"Air d'opéras français" is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of French opera, showcasing the extraordinary vocal talents of Rockwell Blake. This album, set for release on August 1, 2024, under the prestigious Warner Classics label, features a meticulously curated selection of arias that span from the Baroque era to the Romantic period. With a duration of one hour and two minutes, this collection offers a comprehensive exploration of the French operatic repertoire.
Blake's tenor voice is the centerpiece of this album, accompanied by the Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo under the baton of Patrick Fournillier. The orchestra's nuanced performances provide a lush backdrop for Blake's expressive and technically proficient singing, highlighting the depth and versatility of his artistry.
The album opens with an aria from Piccinni's "Roland" and includes works by renowned composers such as Lully, Gluck, Boieldieu, Auber, Donizetti, Rossini, Adam, Bizet, and Delibes. Each aria is a gem in its own right, showcasing the evolution of French opera and the diverse styles of its composers. From the delicate elegance of Lully's "Persée" to the dramatic intensity of Donizetti's "La fille du régiment," Blake navigates these arias with ease, demonstrating his mastery of both lyric and dramatic roles.
"Air d'opéras français" is not just a collection of beautiful arias; it is a testament to Rockwell Blake's artistic prowess and his deep understanding of the French operatic tradition. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a delightful and enriching listening experience. The high-quality recordings and the meticulous attention to detail in the performances make this album a standout in the world of classical music.
Piccinni: Roland, Act 2: "En butte aux fureurs de l'orage" (Médor)Niccolò Piccinni, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Lully: Persée, LWV 60, Act 3: "Ô tranquille sommeil" (Mercure)Jean-Baptiste Lully, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Gluck: Orphée et Eurydice, Wq. 41, Act 1: Ariette. "L'espoir renaît en mon âme" (Orphée)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Gluck: Armide, Wq. 45, Act 2: "Plus j'observe ces lieux" (Renaud)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Boieldieu: Les voitures versées, Act 1: Couplets. "Jeune beauté d'humeur légère" (Armand)François-Adrien Boieldieu, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Boieldieu: La dame blanche, Act 2: "Maintenant, observons" - Cavatine. "Viens, gentille dame" (Georges)François-Adrien Boieldieu, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Auber: Le premier jour du bonheur, Act 3: Stances. "Ce nom qui me rappelle" (Gaston)Daniel Auber, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Donizetti: La fille du régiment, Act 1: ''Ah ! Mes amis, quel jour de fête" (Tonio)Gaetano Donizetti, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Donizetti: La fille du régiment, Act 1: Romance. ''Pour me rapprocher de Marie" (Tonio)Gaetano Donizetti, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Rossini: Le Comte Ory, Act 1: Cavatine. "Que les destins prospères" (Le Comte)Gioachino Rossini, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Adam: Si j'étais roi, Act 1: Romance. "J'ignore son nom, sa naissance" (Zéphoris)Adolphe Adam, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Adam: Le postillon de Lonjumeau, Act 1: Ronde. "Mes amis, écoutez l'histoire" (Chapelou)Adolphe Adam, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Bizet: La jolie fille de Perth, WD 15, Act 2: "Partout des cris de joie" - Sérénade. "À la voix d'un amant fidèle" (Smith)Georges Bizet, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Delibes: Lakmé, Act 1: "Prendre le dessin d'un bijou" - Air. "Fantaisie aux divins mensonges" (Gérald)Léo Delibes, Rockwell Blake, Patrick Fournillier, Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo