Laura Claycomb, Alastair Miles, Joan Rodgers & Sébastien Droy Geoffrey Mitchell Choir & Philharmonia Orchestra, Andrew Litton In recent years there has been increased interest in the works of Ambroise Thomas, particularly in his ambitious setting of Hamlet (1868), which has been revived with success at London’s Covent Garden, the New York Met, Barcelona, Paris and elsewhere. His other major success was Mignon (1866), which had more than 1,200 performances at the Opéra-Comique up to the end of the 19th century. Opera Rara now takes a further important step in the rediscovery of this fascinating figure with a new recording of his 1855 opéra-comique La Cour de Célimène (Célimène’s Court). Set in 1750 in a château near Paris, the opera deals with a young widowed Countess who has no fewer than 14 suitors. The role was written for the legendary coloratura Marie Miolan-Carvalho, who also created roles in four of Gounod’s operas, notably Marguerite in Faust, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette and the title-role in Mireille. Here, the Countess is sung by Laura Claycomb, with Alastair Miles, Joan Rodgers and Sébastien Droy at her side. Given the large cast, it’s not surprising that the work’s ensembles have been picked out by scholars as highlights of a score that is sure to delight lovers of French opera.
The 2CD set comes with a lavishly illustrated book including libretto with an English translation. Richard Langham Smith gives a detailed account of the composer, the opera and its composition. “Andrew Litton and his cast deliver this high-class froth with verve and lightness of touch. Alastair Miles impresses as the affably cynical Commander, more excited by property than love. Sébastien Droy delivers his lovesong with honeyed elegance, while Laura Claycomb's Countess pirouettes into the stratosphere with easy grace.” The Telegraph, 7th June 2008 “We are in Opera Rara's debt again as they offer another obscure delight… Both sopranos manage the florid work with apparent ease… Alastair Miles enjoys himself in this role of worldly aristocrat… Chorus and orchestra contribute splendidly; Andrew Litton conducts with stylish zest; recorded sound is clear and well balanced.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2008 “La cour de Célimène is an utterly charming work. Within just a few bars, the overture evokes an atmosphere of the ancien régime, and the music remains graceful and lively throughout. There is plenty of listening pleasure here in another well-recorded Opera Rara gem.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2008 **** |
Gramophone Magazine
