Rodolphe Kreutzer: La mort d'Abel

Rodolphe Kreutzer's opera, La Mort d'Abel, is a masterpiece of French lyrical tragedy, brought to life by the talented ensemble of Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, and soloists including Guy Van Waas, Jean-Sébastien Bou, Katia Velletaz, and Pierre-Yves Pruvot. This spectacular work, first performed in 1810, tells the biblical story of Cain and Abel, with a libretto by François-Benoît Hoffman that adds a unique twist to the classic tale.

The music, composed by Kreutzer, is a grand example of the art of lyrical tragedy, with brief and characterised airs, as well as beautifully crafted ensembles. The opera's story does not go beyond the killing of Abel, and instead, focuses on the events leading up to the tragic event, with the rejection of Cain's offerings being the result of the intervention of Anamulech, an envoy from Satan.

This 2012 release, on the Bru Zane label, is a must-listen for fans of French opera and classical music. With a duration of 1 hour and 33 minutes, the album takes the listener on a journey through the opera's two acts, with a range of dramatic and emotional scenes. From the opening ouverture to the final choir of angels, the music is a testament to Kreutzer's skill as a composer and the talent of the performers.

Les Agrémens, Chœur de Chambre de Namur, and the soloists, under the direction of Guy Van Waas, bring this powerful and moving story to life, with their beautiful singing and playing. The album is a rare opportunity to hear Kreutzer's music, which is not often performed, and is a valuable addition to any classical music collection.