Messager - Véronique - André Messager

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of André Messager's "Véronique," a delightful opéra comique that has captivated audiences for over a century. This three-act opera, composed by the renowned French conductor and composer André Messager, is his most enduring work, celebrated for its tuneful melodies and charming characters.

"Véronique" premiered at the Apollo Theatre in London on May 18, 1904, and ran for an impressive 495 nights, a testament to its enduring appeal. The opera is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and wit, set to Messager's exquisite music. The story unfolds with a series of engaging arias, duets, and ensemble pieces that showcase Messager's mastery of the opéra comique genre.

This album features the complete opera, meticulously recorded and presented with a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It includes all the beloved songs and dialogues from the three acts, from the opening "Ouverture" to the final "Dialogue et final." The performance is conducted by Pierre Dervaux, with a stellar cast that includes Géori Boué, Roger Bourdin, and other talented vocalists who bring the characters of "Véronique" to life.

André Messager, known for his contributions to ballet music and his role as the Artistic Director of the Salle Favart (Opéra-Comique), showcases his compositional genius in "Véronique." The opera's score is buoyant and fresh, filled with memorable tunes that will stay with you long after the final note fades away. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Véronique" offers a delightful listening experience that highlights the best of French opéra comique.

This recording, released by Universal Music Division Decca Records France, is a faithful representation of Messager's original work, capturing the essence of his compositional style and the charm of the opéra comique tradition. Dive into the world of "Véronique" and enjoy the timeless music of André Messager.

1 jan 2000

℗ 2000 Decca Records France

About André Messager

André Messager, born in Montluçon in 1853, was a versatile French composer, organist, pianist, and conductor whose works continue to captivate audiences over a century later. His compositions, which include eight enchanting ballets and thirty delightful opéras comiques and operettas, are celebrated for their wit, charm, and melodic brilliance. Among his most enduring works are the ballet "Les Deux Pigeons" and the opéra comique "Véronique," both of which have secured their place in the canon of French musical theater. Messager's international success extended to works like "Les p'tites Michu" and "Monsieur Beaucaire," which charmed audiences far beyond France's borders. A pupil of the renowned Gabriel Fauré and Camille Saint-Saëns, Messager's musical journey was marked by innovation and a deep understanding of dramatic pacing, making his compositions as engaging as they are memorable. Throughout his career, Messager also served as a conductor and administrator, including a stint as the chairman of the S.A.C.E.M., the French Society of Music Authors, Composers, and Publishers. His legacy as a composer who bridged the worlds of classical and popular music endures, inviting audiences to explore the rich tapestry of his musical contributions.