Immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating melodies of Daniel Auber's "La muette de Portici," a seminal work in the world of opera. This grand opera, also known by its protagonist's name, Masaniello, is a cornerstone of operatic history, marking its significance with over 500 performances by 1880. Though it has since faded from frequent production, its legacy endures, offering a profound and engaging experience for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Composed by the prolific Daniel Auber, this five-act opera is a blend of historical drama and musical brilliance. The album spans a substantial 2 hours and 28 minutes, featuring a rich tapestry of arias, duets, choruses, and ballet music that showcase Auber's mastery of composition. From the stirring overture to the poignant final notes, each track is a testament to Auber's ability to evoke emotion and tell a compelling story through music.
The opera's plot, set against the backdrop of the 1647 Neapolitan revolution, is brought to life through a series of powerful musical pieces. The album includes notable tracks such as the "Duo: N'espérez pas me fuir" and the "Choeur du marché: Au marché qui vient de s'ouvrir," each contributing to the opera's dramatic narrative. The inclusion of the famous "Tarentelle," a grand dance interlude, adds a layer of musical grandeur that has inspired composers like Franz Liszt.
Released on Warner Classics, this album is a meticulously crafted collection that captures the essence of Auber's genius. The packaging, including a detailed information booklet and pristine CD case, ensures that the listener's experience is as enriching as the music itself. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer, "La muette de Portici" offers a timeless exploration of history, drama, and musical excellence.
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: OuvertureDaniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Introduction. "Du prince, objet de notre amour" - Air. "Ô toi, jeune victime" - Duo. "Lorenzo, je te vois" (Chœur, Alphonse, Lorenzo)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alain Munier, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, John Aler, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Récitatif. "Mais du cortège qui s'avance" - Chœur. "Du prince, objet de notre amour" (Alphonse, Lorenzo, Chœur)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alain Munier, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, John Aler, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Air. "Plaisir du rang suprême" (Elvire)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Ballet. GuaracheDaniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Scène. "Dans ces jardins, quel bruit se fait entendre ?" - Chœur de la chapelle. "Ô Dieu puissant !" (Elvire, Dame d'honneur, Selva, Lorenzo, Chœur)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alain Munier, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Courtis, June Anderson, Martine Mahé, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 1: Finale. "Ils sont unis !" (Chœur, Elvire, Alphonse)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, John Aler, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 2: Chœur. "Amis, le soleil va paraître" - Récitatif. "Masaniello paraît" (Chœur, Borella, Masaniello)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Frédéric Vassar, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 2: Barcarolle. "Amis, la matinée est belle" - Récitatif. "Mais j'aperçois Pietro" (Masaniello, Pietro, Chœur)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 2: Duo. "Mieux vaut mourir que rester misérable" - Scène. "Eh bien ! Nous voilà seuls" (Masaniello, Pietro)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 2: Finale. "Venez, amis, partager mes transports" (Masaniello, Chœur, Borella, Pietro)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Frédéric Vassar, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 3: Duo. "N'espérez pas me fuir" (Alphonse, Elvire)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, John Aler, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 3: Chœur du marché. "Au marché qui vient de s'ouvrir" (Chœur)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 3: Finale. "Non, je ne me trompe pas" - Prière. "Saint bienheureux" (Selva, Chœur, Masaniello, Pietro, Borella)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Frédéric Vassar, Jean-Philippe Courtis, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 4: Récitatif. "Spectacle affreux" - Air. "Ô Dieu ! Toi qui m'a destiné à remplir ce sanglant office" - Cavatine du sommeil. "Du pauvre seul ami fidèle" (Masaniello)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 4: "Mais on vient" - Chœur. "À nos serments, l'honneur t'engage" - Cavatine. "Arbitre d'une vie" (Masaniello, Pietro, Chœur, Alphonse, Elvire)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Lafont, John Aler, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 4: Scène. "Des étrangers dans ma chaumière !" (Masaniello, Alphonse, Pietro, Elvire, Chœur)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Lafont, John Aler, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 4: Marche - Chœur. "Honneur et gloire !" (Chœur, Pietro, Masaniello)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 5: Barcarolle. "Voyez du haut de ces rivages" (Pietro, Chœur, Moreno)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Daniel Ottevaere, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra
Auber: La muette de Portici, Act 5: Finale. "On vient ! Silence, amis !" (Pietro, Borella, Chœur, Masaniello, Elvire, Alphonse)Daniel Auber, Thomas Fulton, Alfredo Kraus, Ensemble Choral Jean Laforge, Frédéric Vassar, Jean-Philippe Lafont, John Aler, June Anderson, Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra