What Opera Are You Listening to Now?

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

Very well sung but with the voices too forward for my taste. They not only leap out of the speakers but they seem to be singing loud most of the time. The effect is tiring on the ear. Stryja conducts wonderfully. This set has a hothouse sonic atmosphere, intoxicating but prone to be overbearing in the climaxes. I'm still not sure it qualifies as a standard opera. I'm reminded of Strauss' Frau Ohne Schatten by the work's luxuriant orchestration and up front, ecstatic vocalism, but also of early 20th century symbolist operas by its static, philosophical subject matter. It can almost be heard as a big vocal symphony, symbolism be damned.

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

[Tsaraslondon]

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

I'm told this is the best recording of the work, but I have the Rattle, which seems pretty good to me.

[Der lächelnde Schatten]

I'm told this is the best recording of the work, but I have the Rattle, which seems pretty good to me.

The Rattle is quite good, indeed. I haven't heard it in ages, though.

[nico1616]

Very well sung but with the voices too forward for my taste. They not only leap out of the speakers but they seem to be singing loud most of the time. The effect is tiring on the ear. Stryja conducts wonderfully. This set has a hothouse sonic atmosphere, intoxicating but prone to be overbearing in the climaxes. I'm still not sure it qualifies as a standard opera. I'm reminded of Strauss' Frau Ohne Schatten by the work's luxuriant orchestration and up front, ecstatic vocalism, but also of early 20th century symbolist operas by its static, philosophical subject matter. It can almost be heard as a big vocal symphony, symbolism be damned.

Thanks for the information. The Rattle version has been in my collection for years, without ever being played. I guess I'd better turn to 'die Frau ohne Schatten' first, which is also in my library.

[Tsaraslondon]

Thanks for the information. The Rattle version has been in my collection for years, without ever being played. I guess I'd better turn to 'die Frau ohne Schatten' first, which is also in my library.

Try it. It's a good deal shorter than Die Frau ohne Schatten.

[André]

I haven't heard that Stryja recording, but I love this Kaspszyk recording on the CD Accord label and highly recommend it:

I have Kaspszyk's recording too but don't recall it well. I remember that I felt the need to buy another one after listening to it though.

[nico1616]

Médée is a tragédie lyrique that was created in the style of Lully after his death. It sounds like Lully in orchestration and divertissements but is more dramatic. The role of Médée is created for a prima donna and Lorraine Hunt has been the perfect personification with William Christie.
So my first though was we did not need a new recording, but Hervé Niquet has surprised me in a positive way. Véronique Gens is the leading lady here and she is almost the equal of Hunt. Gens is now late in her career and seems to be focusing on the baroque repertoire, which suits her well. This new recording surpasses Christie in the Jason/Créuse couple. Cyrille Dubois is top notch as always and I am getting more and more attached to Judith Van Wanroij who takes part in loads of recordings of forgotten repertoire these days.
It is a great era for French baroque opera recordings and labels like Alpha keep on producing gems. It seems the French are chauvenistic enough to maintain and cherish their cultural heritage. Cds like these are the perfect follow-up after a visit to Paris, of which I can never get enough, as with this kind of repertoire.

[Que]

^^

Thanks for posting!