COMPOSERS: Chabrier
LABELS: Hyperion
WORKS: Briséïs
PERFORMER: Joan Rodgers, Mark Padmore, Simon Keenlyside, Michael George, Kathryn Harries; Chorus of Scottish Opera, BBC Scottish SO/Jean Yves Ossonce
CATALOGUE NO: CDA 66803 DDD
Chabrier’s uncompleted opera Briséîs deals with the clash between a young Christianity and sensuous paganism. The score owes much to Wagner, but also manages to point to new paths for French music. This recording was made at last year’s Edinburgh Festival – the work’s first performance in Britain. Joan Rodgers and Mark Padmore as the lovers sing with great passion and clarity, and Ossonce brings together all the forces in a committed and often exhilarating account. William Humphreys-Jones
Chabrier: Briséïs
Chabrier’s uncompleted opera Briséîs deals with the clash between a young Christianity and sensuous paganism. The score owes much to Wagner, but also manages to point to new paths for French music. This recording was made at last year’s Edinburgh Festival – the work’s first performance in Britain. Joan Rodgers and Mark Padmore as the lovers sing with great passion and clarity, and Ossonce brings together all the forces in a committed and often exhilarating account. William Humphreys-Jones
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:14 pm