Gustave Charpentier's "Music for the Prix de Rome" is a captivating collection of operatic works that showcase the composer's early career and his journey to winning the prestigious Prix de Rome. Released on November 1, 2011, this double album is a testament to Charpentier's musical prowess and his ability to evoke a range of emotions through his compositions.
The album features a variety of pieces, including the five-movement suite "Impressions d'Italie," which draws inspiration from Charpentier's travels through Italy. This suite is a beautiful blend of orchestral and vocal elements, offering a glimpse into the composer's impressions of the Italian landscape and culture. The album also includes excerpts from Charpentier's opera "Didon," a tragic love story based on the myth of Dido and Aeneas. The opera's powerful arias and duets are performed with stunning precision and passion, highlighting Charpentier's skill in crafting memorable melodies and harmonies.
"La vie du poete," another notable work on the album, is a three-act opera that explores the life and struggles of a poet. This opera is a prime example of Charpentier's ability to convey complex emotions and themes through his music. The album concludes with "La Fete des myrtes," a festive and lively piece that showcases Charpentier's versatility as a composer.
Recorded in Brussels and Antwerp in June 2011, the album benefits from the excellent engineering work of Felicia Bockstael and Steven Maes. The performances by the Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir, under the direction of Hervé Niquet, are nothing short of outstanding. Their meticulous attention to detail and expressive playing bring Charpentier's music to life, making this album a true gem for classical music enthusiasts.
With a total duration of over two hours, "Music for the Prix de Rome" is a comprehensive exploration of Gustave Charpentier's early works. Whether you're a fan of opera, orchestral music, or simply appreciate the beauty of classical compositions, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
(C) 2011 Glossa(P) 2011 Glossa
Tracks
Impressions d'Italie: I. SerenadeGustave Charpentier, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Impressions d'Italie: II. A la FontaineGustave Charpentier, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Impressions d'Italie: III. A mulesGustave Charpentier, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Impressions d'Italie: IV. Sur les cimesGustave Charpentier, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Impressions d'Italie: V. NapoliGustave Charpentier, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 1: Recitative and Air. Seule, me voila seule ici (Didon)Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 2: Recitative. Pourquoi cette tristesse? (Didon, Enee)Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 2: Duet. Enee aime Didon, Enee est aupres d'elle (Didon, Enee)Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 2: Recitative. La coupable jamais ne repose ou sommeille (Didon, Enee, Anchise) - Scene 3: Enee! Enee! [Didon, Enee, Anchise]Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 3: Air. L'avenir glorieux que tu pouvais attendre (Anchise)Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Didon, Scene 3: Trio. Prends pitie de mes alarmes (Didon, Enee, Anchise) - Scene 4: Enee! Il me fuit! [Didon]Gustave Charpentier, Manon Feubel, Julien Dran, Marc Barrard, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
La vie du poete, Act I Scene 1, "Enthusiasm": Douce Lumiere (Chorus of Inner Voices, the Poet)Gustave Charpentier, Sabine Devieilhe, Helena Bohuszewicz, Bernard Richter, Alain Buet, Flemish Radio Choir, Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides, Herve Niquet
La vie du poete, Act II Scene 1, "Doute": Entends-tu la nuit (Voices of the Night, a Voice) - Scene 2: Scene 2: Que me reserves-tu [the Poet, Voices of the Night]Gustave Charpentier, Sabine Devieilhe, Helena Bohuszewicz, Bernard Richter, Alain Buet, Flemish Radio Choir, Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides, Herve Niquet
La vie du poete, Act III: Tableau 1, "Impotence": Si l'esprit dans le vide (Voices of Malediction, the Poet)Gustave Charpentier, Sabine Devieilhe, Helena Bohuszewicz, Bernard Richter, Alain Buet, Flemish Radio Choir, Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides, Herve Niquet
La vie du poete, Act III: Tableau 2, "Inebriation": Sois maudit, Dieu perfide - Scene 2: Trille, O fille (the Poet, the Girl, Voices from the Past, Voices of Tomorrow, Inner Voices) [Voices from the Past]Gustave Charpentier, Sabine Devieilhe, Helena Bohuszewicz, Bernard Richter, Alain Buet, Flemish Radio Choir, Royal Symphonic Band of the Belgian Guides, Herve Niquet
La Fete des myrtesGustave Charpentier, Flemish Radio Choir, Brussels Philharmonic, Herve Niquet
Vinylscout