Reviews

Jacques Lacombe, à la tête d’un orchestre admirablement disposé, épouse le propos de la mis en scène avec un élan enthousiasmant, ciselant la couleur et la matière sonore avec un brin d’emphase pour donner tout leur poids dramatique aux instruments.  Au final, le spectateur est conquis par ce pot-pourri de styles n’entrant jamais en conflit, et par l’élégance souveraine d’une direction sachant garder la mesure.

The major reason for this success was Jacques Lacombe, who already proved his qualities as a sensitive conductor here before. With Strauss now he brought out all colours of this precious score, transparent and always vivid, but also with high-spirited outbursts when needed. The huge applause for Lacombe was not surprising with such an impressive musical performance.

This new triumph of the current Richard Strauss festival is due to a teamwork of highest skill, lead by stage director Robert Carsen and conductor Jacques Lacombe with his passionate orchestra.

Conductor Jacques Lacombe points out all the subtleties of this finest of all Strauss operas: the smooth mysticism of Ariadne’s monologues as well as the friendly humanity of the comedian’s songs. Sharp wind passages are realized with the same quality as the orchestral tension of the final scene where Strauss evokes the oceanic flow of his tone poems.

Jacques Lacombe conducted the orchestra with a nearly narcotic sense for Strauss’ music. Satisfaction and enthusiasm at the Deutsche Oper, how wonderful!

This is, without any doubt, a complete artistic success, coherent, suggestive and felicitous in every way. This was especially due to Jacques Lacombe, who animated the orchestra to a light, transparent and colourful, dazzling sound and flowing tempo.

The orchestra conducted by Jacques Lacombe played the dignified music with greatest pleasure.

Under Jacques Lacombe’s baton the orchestra of the Deutsche Oper demonstrates the luminous colours it actually has for Strauss.

The orchestra conducted by Jacques Lacombe performed a sensuous and opulent Strauss with many subtle nuances.