Duel opus 3

Just like Tom and Jerry. The cartoon cat and mouse engaged in a relentless battle. In this performance, Nathalie Miravette (pianist) and Laurent Cirade (cello) of Compagnie Duel engage in a musical Duel.  This is the third instalment in the series, following two all-male Duels. The first was in 2001 and the second in 2009. The initial impression of a conventional piano and cello recital rapidly reveals its fundamental characteristics.

We are presented with a musical confrontation between two distinct characters, each acting and interpreting in their own unique manner. This results in moments of musical excellence, such as Rimsky-Korsakov's renowned Flight of the Bumblebee. Cirade plays the cello while Miravette, positioned adjacent to him, observes the aerial movements of the insect until it alights on his colleague's forehead. He then proceeds to execute a series of steps, culminating in a stomp, which effectively neutralises the insect.

In a subsequent instance, Cirade's foot makes contact with Miravette's skirt, resulting in its tearing. In a third instance, Cirade, once more, now utilising a chainsaw in lieu of his bow, prepares to offer his own interpretation of Beethoven's 9th Symphony. To put it another way, Duel is primarily a humorous exchange between two highly skilled performers, whose backgrounds reflect the enduring conflict between the sexes. They contribute a musical score drawn from the classical realm, before transitioning to jazz, rock, and beyond. The musical repertoire includes works by Mozart, Strauss, the Bee Gees, Ennio Morricone, Barry White and the Velvet Underground.

The Duel is traced back to a quartet, Le Quatuor, of which Cirade was a member from the age of 24 in 1988 for a period of 12 years. However, the cellist expressed a desire to explore the duo format and delve deeper into the musical composition. He elucidates this further, stating that such actions constitute a desecration of the cello and the piano.

Their musical work, which employs satire to critique the formal conventions of classical music concerts, has been performed in over forty countries. It revisits the stereotypes associated with various musical styles, from the classical to the popular, and incorporates a diverse range of musical references such as cheesy supermarket jingles. Respectfully, of course.

"My style of play is somewhat akin to that of an irate partner," states Cirade, who responds with equal fervour. It is therefore crucial to foster a positive relationship between him and Miravette. Their work is not simply that of virtuoso musicians. They dance. They sing. They mimic. They enchant.

As one of the play's critics wrote, “this duo, so funny and innovative thanks to the talent of these artistic geniuses, performs a blend of theatre and music never before achieved”. A more concise, younger audience-oriented version has also been developed. Duel Opus 3 is suitable for all age groups and does not have any restrictions in place.