Dive into the rich world of French opera with Louis Théodore Gouvy's "Oedipe à Colone," a captivating rendition of Sophocles' classic tragedy, sung entirely in French. This two-disc album, released by CPO in 2013, offers a comprehensive exploration of Gouvy's orchestral prowess, spanning a generous 1 hour and 33 minutes. The album features a stellar cast delivering powerful performances, bringing the timeless story of Oedipus to life with vivid intensity.
Gouvy, a master of his craft, weaves a tapestry of sound that is both dramatic and deeply moving. The opera is divided into three parts, each filled with arias, choruses, and dialogues that highlight the intricate relationships and conflicts among the characters. From the hauntingly beautiful "Sommeil, doux repos" to the impassioned pleas of "Dieux vengeurs! Que vouliez-vous de moi?", every track is a testament to Gouvy's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions through music.
The album's highlight is the seamless integration of vocal and orchestral elements, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Oedipe à Colone" promises a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous attention to detail in both the performances and the recording ensures that every nuance of Gouvy's composition is captured, making this album a standout in the world of classical music.
2013 CPO2013 CPO
Tracks
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Introduction (Sung in French)Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Parez de myrthe en fleur (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Habitants de Colone (Theseus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Polynice, salut! (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Marche religieuse (Sung in French)Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: O ciel! Ce lieu sacre (Polyneikes) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Seigneur, j'avais un pere (Polyneikes) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Vous que l'innocence meme (Theseus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Vous que l'innocence meme (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. I: Ah! Pitie! (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Appuyez-vous sur moi (Antigone, Oedipus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Mon sort, je le prefere (Antigone) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Dieux vengeurs! Que vouliez-vous de moi? (Oedipus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Voyez la-bas (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Oedipe est l'ennemi (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: O bonte tutelaire! O pere infortune (Antigone, Theseus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. II: Infortunes humains (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: Sommeil, doux repos (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: Antigone, ma soeur (Polyneikes) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: O soupirs du remords (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: Ma fille, ecoutez moi (Oedipus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: Et maintenant ecoute, o Souverain d'Athenes (Oedipus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Oedipus auf Kolonos: Pt. III: Edonee! (Chorus) [Sung in French]Louis Théodore Gouvy, Christa Ratzenböck, Vinzenz Haab, Stephen Roberts, Joseph Cornwell, Choeurs de la Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Kantorei Saarlouis, Grande Societe Philharmonique, La, Joachim Fontaine
Louis Théodore Gouvy, born in 1819, was a composer who beautifully blended the musical traditions of France and Germany, reflecting his unique cultural heritage. Born into a French-speaking family in the border region of Goffontaine, now part of Saarbrücken, Germany, Gouvy's life and music were deeply influenced by both nations. He began his musical journey with aspirations of becoming a virtuoso pianist but ultimately found his calling in composition. Gouvy's extensive body of work includes nine symphonies, making him one of the few French composers of his era to focus on abstract instrumental music. His conservative Romantic style was inspired by the likes of Schumann, Mendelssohn, and Schubert, creating a rich and emotive musical landscape. Despite facing challenges due to his dual nationality, Gouvy became an eminent figure in the French musical establishment during the 1870s and 1880s. His compositions, ranging from symphonies to piano music and chamber works, continue to captivate audiences with their depth and elegance. Gouvy passed away in Leipzig in 1898, leaving behind a legacy that celebrates the harmonious fusion of French and German musical traditions.