Dive into the rich tapestry of 19th-century French opera with Giacomo Meyerbeer's masterful work, "Les Huguenots." Released in 2006 by Opera d'Oro, this album captures the grandeur and complexity of Meyerbeer's five-act opera, originally premiered in 1836. With a running time of 2 hours and 22 minutes, this recording offers a comprehensive exploration of Meyerbeer's intricate composition, showcasing his unique blend of drama and melody.
"Les Huguenots" is a monumental exploration of faith, tolerance, hatred, and love, set against the backdrop of the French Wars of Religion. The opera delves into themes of loyalty, self-sacrifice, and hope in the face of despair, making it a timeless piece that resonates with audiences today. The album features a stellar cast, with notable performances that bring Meyerbeer's characters to life with depth and nuance.
Conducted by Robert Heger, this recording benefits from his expertise in interpreting Meyerbeer's score, ensuring that the opera's dramatic and musical elements are faithfully represented. The album's tracklist includes all the key arias and ensembles from the opera, from the stirring overture to the powerful "Benediction of the Swords" scene.
For opera enthusiasts and those new to Meyerbeer's work, this album provides an excellent introduction to one of the most significant operas of the 19th century. The detailed and expressive performances, combined with the opera's compelling narrative, make "Les Huguenots" a standout addition to any classical music collection.
(C) 2006 Opera d'Oro(P) 2006 Opera d'Oro
Tracks
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Overture - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Radio Austria Orchestra, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Des beaux jours de la jeunesse - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Pedro Farres, Radio Austria Chorus, Harald Neukirch, Kurt Equiluz, Ewald Aichberger, Jaroslav Stanic, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Sous le beau ciel de la Touraine - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Jaroslav Stanic, Kurt Equiluz, Harald Neukirch, Pedro Farres, Ewald Aichberger, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Non loin des vieilles tours... Plus blanche que la blanche hermine - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Sir Raoul? - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Ladislav Illavsky, Pedro Farres, Radio Austria Chorus, Nicolai Gedda, Kurt Equiluz, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Pour les couvents "Piff, paff" - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: En ce chateau que cherchez-vous... Une dame noble et sage - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Pedro Farres, Jeanette Scovotti, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Trop de merite aussi - Act OneGiacomo Meyerbeer, Pedro Farres, Jeanette Scovotti, Radio Austria Chorus, Justino Diaz, Nicolai Gedda, Jaroslav Stanic, Kurt Equiluz, Harald Neukirch, Ewald Aichberger, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Introduction. O beau pays de la Touraine - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Rita Shane, Jeanette Scovotti, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: A ce moi tout s'anime - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Rita Shane, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Venez, Madame - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Unni Rugtvedt, Radio Austria Chorus, Rita Shane, Jeanette Scovotti, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: O ciel! Ou suis-je?... Beaute divine, enchanteresse - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Rita Shane, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Ah! Si j'etais coquette! - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Rita Shane, Nicolai Gedda, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Honneur a la plus belle - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Radio Austria Chorus, Justino Diaz, Nicolai Gedda, Rita Shane, Dimiter Petkov, Pedro Farres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Par l'honneur "The Oath" - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Dimiter Petkov, Pedro Farres, Justino Diaz, Radio Austria Chorus, Rita Shane, Jeanette Scovotti, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Et maintenant je dois offrir - Act TwoGiacomo Meyerbeer, Rita Shane, Nicolai Gedda, Jeanette Scovotti, Radio Austria Chorus, Dimiter Petkov, Pedro Farres, Justino Diaz, Enriqueta Tarres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: C'est le jour... Rataplan - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Radio Austria Chorus, Ewald Aichberger, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Le Seigneur de Saint-Bris? - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Dans la nuit ou seul je veille - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Enriqueta Tarres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Tu ne peux eprouver ni comprendre - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Enriqueta Tarres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: En meme temps que nous se trouver - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Dimiter Petkov, Nicolai Gedda, Justino Diaz, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: En mon bon droit j'ai confiance! - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Harald Neukirch, Kurt Equiluz, Jaroslav Stanic, Ladislav Illavsky, Dimiter Petkov, Justino Diaz, Manfred Schenk, Radio Austria Chorus, Jeanette Scovotti, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Quoi? Meme dans Paris - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Rita Shane, Nicolai Gedda, Enriqueta Tarres, Pedro Farres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Au banquet que le ciel leur apprete - Act ThreeGiacomo Meyerbeer, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Je suis seule chez moi! - Act FourGiacomo Meyerbeer, Enriqueta Tarres, Nicolai Gedda, Dimiter Petkov, Pedro Farres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Pour cette cause sainte - Act FourGiacomo Meyerbeer, Dimiter Petkov, Pedro Farres, Enriqueta Tarres, Harald Neukirch, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Le roi peut-il compter sur vous?..Gloire, glore au grand Dieu vengeur! "Benediction of the Swords" - Act FourGiacomo Meyerbeer, Dimiter Petkov, Radio Austria Chorus, Enriqueta Tarres, Pedro Farres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: O ciel! Ou courez-vous? - Act FourGiacomo Meyerbeer, Enriqueta Tarres, Nicolai Gedda, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Ah! Viens! - Act FourGiacomo Meyerbeer, Nicolai Gedda, Enriqueta Tarres, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Ou courez-vous? - Act FiveGiacomo Meyerbeer, Enriqueta Tarres, Nicolai Gedda, Justino Diaz, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Savez-vous, qu'en joignant vos mains - Act FiveGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Enriqueta Tarres, Nicolai Gedda, Radio Austria Chorus, Ernst Märzendorfer
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots: Ah! Voyez! Le ciel s'ouvre et rayonne - Act FiveGiacomo Meyerbeer, Justino Diaz, Enriquetz Tarres, Nicolai Gedda, Radio Austria Chorus, Dimiter Petkov, Jeanette Scovotti, Ernst Märzendorfer
Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jacob Liebmann Beer in 1791, was a German opera composer who reigned supreme in the 19th century, shaping the grand opera genre and setting the stage for the future of music drama. Born into a wealthy Jewish family near Berlin, Meyerbeer's compositions, particularly "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le prophète," were sensational hits that captivated audiences and critics alike. His unique style blended German orchestral traditions with Italian vocal techniques, all wrapped in dramatic libretti by Eugène Scribe and enhanced by cutting-edge theater technology. Meyerbeer's influence was immense, inspiring giants like Richard Wagner and maintaining Paris's status as the opera capital of the world. Despite his past fame, Meyerbeer's works are less frequently performed today, making a journey through his compositions a hidden gem for opera enthusiasts.