Description
Orphée et Eurydice (1859 Version by Hector Berlioz) DVD
UPC: 747313563852
Product Features
- Title: Orphée et Eurydice
- Composer: Christoph Willibald Gluck (1714-1787)
- Version: 1859 revision by Hector Berlioz
- Libretto: Pierre-Louis Moline
- Performers:Ensemble: Ensemble Pygmalion
- Orphée: Marianne Crebassa
- Eurydice: Hélène Guilmette
- Amour: Lea Desandre
- Conductor: Raphaël Pichon
- Stage Director: Aurélien Bory
- Video Director: François Roussillon
- Runtime: 99 minutes
- Format: DVD Video, NTSC 16:9, PCM stereo and DTS 5.1, Region 0
- Language: French
- Subtitles: French, English, German, Japanese, Korean, Chinese
- Label: Naxos
- Released by: FRA Prod Cinema
- Filming Location: Opéra Comique, Paris, October 2018
Overview
Gluck's Orphée et Eurydice is one of the most influential operas of the 18th century, revolutionizing the genre with its focus on emotional depth and narrative clarity. In the 1859 adaptation, Hector Berlioz reworks Gluck’s score to combine various versions prepared for different European cities, enhancing the dramatic power of the opera. This particular production, led by conductor Raphaël Pichon and staged by Aurélien Bory, features a haunting and ethereal performance by Marianne Crebassa as Orphée. The DVD captures the stunning Paris performance, with breathtaking stage design and lighting.
Interesting Facts
- Opera's Significance: Originally written in 1762, Orphée et Eurydice changed the course of opera by focusing on human emotions and simplicity in musical expression.
- Berlioz's Contribution: Berlioz, a great admirer of Gluck, tailored the 1859 version for the Théâtre Lyrique, synthesizing the Parma, Paris, and Vienna editions of the opera.
- Cultural Impact: The opera’s theme of love, loss, and redemption resonated deeply with Enlightenment Europe, making it a staple of the operatic repertoire.
- Aurélien Bory’s Production: Known for his innovative set designs and use of space, Bory’s direction adds a modern yet timeless feel to the classical opera, earning high praise from critics, including Opera Journal.
- Orphée as a Mezzo-Soprano Role: Traditionally written for a male castrato, Berlioz’s version gives the role of Orphée to a mezzo-soprano, a decision that has since become the standard for modern productions.
Track Listing
- Act I: Orphée mourns Eurydice’s death and decides to descend into the Underworld.
- Act II: Orphée’s encounter with the Furies, where his music softens their rage, allowing him to proceed.
- Act III: Orphée reunites with Eurydice but tragically loses her again by breaking the gods’ command.
- Act IV: The gods intervene, bringing Eurydice back to life, and the lovers are reunited.
Publishers
- Naxos Rights (Europe) Ltd.
- FRA Prod Cinema
- Opéra Comique
Hashtags
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