Description

Les Paladins - Opus Arte 2 DVD Set

UPC: 809478009382

Product Features

Composer: Jean-Philippe Rameau
Musical Director: William Christie
Stage Director & Choreographer: José Montalvo
Choreographers: José Montalvo & Dominique Hervieu
Starring:Orchestra & Chorus: Les Arts Florissants
- Tapi Lehtipuu
- Stéphanie d'Oustrac
- Laurent Naouri
- Sandrine Piau
- René Schirmer
- François Piolino
Running Time: Approximately 150 minutes
Audio Format: LPCM Stereo, Surround Sound, all regions
Subtitles: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Production Year: TV Recording © 2004
Bonus Features:
- Illustrated synopsis
- Cast gallery
- Baroque that Rocks! – A documentary featuring interviews with the cast and production team

Overview

Les Paladins, Jean-Philippe Rameau's Comédie lyrique in three acts, is one of the composer’s most vibrant and playful works. Based on a fable by La Fontaine, it weaves a fantastical tale that mixes reality with the surreal, full of charm and wit. This 2004 production from the Théâtre du Châtelet, directed by José Montalvo, brings Rameau's music to life with a dazzling blend of choreography, multimedia staging, and humorous storytelling.

Under the baton of William Christie, Les Arts Florissants breathe new life into Rameau’s score, delivering a spirited and energetic performance that highlights the brilliance of the composer’s penultimate masterpiece. The stellar cast, including Tapi Lehtipuu as Atis, Stéphanie d'Oustrac as Argie, and Laurent Naouri as Orcon, add depth and emotion to the lively characters, creating a visual and auditory feast.

The unique choreography by José Montalvo and Dominique Hervieu integrates modern dance and multimedia elements into the Baroque setting, creating a production that’s both innovative and true to the spirit of Rameau’s playful composition. The combination of dance, music, and vivid stagecraft elevates this production into a mesmerizing spectacle of Baroque art.

Interesting Facts

Les Paladins was composed when Jean-Philippe Rameau was 77 years old, and it is often referred to as his “last laugh” for its light-hearted, humorous tone.
William Christie and Les Arts Florissants are pioneers in the revival of French Baroque opera, with Christie’s interpretations being widely celebrated for their authenticity and vitality.
José Montalvo is known for his innovative use of multimedia and dance in opera, which can be seen in the dynamic visual elements that bring Les Paladins to life on stage.
The production was recorded live at the Paris Théâtre du Châtelet, a venue renowned for its contributions to contemporary and classical opera.
This production of Les Paladins received widespread acclaim for its vibrant staging and innovative choreography, combining Baroque tradition with modern theatrical techniques.