Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ferdinand Hérold's final and most celebrated opéra-comique, "Le pré aux clercs." This delightful work, composed in 1832, is a charming exploration of love and its complexities, told through the intertwined lives of three women. The opera is a testament to Hérold's musical genius, blending wit, romance, and drama in a way that captivates from start to finish.
Recorded live in April 2015 at the Grand Auditorium, this album captures the essence of the opera's first performance, offering a unique and authentic listening experience. The Gulbenkian Orchestra brings Hérold's score to life with precision and passion, showcasing the composer's intricate melodies and harmonies. The opera's three acts are filled with memorable arias, duets, and ensembles, each contributing to the overall narrative and emotional depth.
"Le pré aux clercs" is not just an opera; it's a journey through the intricacies of human relationships, set against the backdrop of 19th-century France. The libretto by Eugène de Planard, based on a historical chronicle, provides a rich and engaging story that complements Hérold's music beautifully. The album's 26 tracks, spanning over two hours, offer a comprehensive exploration of this timeless work.
This recording is a must-listen for fans of classical music, opera enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story. Ferdinand Hérold's "Le pré aux clercs" is a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today, and this album brings it to life in a way that is both authentic and accessible.
2016 Palazzetto Bru Zane / Sémele Proyectos Musicales2016 Palazzetto Bru Zane / Centre de musique romantique française
Tracks
Le pré aux clercs: OuvertureFerdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 1: No. 1, Introduction "Ah ! Quel beau jour de fête"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 2: Dialogue "Ah ! Reposons-nous"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 2: No. 2, Duo "Les rendez-vous de noble compagnie"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 3: Dialogue "Holà ! ho !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 4: No. 3, Air "Ce soir j’arrive donc"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 5: Dialogue "Ah les chiens !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Christian Helmer, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scènes 6, 7 & 8: No. 4, Morceau d’ensemble "Allons ! Dressons la table !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Christian Helmer, Leandro César
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scènes 9, 10 & 11: Dialogue "Quelle rencontre inattendue !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Eric Huchet, Michael Spyres, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 12: No. 5, Final "À la Navarre"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousard, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 1: No. 6, Entracte et air "Jours de mon enfance"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 2: Dialogue "Mauvaises nouvelles"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger, Eric Huchet
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 3: No. 7, Trio "Vous me disiez sans cesse"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger, Eric Huchet
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 4 & 5: Dialogue "Je sens les gouttes d’eau"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 6 & 7: No. 8, Mascarade "Ah ! Quel plaisir !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 8: No. 8, Mascarade (Suite) "L’ambassadeur de Navarre !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Eric Huchet, Michael Spyres, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 9, 10, 11 & 12: Dialogue "Le Roi les mander ensemble"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 13 & 14: No. 9, Final "Tout est dit"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 15: No. 9, Final (Suite) "Je suis prisonnière"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 1: No. 10, Chœur, morceau d’ensemble "Que j’aime ces ombrages"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Manuel Rebelo
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 1: No. 10 (Suite), Ronde "À la fleur du bel âge"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 2: Dialogue "Eh bien !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 3: No. 11, Trio "C’en est fait !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scènes 4 & 5: Dialogue "Ah ! les voilà"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scènes 6, 7 & 8: No. 12, Final "Je frémis !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Manuel Rebelo, Tiago Batitsta, Nuno Fonseca
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 9: No. 12 Final (Suite), "Nargue de la folie"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Christian Helmer, Tiago Batista, Nuno Fonseca
Ferdinand Hérold, born Louis Joseph Ferdinand Hérold, was a prolific French composer whose music continues to captivate audiences today. Born into a musical family in Paris in 1791, Hérold's talent was evident from a young age, leading him to study at the prestigious Paris Conservatoire. His compositions span a wide range of genres, including operas, ballets, piano works, and choral pieces, but he is perhaps best known for his ballet "La Fille mal gardée" and the overture to his opera "Zampa." Hérold's operatic works, numbering over twenty, place him midway between the styles of D.-F.-E. Auber and Jacques Offenbach, making him a key figure in the development of French opéra comique. His innovative approach to composition and his rich musical heritage make Hérold a composer whose works are well worth exploring.
Vinylscout
Ferdinand Hérold
