Are St. Chapelle concerts just for tourists?
Dec 4th, 2016, 01:54 PM
#21
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Of course it's not just for tourists. No concert anywhere is just for tourists. Is there a preponderance of tourists at the Sainte-Chapelle concerts? Probably yes. Would that actually sway your decision as to whether or not to go?
It's a beautiful setting, particularly if you can get there while the sun is still shining through the magnificent windows. Who even cares if the music is öld chestnuts" or mediocre? Or if the acoustics aren't the best? They're not going to be BAD musicians, and I'm fairly certain you'll have a greata memory of the event.
It's a beautiful setting, particularly if you can get there while the sun is still shining through the magnificent windows. Who even cares if the music is öld chestnuts" or mediocre? Or if the acoustics aren't the best? They're not going to be BAD musicians, and I'm fairly certain you'll have a greata memory of the event.
Dec 4th, 2016, 02:20 PM
#22
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Over the years I've been to many concerts in probably seven or eight different churches in Paris including Sainte-Chapelle. To lump them all as "tourist" experiences isn't accurate.
Some of the programs are short but many have full-scale orchestrations with programs well beyond Vivaldi, although the Four Seasons is usually on a program somewhere in Paris at any given time.
Somewhat unfair to lump them all together, a little research will uncover many options. Even the least are nice evenings in historic settings. Not all of us can frequently afford the prices of the Bastille opera, ballet Garnier or symphony, assuming tickets are obtainable.
Some of the programs are short but many have full-scale orchestrations with programs well beyond Vivaldi, although the Four Seasons is usually on a program somewhere in Paris at any given time.
Somewhat unfair to lump them all together, a little research will uncover many options. Even the least are nice evenings in historic settings. Not all of us can frequently afford the prices of the Bastille opera, ballet Garnier or symphony, assuming tickets are obtainable.
Dec 4th, 2016, 05:17 PM
#23
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Well of course they are for tourists. With such a choice of music I can't see anyone who is not a tourist paying 30€ and more to hear the Four Seasons, Pachelbel's Canon and the like.
Confession: on one of my visits to Paris many years ago as a tourist I took in a concert at Sainte-Chapelle. The music was OK, but certainly not memorable, and it was after dark so no view of the stained glass, but I had seen the windows before. I wouldn't do it again.
Confession: on one of my visits to Paris many years ago as a tourist I took in a concert at Sainte-Chapelle. The music was OK, but certainly not memorable, and it was after dark so no view of the stained glass, but I had seen the windows before. I wouldn't do it again.
Dec 5th, 2016, 12:00 AM
#25
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I don't have hearing problems, but the difference in the acoustics between Sainte-Chapelle and Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l'isle is pretty impressive.
The point of Sainte-Chapelle is to look at the stained glass and figure out the stories each panel depicts.
There are many impressive venues with impressive acoustics where classical concerts are held. Some are very inexpensive, some aren't.
Look at the list of churches in the links I provided above, and you will surely find some "old chestnuts" but also some delightful programs that aren't played very often. You won't have to spend a lot of time waiting in line - with tourists or anybody else - in most cases.
The point of Sainte-Chapelle is to look at the stained glass and figure out the stories each panel depicts.
There are many impressive venues with impressive acoustics where classical concerts are held. Some are very inexpensive, some aren't.
Look at the list of churches in the links I provided above, and you will surely find some "old chestnuts" but also some delightful programs that aren't played very often. You won't have to spend a lot of time waiting in line - with tourists or anybody else - in most cases.
Dec 5th, 2016, 05:29 AM
#26
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There is some snobiness concerning classical music.
Some people consider you must dress apropriately, go to special places, listen to only selected musicians.
That used to rebuke me, but I very much prefer going to a place like Ste Chapelle where I can do something else than just listen. Listening - à tort ou à raison - I consider I can do in a confortable seat at home. And I don't do it.
Hard rock is easier : you can listen to it in your car, in a celler with beer in hand, in a rock festival or pay to see them in a designed arena.
BTW, I went to Ste Chapelle after work, do I qualify as local or tourist ?
Some people consider you must dress apropriately, go to special places, listen to only selected musicians.
That used to rebuke me, but I very much prefer going to a place like Ste Chapelle where I can do something else than just listen. Listening - à tort ou à raison - I consider I can do in a confortable seat at home. And I don't do it.
Hard rock is easier : you can listen to it in your car, in a celler with beer in hand, in a rock festival or pay to see them in a designed arena.
BTW, I went to Ste Chapelle after work, do I qualify as local or tourist ?
Dec 5th, 2016, 08:34 AM
#27
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Please go and simply enjoy.
If you want to read my take on it, please read my TR about France and Bordeaux:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...f-bordeaux.cfm
Info about the concert I attend at Chapelle starts on May 6 and continues on May 11.
If you want to read my take on it, please read my TR about France and Bordeaux:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...f-bordeaux.cfm
Info about the concert I attend at Chapelle starts on May 6 and continues on May 11.
Dec 5th, 2016, 08:58 AM
#28
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Ordinarily, I agree with flanneruk. Not here. The surfaces are too hard for good acoustics, and the shape of the space is all wrong. We heard the Mozart clarinet concerto, and the soloist couldn't hear the band. He had to Press on Regardless. If he had been playing a string instrument, they could have followed his tempos visually. It wasn't awful, it was just not good without it being anyone's fault.
That said, it is a fabulous space, and as a concert attendee, you have far more time under far more pleasant circumstances to enjoy it than if you join with the hordes during the day. So, it is worth it, though not in the winter obviously.
Another good thing is that whatever your class of ticket, you may move to a better seat if one is available when the performance is ready to begin. They do this at Opera Bastille, too, and it is a wonderful custom.
That said, it is a fabulous space, and as a concert attendee, you have far more time under far more pleasant circumstances to enjoy it than if you join with the hordes during the day. So, it is worth it, though not in the winter obviously.
Another good thing is that whatever your class of ticket, you may move to a better seat if one is available when the performance is ready to begin. They do this at Opera Bastille, too, and it is a wonderful custom.
Dec 5th, 2016, 09:16 AM
#29
I find the seat-changing thing applies in many French theaters. Just as the concert or play is about to begin, everybody moves over toward the front and center. The ushers ask me if I would like to move, but most of the time I would just as soon stay put. And I have been disappointed when I thought there was a vacant seat next to me for my coat and purse and extra elbow room and someone has slipped into it at the last moment.
Dec 9th, 2016, 01:15 PM
#30
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Thanks everyone for the input. Lots of diverse voices; aren't we lucky to be part of a community where someone with a question can hear so many answers?
It sounds like: if I think I would like the experience, I should go. Although professional, the orchestra might not be on its "A" game; musically, the experience will be enjoyable but not sublime. Because Ste Chapelle relies on outside light to illuminate the stained glass at its best, a nighttime December concert will not show the stained glass to advantage. There are other beautiful venues in Paris, among them churches, where I can also hear concerts, at which I might save money and have fewer lines as well.
I thank you, one and all.
It sounds like: if I think I would like the experience, I should go. Although professional, the orchestra might not be on its "A" game; musically, the experience will be enjoyable but not sublime. Because Ste Chapelle relies on outside light to illuminate the stained glass at its best, a nighttime December concert will not show the stained glass to advantage. There are other beautiful venues in Paris, among them churches, where I can also hear concerts, at which I might save money and have fewer lines as well.
I thank you, one and all.
