Why does TV place a US soloist behind the orchestra? Is this a new thing?
NewsThe French-German TV station Arte has broadcast a slightly shortened performance of the first Saint-Saens piano concerto in its ‘Stars von Morgen’ series. The rising star in question is the US pianist Claire Huangci.
But why on earth is she placed off-stage and behind the orchestra?
And why is there no credit for conductor or orchestra?
What are Arte playing at?
Here’s a promo feature:
Okay.This is from a talent show Rolando Villazon did 10 years ago.The conductor is Elias Grandy,music director of the Heidelberg opera house.The orchestra is Junges Sinfonieorchester Berlin.
As a short “music video,” I think it’s great. Very clever camera work, lighting, a fun way to showcase a piano soloist. Don’t look for any sinister reasons, Norman.
Anyone who knows how to use the internet can google within a few seconds that the video is from early 2016. The conductor is Elias Grandy and the orchestra is the Junge Sinfonie Berlin.
And to answer your first question, traditional performance forms that actually benefit the music unfortunately have to take a back seat when a fancy venue takes priority.
Don’t blame ARTE for not crediting the conductor and orchestra on the YT video; it is on Claire Huangci’s channel.
Not sure why you’re assuming that Arte didn’t credit the conductor/orchestra; this short video wasn’t even posted by them, but rather by the pianist. (And she did list the conductor in the video description, if you had taken the time to look.)
There is no reason to think that the actual broadcast didn’t provide credits, if all you’re going off of is a short snippet.
A new, or very unusual thing would be to perform the first Saint-Saens Piano Concerto.
By the way, it’s the St. Saens 2nd piano Concerto, not the first.
For a composer who was as ‘establishment’ as they come, Saint-Saens wrote some exciting music.
Clever telly work, and it does actually work, given the building it’s in. Obviously more important to get that right for the thousands at home instead of whoever in what looks like a narrow church. Alternative, everyone huddles together. But credits should always be made for people’s hard work and contribution, not just a pianist.
Correction: this is S-S’s SECOND Piano Concerto.
That ‘s how it is in cartoons.
IN “Cat Concerto” (1947) the soloist is on stage and the orchestra is below, in front, in the pit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKZgi06fVsk
GIYF
“Google is your friend”. Easy to find a ton of info
She’s set off in an alcove somewhat elevated above the orchestra, with a projection of her playing immediately above her and left. The spotlight is very much on her. This set-up also saved moving the furniture around on live TV – expensive broadcast time. So to me the set-up made sense.
This is a similar set up to the daft 2013 movie thriller ‘Grand Piano’ in which the soloist even leaves the stage for a breather during longer orchestral tuttis…