Search - Claude Debussy, Roger Desormiere, Yvonne Gouverne Symphony Orchestra :: Debussy: Pelléas et Mélisande

Indispensable!

Kicek&Brys | USA/UK | 03/26/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is good news for those who are looking for the classic recording of Debussy's only finished opera. Desormiere's 1941 celebrated recording on EMI is not available in the USA as far as I know, but this inexpensive Opera D'Oro set is a dream come true for those who are desperate to hear it without resorting to international orders. It is in fact the very same recording but, unlike the EMI set, it is on two CDs instead of three. Of course, it doesn't contain the bonus material filling the third CD of the EMI set - something that fans of French Melodies may not want to forego (Maggie Teyte singing Debussy's songs to Alfred Cortot's piano accompaniment, plus Mary Garden - the first Melisande - singing "Mes longs cheveux descendent" and three of Debussy's "Ariettes oubliees" with the composer at the piano) - but it has a very attractive price. As with all Opera D'Oro releases, it has no libretto, only a detailed synopsis while the EMI set has an interesting booklet with some historical photos and texts written by Irene Joachim/Melisande and Jacques Jansen/Pelleas. The sound quality is very good, the transfer has even enhanced some orchestral details that I didn't hear on the EMI set. EMI's sound is a bit cleaner though.Were it not for the lack of a libretto, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this set enthusiastically even to those for whom it will be the first encounter with the opera. On the other hand, those who speak French won't need a libretto here - this recording is one of the glorious examples of the old school of French singing, with its almost declamatory style and absolutely clear diction. It is a true joy to listen to! So is, for that matter, a slightly younger recording made in the 1950s by Andre Cluytens (released not long ago on Testament). Desormiere's "P & M" certainly deserves its classic status but personally I have a difficult time trying to choose between it and the Cluytens. What makes the latter so special to me is Gerard Souzay's Golaud - a truly magnificent performance!As to modern recordings, Abbado is still my first choice, in spite of the recent critical acclaim for Bernard Haitink's live recording made in Paris in 2000. Its sound is muddled, the singing - even if dramatically convincing - so removed from the French idiom by the neglect of its essential feature (the declamatory style I mentioned a moment ago) that it isn't easy for me to enjoy it fully. I had a hard time recognising the words even if I know large parts of the text by heart. My greatest disappointment though is Anne Sofie von Otter's Melisande. Von Otter's voice is simply too mature and her portrayal - even if often very moving - is sometimes dangerously close to calculation.Luckily, you don't have to look far for a perfect recording of "Pelleas et Melisande", especially since you are already on this page - this edition may be one of the best bargains around! Don't miss it! (Kicek)"

As it should be

David Stein | New York, N USA | 12/20/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had been searching for a version of Peleas sung by native French speakers - for some reason, only they can bring out the real music of the language to match the beauty of the music. This certainly does do it. Although it is clear that this is taken from an ancient analog recording, the music remains clear and embracing."