Dancers and singers shared the stage in Les Enfants Terribles, the final installment of Philip Glass' trilogy, was based on the work of Jean Cocteau. Articulating Cocteau's belief in the transcendent power of imagination ... more »and creativity, Les Enfants is the story of Paul and Lise, two characters so caught up in a world of their own imaginings that they can no longer see a reality beyond their "game." The singers, along with eight dancers, alternately and, at times, together portrayed the action.« less
Dancers and singers shared the stage in Les Enfants Terribles, the final installment of Philip Glass' trilogy, was based on the work of Jean Cocteau. Articulating Cocteau's belief in the transcendent power of imagination and creativity, Les Enfants is the story of Paul and Lise, two characters so caught up in a world of their own imaginings that they can no longer see a reality beyond their "game." The singers, along with eight dancers, alternately and, at times, together portrayed the action.
The Perfect Marriage of Text and Music: Glass' Finest Opera
Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/26/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to this stunning recording of Philip Glass' chamber opera 'Les Infants Terribles' is not only a wholly satisfying musical and dramatic experience, it makes one long to see the opera in performance. This is the third work in the Jean Cocteau triptych ('La Belle et la Bete', 'Orphee', 'Les Infants Terribles') and if ever there was a perfect match between author/concept and music, this is it. Those familiar with the Cocteau films will remember the bizarre, surreal symbolism he managed to make visual and it is that same surreal atmosphere that Glass captures in this final work.
Scored for three pianos, four singers/speakers, and eight dancers, this opera has some of Glass' finest writing. The 'orchestra' of pianos (brilliantly played here by Philip Glass, Nelson Padgett and Eleanor Sandresky) is just the right counterpart for the small cast who recreate the strange tale of Paul and Lise, the characters who dwell in a world so imagined that the real world is far outside of their 'game'. Singers Christine Arand, soprano, Philip Cutlip, bass-baritone, Hal Cazalet, tenor and Valerie Komar, mezzo soprano both speak and sing, the spoken word is in English and serves as a Greek Chorus and the singing is in French: they are superb. Apparently in performance the dancers interact with the singers to create an action tableaux, but that of course is left to the imagination in a recording.
The fault some find with Glass' music is one of becoming tired because of the minimalist repetition of the music. That fault is simply not an issue in this brilliant piece; every note, every word both sung and spoken is so terse and correct with the beauty of the piano orchestra that the 100 minute opera seems to speed by. This is a brilliant little work. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, October 05"
Astounding !
E. W. D. De Leo | Mexico, D.F., D.F. Mexico | 09/13/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I had my doubts about buying this CD, I had to make a choice between Orion and Les Enfants Terribles. Finally I settled for this recording.
It's truly amazing how Philip Glass can create such incredible works in between his more mediocre compositions.
Although it might sound lame, 3 pianos and 4 voices, the opera is just as complete and compelling as any of his previous great works (Akhnaten or Satyagraha). It is easier to listen and much more creative.
The piano composition is just SUPERB, with delicious themes and incredible coherence of music and voices. It is NEVER boring and always new. This is not your typical minimalistic stuff.
I really can't understand the story correctly, even with the booklet. Problably I should get the movie, it should explain a lot of things. Yet, this is a opera that you will treasure and will like to hear over and over again.
One of Philip Glass's best CDs. Get it ! You won't regret it !"
Exquisite
M. Rhoads | Lancaster, PA | 02/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Quite possibly one of Glass's finest theater works ever. A near perfect blend of text and music-- the almost symphonic sounds he manages to achieve with just 3 pianos is mind boggling. This piece must have been thrilling to experience live; but this recording does it more than justice. (Side note: there is a piano suite of this available on "Music 4 Hands"-- a pale and sadly, almost amateur rendering of this music.)"
LOVE IT!
Milan Simich | 04/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I LOVE this recording. It's very Romantic, revealing an aspect of Glass' music that is often overlooked. One of his finest works. And you must hear the 4 hand version with Dennis Russell Davies, just as superb!"
A hit - from a hit and miss composer
Mark C. Puttre | 07/03/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've seen this piece three times and suffice it to say, walked away equally impressed every time. Philip Glass is no doubt a talented composer, but as is all too obvious, writes a great many compositions in which he phones in his efforts. This work is different and belongs in any serious music collection. Scored for piano only, the music soars above the ordinary to explore musical textures and rhythms in a changing and sonorous fashion. Story and sound fuse together and on whole, delight the listener in a work of art that is both entertaining and revelatory.
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1
