her journey in Europe. A meeting in this crazy time, beyond our world of computer communication, enriches one’s life, like music and dance. A cappuccino and a Pschitt with mint, please!

Photos Copyright © 2019-2023 August Timmermans – All Rights Reserved