Search - Jules Massenet, Richard Bonynge, National Philharmonic Orchestra :: Massenet: Esclarmonde

Sutherland's favorite recording

Mike Leone | Houston, TX, United States | 08/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A few years ago I read an online interview with Joan Sutherland. In answer to a question about which of her many recordings was her favorite, she replied not Lucia or Norma or Semiramide, but Esclarmonde. I was very gratified to read this, as this recording of Massenet's little known score has been one of my desert island recordings since it first came out around the end of 1976.



Esclarmonde is probably the closest Massenet ever came to composing a Wagnerian opera. He makes a modest use of leitmotivs and his orchestration is more massive than it is in any of his other operas with which I'm familiar, with the love music rivaling that of Tristan und Isolde. The opera is largely forgotten nowadays, probably because of the difficulty of the title role. Massenet composed this opera for Sybil Sanderson, exploiting her enormous range. The title role goes up to a high F and there is even an optional high G.



Of course the raison d'être for this recording was Joan Sutherland's and husband Richard Bonynge's interest in the music. And rightly so, as Sutherland puts her indelible stamp on this opera, bringing her regal quality to bear in every measure. And while she does not do the high F or G, a point of controversy when the recording was first issued, she is in thrilling voice up to and including the Es (for what it's worth, the soprano in the other complete recording of Esclarmonde does not take the F or G either). This recording was made at roughly the mid-point of Sutherland's big career and so her voice is still very strong throughout its range.



The other singers, most of whom were on hand for Sutherland's initial series of stage performances of Esclarmonde in San Francisco in 1974, are all quite good as well. Bonynge, a Massenet specialist, shows an amazing affinity for this music.



It's a shame that Sutherland did not keep this role in her repertoire long enough for there to have been a video of it, as this magnificent work has retreated back into the shadows until another soprano of Sutherland's caliber (assuming that there ever is such a thing) appears to bring it back out into the public eye. In the meantime, we at least have this glorious recording to remind us of the qualities of this opera and especially of the talents of its star. Very highly recommended."

Stupendous from La Stupenda

P. R. Marchesano | Philadelphia PA | 08/15/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Indeed, Massenet approaches Wagnerian scale in this rare opera. So few people seem ever to have been able to perform this role. There was such spectacular excitement when Sutherland performed this in San Francisco and at the Met! Everyone i know who had the LP or the more rare initial CD release of this opera has coveted it and will not let it go! No wonder: Sutherland truly is in incredible form. This opera, of all that she performed, probably let her use her voice to its fullest extent of range, agility and power. I know of [almost] no other operatic role which demands as much of a singer. Dame Joan Sutherland has been quoted as saying that this is her favorite recording and that it captured her voice in a truer sense than any other recording. Couple that with a thrilling score and a supporting cast of extrememly high caliber, this is a must have recording. If only people can keep it in stock long enough! It is high time that Decca re-released this. The missing libretto is not even an issue for me: the recording is worth all the excitement and the wait. One can download the libretto from the internet easily enough."

Esclarmonde reissued

W. L MADDOX | va | 08/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The score of Esclarmonde is full interesting and exotic music that is beautifully performed on this recording. A lot of the music does not sound like anything else I have ever heard. Among the many highlights are the invocation scene at end of the first act, the entire second act, the flying scene and finale of the third act, and the epilogue. As a bonus, the sound quality is superb; but this low priced set does not include the text."