 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: m1964
Date: 2025-06-11 21:21
My wife and I recently had a chance to go to a ballet at Palace Garniere and the next day we went to Opera Bastille.
Both of us thought that the orchestra at the Palace Garniere sounded better than the one at the Opera Bastille.
Opera de Paris website says the orchestra consists of 170 members, nothing else.
I understand that the acoustics at the older building are probably better and the conductor plays big part in how the orchestra sounds but still, the Palace Garniere orchestra sounded better- it produced more uniform sound, with better dynamics.
Does any one know if specific musicians are assigned to the specific opera house?
Or, is there another explanation? Was it a one-time thing from which I should not generalize?
Thanks
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Author: ruben
Date: 2025-06-12 09:23
There are two orchestras at the Paris Opera, which is called l'Opera de la Bastille. Some members of one play in the other when they put on an opera requiring a big orchestra like Elektra. Both play for operas at the Bastille opera and for ballets at the old 19th century Palais Garnier. The occasional opera is also done at the Palais Garnier. Both orchestras are pretty much of the same high level. That said, the acoustics of the Palais Garnier are FAR better than those of the modern Bastille hall. This goes far in explaining why the orchestra sounds better there. Sometimes, though, you get slipshod playing from either orchestra when they do ballet work. They don't take it seriously enough.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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Author: sherri54labrecque
Date: 2025-06-12 12:33
Though the Opéra de Paris orchestra performs at both Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille, differences in acoustics, repertoire, conductors, and even your seat location can have a big impact on how the music sounds. Palais Garnier’s rich, historic design naturally enhances warmth and clarity, which might explain why it felt more dynamic and unified compared to Bastille’s larger, more modern space. It was likely a one-time variation rather than different musicians at work—but a fascinating one to notice!
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Author: ruben
Date: 2025-06-12 23:44
Just something I would like to add about the Paris Opera Orchestra: it used to be the most prestigious orchestral position in France. The teachers at the Paris Conservatory were often members of the Paris Opera Orchestra (Jean-Pierre Rampal, Maurice André, Guy Deplus, Maurice Allard...all stars). It remains a very sought-after position, but now we have excellent Symphony Orchestras too: l'Orchestre National, l'Orchestre de Paris, l'Orchestre Philharmonique...several fine orchestras in the provinces.
rubengreenbergparisfrance@gmail.com
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