18 August 2008

Summertime in Menton - the Festival of Music


Each summer - in August - Menton holds its famous Festival of Music. This year is the 59th year. Seating, as we see, is in the square outside the Basilica. The columns of the Basilica are on our left and you can see another photograph of this facade by clicking in the link.

Ahead of us is the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs - you saw the inside of this beautiful building the other day. The majority of the Old Town is to our right. Behind us is the sea and so those sitting facing us, have a wondrous view. Actually I think we do too, don't you?

In the photograph, the pianist and artisitic director of the Festival, Jean-Bernard Pommier, is addressing the audience. He is also the conductor of the orchestra: the Martinova-Kazakov Menton Saint-Peterburg Orchestra.

They played works by Mozart, Haydn and Saint Saëns. My favourite was the beautiful clarinet of Andrey Kazakov - the soloist in Mozart's Concerto for clarinet and orchestra KV622. Unfortunately I couldn't get a photograph of him as he was masked by the conductor, who because of the wind had to conduct with one hand only and with the other, he held on to the soloist's music - to prevent it blowing away in the wind. Someone needed to have brought a peg onstage!

I want to thank Chuckeroon of Richmond upon Thames Daily Photo. If I printed out and counted the number of emails, Chuckeroon has written - helping me, advising me, answering endless questions on night photography, I think I'd fill the Basilica with them. Chuckeroon, thank you so much for your patience with me. A long way to go yet, but I'm slowly learning and today go to buy a 'proper' tripod. I took this photograh with a Gorillapod, which had been suggested by Don, a regular visitor to Menton and to this blog. It stood happily on the low wall in front of where I sat. Thanks, Don.

Tomorrow - the pianist and the cellos.

17 comments:

  1. Glad the gorillapod proved useful. That is a stunning photo!

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  2. belle photo de nuit, ce spectacle devait être superbe, cela doit bien rendre dans cette place.

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  3. This is a very beautiful steady night shot. Really layered in detail and the light is crystal clear. Well done to yourself. A shot superbly taken.

    Good to see such a selfless blogger in Chuckeroon, especailly when it comes to photography. know how some photographers want to retain the mystic. I prefer to de bunk the myths. Plenty of room for us all.

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  4. I think you took the perfect shot here, Jilly. Love that mellow light ans all the detail. It really has been windy so I could imagine the conductor having problems..

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  5. Jilly, I am LOL over your trials and tribulations with night photography! I have had similar problems and bought what sounds like your Gorillapod the other day. I did drag out my "real" tripod for a baby photo shoot Sat. and wrestled with that darn thing till I was worn out with it. Your photo today is grand. I am a huge fan of that golden light. It makes your photo so rich and interesting.

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  6. Talk about putting Menton on the map, Jilly.
    This shot says it all.
    You deserve a tourism award.

    And... that night sky !! Just lovely, - well done.

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  7. That is such a lovely setting for an outdoor music festival; a great shot too.

    I used a gorilla pod last year when I cycled in France; really useful when space is at a premium - and versatile too.

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  8. So...the "Gorilla gets it" or not so to speak ;-) Chuckle chuckle.

    Having seen the orig. I congratulate you on how you finally dealt with that flare. A very nice multipointed little "starlet". Clever girl!

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  9. So...the "Gorilla gets it" or not so to speak ;-) Chuckle chuckle.

    Having seen the orig. I congratulate you on how you finally dealt with that flare. A very nice multipointed little "starlet". Clever girl!

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  10. All your questions were worth it! Gorgeous photo!

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  11. All your questions were worth it! Gorgeous photo!

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  12. Nice photography. You got all the details.

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  13. Lovely shot, Jilly. I would love to be in that crowd.

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  14. I may have to become Chuckleroon's new best friend...I am very envious of this beautiful photo and of your getting to hear all of that great music.

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  15. The setting is wonderful! This must have been a magical evening. Would love to have been there.

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  16. You have been shooting excellent photos in the last couple of months. I can see the progression in your work.

    I feel that I haven't progressed much. I need a new camera and some inspiration.

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