Massenet's First Hit
Steven Muni | Sutter Creek, CA USA | 05/17/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is Massenet's first success, coming when he was in his mid-30s. It is his only opera really done in the French "grand opera" tradition, which by then (1870s) was being swept out the door by the operas of Wagner and Verdi--and Massenet himself with his later operas. And while it's rather formulaic, it is extremely tuneful (Massenet is always tuneful) and pleasant listening. It's not up to his great operas, like Thais, Manon, or Werther, but it's better than Esclaramonde.
The production is recent, from 2005, a live recording of a production at Venice's La Fenice. It's very nicely sung with a cast I've never heard of, and while no one takes your breath away, there are no complaints. The chorus and orchestra are both excellent, the sound is fine, and there is a nice little libretto and liner notes. This opera is more for fans of Massenet rather than an introduction to his music, and while not a "must have", it is a delightful addition to any collection."