Charles Gounod's "Romeo and Juliet" Opera / LP

33НД 01336-41(a)

Product Features

• Language: Russian and English
• Format: 3 Vinyl Records
• Made in USSR: Aprelevsky Factory

Overview

Charles Gounod’s "Romeo and Juliet" is a masterful opera in five acts, performed by the Bolshoi Theatre Choir and Orchestra under the baton of V. Nebolsin. Adapted from Shakespeare’s iconic play, this work encapsulates Gounod’s signature elegance, tenderness, and gracefulness. Tchaikovsky once remarked that the opera, from its opening notes to the finale, is infused with "elegance and feminine charm."

This vintage set of three vinyl records, produced by the Aprelevsky Factory in the USSR, captures the brilliance of a star-studded cast, including S. Lemeshev as Romeo and I. Maslennikova as Juliet. The libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré translates Shakespeare’s tragedy into a musical and dramatic masterpiece.

Synopsis

Act I

A masked ball at the Capulet home marks Juliet’s birthday. Romeo, attending in disguise, falls deeply in love upon seeing Juliet, despite learning she belongs to a rival family. Their love ignites, though both are troubled by their familial feud.

Act II

Romeo sneaks into Juliet's garden, overhearing her heartfelt confession of love. They pledge their devotion and plan to meet at Friar Lawrence's cell for a secret wedding.

Act III

• Scene 1: Romeo and Juliet wed in Friar Lawrence's cell, uniting their fates.
• Scene 2: A quarrel erupts in Verona’s square. Mercutio defends Romeo but is fatally wounded by Tybalt. In revenge, Romeo kills Tybalt and is exiled by the Duke.

Act IV

Juliet, heartbroken, seeks Friar Lawrence’s help. He provides a potion that induces a death-like sleep to escape her impending marriage to Count Paris.

Act V

In the tomb, Romeo, believing Juliet is dead, drinks poison. Juliet awakens, but Romeo succumbs. Desolate, Juliet ends her life with Romeo's dagger.

Key Credits

• Libretto: Jules Barbier, Michel Carré
• Cast Highlights:
  • Romeo: S. Lemeshev
  • Juliet: I. Maslennikova
  • Mercutio: I. Burlak
• Composer: Charles Gounod (1818–1893)
• Performance: Bolshoi Theatre Choir and Orchestra
• Conductor: V. Nebolsin

Box #152