Dive into the enchanting world of French opera with André Messager's timeless masterpiece, "Véronique, Extracts." Composed by the celebrated conductor and composer André Messager, this three-act comic opera is a delightful journey through tuneful melodies and captivating performances. Originally premiered at the Apollo Theatre in 1904, "Véronique" has stood the test of time, becoming Messager's most enduring work.
This 42-minute album, released on January 1, 1962, under the BNF Collection label, offers a perfect introduction to Messager's operatic genius. The talented cast brings to life the buoyant and fresh score, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. From the opening "Ouverture" to the final chorus, each track is a testament to Messager's skill in blending humor, romance, and drama.
The opera follows the story of Véronique, a young woman navigating the complexities of love and life in Paris. With its witty libretto by A. Vanloo and G. Duval, and Messager's enchanting music, "Véronique" is a charming exploration of human nature and the joys of everyday life. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or new to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and entertain.
Véronique, Act I: "Ouverture"André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act I: "Quelle fraîcheur délicieuse" (Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act I: "Ah! La charmante promenade" (Hélène, Ermerance, Séraphin)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Suzanne Bauge, Georges Théry
Véronique, Act I: "Vrai Dieu! Mes bons amis" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act I: "Alors tout est fini?" (Hélène, Agathe, Ermerance, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Rolande Riffaud, Suzanne Bauge, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act I: "Petite dinde!" (Hélène)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval
Véronique, Act I: Final (Florestan, Hélène, Coquenard, Agathe, Loustot, Ermerance, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès, Paulette Merval, Jacques Loreau, Rolande Riffaud, Georges Lacour, Suzanne Bauge, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act II: "De-ci de-là" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Ah, méchante, vous voulez rire?" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Une grisette mignonne" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Adieu, je pars" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: L'ingrate Véronique (Agathe, Coquenard, Florestan, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Rolande Riffaud, Jacques Loreau, Marcel Merkès, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act III: "Voyons, ma tante" (Hélène)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval
Véronique, Act III: "Oh! Ah! Ciel!" (Hélène, Ermerance, Agathe, Coquenard)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Suzanne Bauge, Rolande Riffaud, Jacques Loreau
Véronique, Act III: "Ma foi, pour venir de province" (Agathe)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Rolande Riffaud
Véronique, Act III: "Eh bien, par ordre, procédons" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act III: "Par une faveur insigne" (Hélène, Florestan, Coquenard, Agathe, Loustot, Ermerance, Séraphin, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès, Jacques Loreau, Rolande Riffaud, Georges Lacour, Suzanne Bauge, Georges Théry, Chœur Jacques Metehen
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.
Vinylscout
André Messager
