Search - Herold, Ovigny, Marty :: Le Pre Aux Clercs / Le Muletier

A Unique, 'Must-have' Recording

J Overdijkink | the Netherlands | 09/23/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Composer and the Works
First a short word about Ferdinand Herold. In his day, he was regarded by many of his colleagues and critics as the most talented and brilliant composer since Mozart. And indeed, his melodic invention is almost unparalled. His melodies are extremely melodious and seem to have come from his pen with an ease and inspiration that is equal to Italy's greatest masters. At the same time, in 'Le Pre aux Clercs', he has combined that talent with a perfect sense of drama. The outstanding example being the second act finale, with its perfectly paced, ever increasing tension.
If 'Le Muletier' (Herolds first great succes and his first opera in his 'own' style) is a good example of a typical, early nineteenth century, light Opera Comique, than 'Le Pre aux Clercs' is one of the finest examples of the 'heavier', more serious works in the genre. The fact it raked-up more then a 1000 performances at the Opera Comique before the end of the century says a lot about it's qualities.
As the cd under review is the only recording of a Herold opera, it gives the listener the unique opportunity to hear what comes AFTER the famous overture. The 'Le Pre' overture forms a perfect introduction to the drama. Herold did not quote any theme from the opera itself. However, almost unique for French overtures, is his use of a dramatic development, making this a very exhiting introduction, indeed.The Recording
This recording is unique in many respects. First, it is the only (more or less complete) recording available of any of Herolds opera's. Second, the sound is quite good, certainly for such an old performance. Third, all performers are absolutely top rank. Fourth, the singers are all native French speakers (which is very rare with French opera's), making it an experience as if you actually were in the Parisian Opera Comique itself. It is very well audible that the singers, all though this is not a live recording, are really getting into the story and it's action. A good example is the finale of the work. It is very thrilling, not only because of the music, but especially because of the high drama the singers manage to bring a cross in their interpretation.
A special comment about the 'Isabelle' is in place: She is absolutely breath-taking in her second act aria and so is the six minute violin introduction to this aria.
That brings us to the orchestra, which plays like they live through the drama themselfs. The playing is very vivid and colourfull, allthough sometimes a cue is missed.There is only one major negative point about this recording: all spoken dialogue (the very essence of Opera Comique) has been omitted, while several repeats in the numbers have been cut. Still, for all lovers of opera, even for Wagnerians (Wagner was a great admirer of Herold), this is a must have cd.Jean de Leyde."