Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of French opera with Étienne Nicolas Méhul's "Stratonice," a captivating journey through the composer's unique musical vision. This album, released in 1996, offers a rare opportunity to experience the works of Méhul, a contemporary of Beethoven, whose compositions are less frequently performed but equally deserving of acclaim.
"Stratonice" is a heroic comedy in one act, showcasing Méhul's mastery of opera. The album features a full recording of the opera, including the overture and a series of arias and ensembles that highlight the dramatic and lyrical depth of Méhul's score. The performances are brought to life by a talented cast of singers and musicians, each bringing their unique interpretation to the roles of Antiochus, Stratonice, Séleucus, and Erasistrate.
The album spans approximately 64 minutes, providing a comprehensive exploration of Méhul's compositional style. From the stirring overture to the poignant arias and duets, each track offers a glimpse into the composer's ability to convey a range of emotions and narratives through music. The recording quality is exceptional, ensuring that every nuance of the performance is captured and conveyed to the listener.
For fans of classical music and opera enthusiasts, this album is a treasure trove of musical discovery. Étienne Nicolas Méhul's "Stratonice" is a testament to the enduring power of French opera, offering a blend of historical significance and artistic brilliance that will captivate and inspire. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album is sure to enrich your musical library and deepen your appreciation for the art form.
Méhul: Stratonice: OuvertureÉtienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Ciel ! Ne sois point inexorable" (Chœur)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Corona Coloniensis, Cappella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Mes amis, retenez vos plaintes" (Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Ciel ! Ne sois point inexorable" (Chœur) [Reprise]Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Corona Coloniensis, Cappella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "J'échappe enfin à leur foule importune" (Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Insensé, je forme des souhaits" (Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Mon cher Antiochus" (Séleucus, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Quelle funeste envie !" - "Ah ! Gardez vos trésors" (Séleucus, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "À mes conseils, unissez votre voix" - "Seigneur, Erasistrate arrive en ce moment" (Séleucus, Stratonice, Antiochus, Un garde)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Corona Coloniensis, Etienne Lescroart, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Cappella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Seigneur, prenez soin de vos jours" (Stratonice, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Qu'ai-je entendu ?" (Antiochus, Erasistrate)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Karl Daymond, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Parlez. Achevez de m'apprendre" (Erasistrate, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Karl Daymond, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Je ne puis résister à mon impatience" (Séleucus, Erasistrate, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Je tremble, mon coeur palpite" (Stratonice, Erasistrate, Antiochus, Séleucus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Seigneur, allez au temple" (Erasistrate, Séleucus, Stratonice)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Patricia Petibon, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Seigneur, on croit que ma présence" (Stratonice, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Eh bien ! Seigneur, que faut-il que j'espère" - "Ils s'aiment" (Erasistrate, Stratonice, Antiochus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Karl Daymond, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Sur le sort de son fils" (Erasistrate)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Karl Daymond, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Le roi s'avance, il faut dissimuler" (Erasistrate, Séleucus)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Vous mon fils, approchez" (Séleucus, Stratonice, Antiochus, Erasistrate)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Capella Coloniensis
Méhul: Stratonice: "Ô mon fils, quel moment pour moi !" (Séleucus, Stratonice, Antiochus, Erasistrate, Chœur)Étienne Nicolas Méhul, William Christie, Corona Coloniensis, Etienne Lescroart, Karl Daymond, Patricia Petibon, Yann Beuron, Cappella Coloniensis