Search - Arthur Honegger, Lodewijk de Vocht, Belgian National Orchestra :: Honegger: Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher

A terrific bargain at the price

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 12/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"First of all, this is not a complete version of the Honegger work since the Prologue is missing. This might have been because of space limitations of the 78 rpm medium--the recording is from 1943--or conductor's preference; but at any rate, complete it is not.However what there is is just fine in this (as the notes put it) a "hybrid dramatic form, synthesizing elements of opera, oratorio, melodrama, masque, mime and ballet." Well since the last three elements in that list do not come over very well on a recording, we are left with a powerful and moving vocal rendering of this account of the trial and passion of Jeanne d'Arc.Marthe Dugard's Jeanne (a speaking role, by the way) might be just a bit too declamatory for modern ears; but it fits the mood quite well. The other soloists and chorus sound adequate to quite good, always allowing for the 1943 sound. This is an excellent companion piece to Honegger's "Le Roi David"; and those who want the Prologue and better sound will seek elsewhere. But for the price, this is a terrific bargain and might even rest next to a more expensive, more recent recording. But you cannot go far wrong with this one."

A Work of Great Beauty and Historical Significance

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/05/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher (Joan of Arc at the Stake) is a work that deserves far more attention. Written by Arthur Honneger in war torn France 1943 as a means to tour the countryside and perform this oratorio to give the French people hope in their time of devastation, this oratorio for chorus, two speakers, and soloists is one of Honneger's finest achievements. Though performances have been rare, there have been extraordinary staged performances, notably by the Pasadena Symphony Orchestra under the sensitive and richly colorful direction of Alan Freeman in the 1970s, and a fine concert version with Ozawa conducting the New York Philharmonic with Vera Zorina in the title role - a recording of which is now sadly missing from the catalogue.



But this older recording by The Belgian National Orchestra as conducted by Lodewijk de Vocht is as fine a place to start as any - especially given the bargain price! The oratorio restates the visions of Joan (here beautifully declaimed in French by Marthe Dugard) as related to Brother Dominic (Frederic Anspach). She is tried by animals and sentenced to burn at the stake and as the flames leap the Virgin Mary sings to her from on high and the chorus intones 'Greater love hath no man than he lay down his life for those he loves' as her spirit ascends into heaven.



The orchestral writing is passionate and supportive and the overall feeling of the work is one of sincere inspiration. Until a modern recording comes along, this Belgian release is a welcome one. Highly recommended work. Grady Harp, September 05

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