Yquem strikes the right note for “Les Grands Crus Musicaux”
02 August 2011 News
Time stood still briefly on a summer’s evening in the courtyard of Château d’Yquem… Last week, the music of Schubert, Beethoven, and Smetana rang out within Yquem’s thick stone walls, taking listeners back nearly 200 years to a time when these great composers performed their music throughout Europe.
We owe this wonderful yearly event to Marc Laforet, one of France’s most illustrious pianists and also responsible for organising the 9th Grands Crus Musicaux. He believes that the concerts at this increasingly popular festival are successful thanks to “a unique combination of music and the great growths of Bordeaux, which have always been closely linked”.
Two full days were necessary to make arrangements in the courtyard and the cellars in order to welcome 650 people delighted to listen to music performed by Trio Wanderer.
Despite the cool, capricious July weather, the trio played 3 masterpieces (Beethoven’s “Variations Opus 121a”, Smetana’s “Trio Opus 15″, and Schubert’s “Trio Opus 99″). These polished, light, ethereal melodies contrasted with the mathematical rigour of the square courtyard’s architecture. Each note seemed to take off and then come back to caress the imposing walls built centuries ago.
What music would you choose?
According to a University of Edinburgh study going back a few years, there is a strong connection between wine and music. Music seems to enhance tasting thanks to the awakening of all the listener’s senses. Every wine has its own special melody, and every time the palate is stimulated, it has a corresponding musical equivalent…
So, what music would you choose to accompany a glass of Yquem?
