Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of 19th-century Spanish romance and intrigue with Jules Massenet's "Don César de Bazan," a captivating opéra-comique that showcases the composer's early genius. This 1888 version, meticulously recorded and released by Naxos in 2020, is a delightful addition to Massenet's operatic repertoire, marking his first full-length opera and the 20th of his works to be available on CD or vinyl.
"Don César de Bazan" is a thrilling tale of dashing Spanish chivalry, deception, and comedic reversals that will keep you engaged from the overture to the final notes. The opera is presented in its original French, with a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes spread across two discs. The recording features a stellar cast and orchestra, conducted by Mathieu Romano, bringing Massenet's score to life with vivid detail and passion.
The album includes all the acts and scenes from the 1888 version, allowing you to follow the dramatic narrative as it unfolds. From the stirring "Overture" to the enchanting "Bohème charmante" and the dramatic "Grand Dieu!," each track offers a glimpse into Massenet's unique compositional style and his ability to convey the essence of Spanish romance and drama.
This recording is an excellent introduction to Massenet's operatic works and a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Massenet or a newcomer to his music, "Don César de Bazan" is sure to delight and inspire.
2020 Naxos2020 Naxos
Tracks
Don César de Bazan (1888 Version): OvertureJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 1 (1888 Version): Dès que ton tambour sonneJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 1 (1888 Version): C'est elle!Jules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Thomas Bettinger, Christian Helmer, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 2 (1888 Version): Partout où l'on chanteJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 6 (1888 Version): Le voilà!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Marion Lebègue, Christian Rodrigue Moungoungou, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 8 (1888 Version): Bohème charmanteJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Elsa Dreisig, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Unknown Artist, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II (1888 Version): Entr'acteJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 1 (1888 Version): Dors, amiJules Massenet, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 1 (1888 Version): Riche, j'ai semé les richessesJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 2 (1888 Version): Me marier!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 6 (1888 Version): À boire, amisJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Unknown Artist, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 9 (1888 Version): Rien ne peut le défendreJules Massenet, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 10 (1888 Version): Grand Dieu!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Christian Helmer, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III (1888 Version): Entr'acte SevillanaJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 1 (1888 Version): Cette splendeurJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 2 (1888 Version): Que de ta lèvre en fleurJules Massenet, Thomas Bettinger, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 3 (1888 Version): Qui je suis?Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Thomas Bettinger, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 5 (1888 Version): Je m'en souviensJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV (1888 Version): Entr'acteJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV Scene 1 (1888 Version): Aux cœurs les plus troublésJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV Scene III (1888 Version): Je pénétraiJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Thomas Bettinger, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Jules Massenet, born in 1842, was a titan of French opera, crafting over thirty works for the stage that continue to captivate audiences today. His melodic genius and theatrical flair made him the leading operatic composer of his time, with masterpieces like "Manon," "Werther," and "Thaïs" standing as testaments to his enduring appeal. Massenet's music is renowned for its lyricism, sensuality, and emotional depth, drawing influences from the likes of Berlioz and Wagner. Beyond his operatic achievements, Massenet also composed oratorios, ballets, and orchestral works, leaving an indelible mark on the Romantic era. His legacy as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire and a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts further cemented his status as a pillar of French musical culture. Massenet's compositions, marked by their rich harmonies and vivid orchestration, offer a journey through the heights of human emotion, making him a composer whose works continue to enchant and inspire.
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Jules Massenet
