Summer-like weather persisted for a second display in a row, with temperatures as much as 23-24 C during the evening (23 C during the display), generally borderline low to moderate humidity and mostly clear skies. Mid-afternoon convective rains also took place over central and Eastern parts of the island, but skies quickly cleared thereafter. Winds were not as cooperative through much of the evening, however, but fortunately, as Fred mentioned in his posting above, suitable wind speeds took place during 10:00-10:30 p.m. period, although winds were blowing quickly towards the audience at La Ronde directly, especially towards central and right-hand sections of the grandstands. Wind speeds generally remained between the forecasted 23-27 km/h, with gusts frequently near 40 km/h, but these were most prevalent before and almost literally immediately following show time (as evidenced in my video above). At late 9:58 p.m., we were told by 105.7 (Rhythme) FM that the display was going to be delayed due to the winds (though the winds were not quite as menacing at the time). The display countdown was then announced just slightly before 10:05 p.m. Much like Fred, I, too, received a fright at the time when remembering what occurred with Hong Kong/China of 2013 exactly one year ago! The very large crowd (similar to during German display) waited anxiously.
This was, as expected, a very enjoyable and exciting display by the infamous Pirotecnia Morsani of Italy. The performance featured plenty of fast-paced segments, and some dazzling effects and colors, all of which were of high quality. Colors were particularly vividly introduced to open the “Birth of The Earth and Life” section of the display. There had also been numerous shell of shells, salutes/shells of salutes and multi-breaks during the display, and the myriad of nautical shells were simply spectacular and well enforced mid- to upper-level activity. Although the opening narrative did lead to a feeling of an anti-climax following the countdown, it was short and did not detract too much from the display/opening, and ensuing narration to introduce the following components of the show were sufficient in length. Synchronization was evident throughout, and the musical selections were enjoyable and well edited, many of which carried the correct emotional feel with them. The most emotional of the soundtracks, for me, was “Heart of Courage”, as it really provided that powerful feeling for the Era of Matter, and that the creations of life, as well as the very gradual development of our own intricate solar system/galaxy through geologic temporal scales, are slowly evolving (the soundtrack was commanding and even caused my imagination to soar in creatively visualizing this very delicate process). However, the soundtrack itself was not as greatly portrayed as compared to what Greece 2012 did with it! The transitions from one soundtrack to the next were also very effective and helped to better understand the evolution of matter, energy, and the creation of life on Earth.
In spite of the high degree of enjoyment that I experienced with this display, I must concur with those comments expressed by previous posters with respect to the thematic premise. Indeed, as much as I thoroughly enjoyed the performance, I did not quite grasp exactly how the fireworks themselves were unfolding the progressive evolution of the universe. There were some moments where the connection could be established (such as during the opening of the creation of life on Earth), but in many instances, it was more the musical selections that more effectively produced that essence of evolution. As a result, I sensed that the show lacked complexity and scope and tended to repeat certain effects a little too much (such as the shell of shells and multi-breaks – as much as I greatly love those effects!). Consequently, product diversity was somewhat conservative. As Enkil mentioned above, the show could have probably benefited from some creativity by introducing various other effects to more successfully deliver the theme and represent the already excellent diversity of chose soundtracks. For example, the use of girandolas, using structures, as well as utilizing more intricate firing angles could have generated periods for more vertical depth, and a more suitable atmosphere for some of the elements that comprised the theme. The finale was simply spectacular and breathtaking, but as Enkil also stated above, it was a little on the short side. Had the section immediately prior to the final barrage of deafening salutes and accompanying shells lasted for an additional 25-30 seconds and had a slightly more gradual crescendo, then it would have been truly memorable. Still, it was a satisfying finish to a very enjoyable display!
Trav.
