Act V, Scene 5: Saul: 'Vois, Traitre, Et Reconnais Ta Nouvelle Victime' - Jean-Francois Gardeil
Act V, Scene 6: Achis: 'Joignez A Vos Exploits L'Honneur Du Diademe' - Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
Act V, Choeur Des Triomphants - Les Arts Florissants/William Christie
Lully may have had a monopoly on the performance of actual opera in France, but David et Jonathas is effectively a sacred opera composed for performance at Jesuit colleges. The work is comprised mostly of arias and choruse... more »s; what recitative there is is unusually dramatic--especially in Saul's confrontation with David and his visit to the Witch of Endor to summon the ghost of Samuel. (Dominique Visse as the Witch deserves special mention for a convincing performance in a role that could easily descend into camp.) William Christie's choir and orchestra perform with all the expertise you'd expect; Monique Zanetti makes a rather feminine Jonathan but sings beautifully. In the role of David, the sensitive and heroic countertenor voice of Gérard Lesne is extraordinary. --Matthew Westphal« less
Lully may have had a monopoly on the performance of actual opera in France, but David et Jonathas is effectively a sacred opera composed for performance at Jesuit colleges. The work is comprised mostly of arias and choruses; what recitative there is is unusually dramatic--especially in Saul's confrontation with David and his visit to the Witch of Endor to summon the ghost of Samuel. (Dominique Visse as the Witch deserves special mention for a convincing performance in a role that could easily descend into camp.) William Christie's choir and orchestra perform with all the expertise you'd expect; Monique Zanetti makes a rather feminine Jonathan but sings beautifully. In the role of David, the sensitive and heroic countertenor voice of Gérard Lesne is extraordinary. --Matthew Westphal
CD Reviews
Amazing recording
Corrado Speranza | Perugia, Italy | 12/03/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This recording offers a great performance of a beautiful Charpentier opera. William Christie and Les Arts Florissant are specialized in this type of music: in general the French Style in the 18th century is lacking in feelings but David & Jonathas is an exception. For example you will find a very touching scene in the fifth act, when Jonathan dies in the arms of David. The combination of soloists and chorus gives variety to this opera; the music is sweet and gives a religious atmosphere to it, so you can mistake it for an oratorio. Buy it ! All the singers are very good and the two cds are very inexpensive !"
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1