Messager: Véronique, extraits

Album Description

This captivating album presents a selection of highlights from André Messager's operetta "Véronique," alongside a notable excerpt from Reynaldo Hahn's "Ciboulette." Released in 1956, this mono version offers a glimpse into the golden age of French operetta, showcasing the timeless charm and wit of these classic works.

André Messager, a prolific composer and conductor, is renowned for his contributions to French musical theater. His operetta "Véronique," premiered in 1904, is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and clever dialogue, reflecting the spirit of the Belle Époque. This album features key arias and duets from the operetta, performed by a talented ensemble including Ninon Vallin, Lucien Huberty, and Jean Allain, accompanied by the Orchestre Pasdeloup.

The album also includes "Nous avons fait un beau voyage," a charming duet from Reynaldo Hahn's "Ciboulette," which premiered in 1923. Hahn, a student of Massenet and a close friend of Marcel Proust, was known for his elegant and refined musical style, which is beautifully showcased in this excerpt.

With a total duration of just over 23 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of French operetta, offering a taste of the elegance, humor, and musical sophistication that characterize these beloved works. The performances are lively and engaging, bringing the stories and characters to life with warmth and charm. Whether you're a seasoned operetta enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight and entertain.

1 januari 1956

1956 - BNF Collection 2015

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.