Les Boréades 2-DVD Set – Jean-Philippe Rameau's Forgotten Masterpiece

UPC: 809478000990

Product Features

• Title: Les Boréades
• Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
• Production: Directed by Robert Carsen at the Opéra National de Paris
• Performers: Barbara Bonney (Alphise), Paul Agnew (Abaris), Toby Spence (Calisis), Stéphane Degout (Santée), Laurent Naouri (Boreas)
• Conductor: William Christie with Les Arts Florissants
• Format: 2-DVD Set, PAL, All Regions
• Audio Formats: LPCM Stereo, Surround Sound
• Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish
• Running Time: Not specified
• Year: 2004
• Publisher: Opus Arte, Opéra National de Paris, LGM, France 3, TF1, Mezzo, CNC

Overview

Jean-Philippe Rameau's "Les Boréades" is an opulent baroque opera, composed in 1763 but never performed during the composer's lifetime. This 2003 production by the Opéra National de Paris, directed by Robert Carsen, brings Rameau's forgotten masterpiece back to life with a bold, modern staging that features dynamic choreography by La La La Human Steps and stunning visual elements. The opera tells the mythological tale of Queen Alphise, who defies tradition to follow her heart, only to discover that her lover, Abaris, is of divine origin. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent natural world, the opera’s themes of love, rebellion, and transformation are brought to life through William Christie’s brilliant direction of Les Arts Florissants.

Carsen's vibrant production is filled with metaphorical contrasts of light and dark, using seasonal imagery to evoke the opera’s emotional landscape. The cast, dressed in costumes inspired by late 1940s Dior, delivers stunning performances that elevate Rameau’s intricate and daring score. This 2-DVD set presents a rare and historically significant opera, enhanced by interviews and behind-the-scenes features.

Interesting Facts

• Jean-Philippe Rameau never saw "Les Boréades" performed; the opera was abandoned in rehearsal shortly before his death in 1764, and it remained unperformed for over 200 years.
• The production by Robert Carsen was praised for its inventive staging, using seasons and elements of nature to symbolize the characters' inner turmoil and transformation.
• William Christie, a world-renowned conductor and expert in baroque music, leads the production with his critically acclaimed ensemble, Les Arts Florissants.
• The opera includes a cast of over 140 performers, including soloists, chorus members, and dancers, creating a dynamic and immersive performance.
• This production features choreography by Édouard Lock and his company La La La Human Steps, adding a contemporary edge to the baroque drama.

Track Listing

1. Act 1
2. Act 2
3. Act 3
4. Act 4
5. Act 5

Extra Features:

• The Triumph of Love: Interviews with Robert Carsen, William Christie, Barbara Bonney, Paul Agnew, and Laurent Naouri
• Illustrated Synopsis

Publishers

• Opus Arte
• Opéra National de Paris
• LGM
• France 3
• TF1
• Mezzo
• CNC

Hashtags

#LesBoreades #RameauOpera #BarbaraBonney #PaulAgnew #WilliamChristie #RobertCarsen #OpéraNationalDeParis #LesArtsFlorissants #LaLaLaHumanSteps #OpusArte #BaroqueOpera #ClassicalMusic #CollectorsEdition