In recent years, there has been increased interest in the works of Ambroise Thomas, particularly in his ambitious setting of Hamlet(1868), which was successfully revived at opera houses including London’s Covent Garden, the New York Met, Barcelona and Paris. Ambroise Thomas’ 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 centres on young widowed Countess who has no fewer than fourteen 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, which includes 13 soloists from the Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, it is unsurprising that the work’s ensembles have been selected by scholars as highlights of a score that is sure to delight lovers of French opera. The Daily Telegraph:

“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.”

Laura Claycomb (La Comtesse)

Alastair Miles (Le Commandeur de Beaupré)

Joan Rodgers (La Baronne)

Sébastien Droy (Le Chevalier de Mérac)

Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

Philharmonia Orchestra

Direction Andrew Litton

La Cour de Célimène, opéra en deux actes

Livret de Joseph-Bernard Rosier

Première représentation à l’Opéra comique le 11 avril 1855

Référence : ORC37 – 0792938003726 – 2 CD Box : 53:11 – 42:36 – DDD – Enregistré aux Studios Abbey Road à Londres en juillet 2007 – Livret en anglais, français, italien et allemand

 

Details

  • Composer: Ambroise Thomas
  • Title: La Cour de Célimène
  • Cast:

    Laura Claycomb (La Comtesse)
    Alastair Miles (Le Commandeur de Beaupré)
    Joan Rodgers (La Baronne)
    Sébastien Droy (Le Chevalier de Mérac)
    Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
    Philharmonia Orchestra
    Direction Andrew Litton

  • Additional information:

    La Cour de Célimène, opéra en deux actes
    Livret de Joseph-Bernard Rosier

    Première représentation à l'Opéra comique le 11 avril 1855

    Référence : ORC37 - 0792938003726 - 2 CD Box : 53:11 - 42:36 - DDD - Enregistré aux Studios Abbey Road à Londres en juillet 2007 - Livret en anglais, français, italien et allemand

     

     

     

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