Anyways, Meghan and I scoured the listings and decided to hit two concerts: the National Orchestra of France, directed by Kurt Mazur, playing Beethoven's 5th at the Musee d'Orsay; and the Paris Orchestra, directed by Christoph Eschenbach, playing Tchaikovsky's 5th at the Musee du Louvre. Keep in mind that both of these performances are free...gratuit...gratis...nada dinero. So sweet!
Some problems happened along the way. The metro was unbelievably crowded: Meghan was shoved on to the train with the force of a bulldozer, and I got to know the guy behind me REALLY well. Also, we were definitely in the back of the Musee d'Orsay for the first performance and couldn't really even see the orchestra. However, the music was absolutely gorgeous. Plus, we were surrounded by sculptures and paintings. It was fantastic.
(Here's where we sat. Yea, not a great a view)
(Here's a view of the crowd. Pretty packed, huh?)Afterwards, we hoofed it to the Louvre to catch the second performance. The line was, how shall I say it, dense. A miscommunication with the security lead to us actually not entering the musuem, and thus, we didn't actually hear the performance. However, we did look through the glass pyramid and actually had an amazing view of the performers and the conductor (who was sensational). Thus, we had completely different experiences: the first we heard but didn't see; the second we saw but didn't hear. Go figure. Nevertheless, it was an awesome experience.
(Meghan unhappy because we didn't get in. There's the line behind her.)
(Here's our sweet view of the orchestra. It's through the glass pyramid)
(Here's our sweet view of the orchestra. It's through the glass pyramid)The ride back home was intense. The metro was once again stuffed, and after departing at the Bastille we noticed the streets were the same way. It was literally shoulder to shoulder walking around the Place de la Bastille. Crazy stuff. It was certainly one big music party. Wild to see though. For those of you who have read Matt Lundborg's blog, it kinda reminded Meghan and I of the party he experienced his first week in Seville. Oh, and speaking of his blog, I want to take pictures of my walk to school too. Look for that post soon.
Oh, and check out this picture of the Louvre:
6 comments:
wow, i can't even conceive of the city being that crowded. it's actually a pretty cool thing...they value art and music and life so much that EVERYONE will show up for it. awesome. :) cool pic through the louvre.
Leah, totally true about them valuing art and music. Case and point: almost every street is named after some influencial cultural figure. Plus, most of the street signs have their dates and the reason they have a street named after them (like, influential writer: 1825-1899). Great stuff. I only wish we did the same thing in the States, although we would most likely end up with a "Brtiney Spears Ave" and then I'd have to shoot myself.
Ditto on the shoot myself over B. Spears. We just got to G&G's after a great week at workcamp and I've just now finished checking out your and Matt's blogs. So much fun stuff to see and read. I'm glad Katie is coming over. My advice, Katie, is pack for FUN!!
Love, Mom
Meg,
I was just looking at the link to Dan's school. Have you considered taking a workshop at the Alliance? It looked kind of neat, and it says they have some for absolute beginners. You could both be students of language! Still love you LOTS, Mom
that is awesome daniel! you are so cultured! i literally just finished watching an american in paris. it was s'wonderful. don't hate me...but i also plan on watching the olsen twins Passport to Paris before I go. you are s'marvelous (ok, so i like that song...and i will kill my usage of it...sorry) and i also want to point out that every time i go to write on your blog, i have forgotten my username/password and i have to create a new one. every single time. also, has it been cold over there...and also, in case you didnt get my email...HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
like the balzac? i love that one. rodin knows his stuff. There's also another sculptor i would recommend seeing (if you like, it's a short visit), it's Rodin's star pupil: Bourdelle.16-18 rue Antoine-Bourdelle and i think it's a couple euros for students. have you found rue gershwin yet? ;)
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