Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Claude Debussy's only completed opera, "Pelléas et Mélisande," a masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Released on July 1, 2016, by Orfeo, this two-and-a-half-hour opus is a testament to Debussy's innovative spirit and his profound influence on generations of composers.
Set against the timeless backdrop of Maurice Maeterlinck's symbolist drama, "Pelléas et Mélisande" is a haunting exploration of light and shade, love and tragedy. The opera, premiered in Paris in 1902, is a symphony of inexpressible emotions, where Debussy's music breathes life into Maeterlinck's evocative libretto.
This album captures a stunning 2016 production from the Opernhaus Zürich, conducted by Alain Altinoglu. The main soloists, including Brindley Sherratt as Arkel, deliver powerful performances that bring the complex characters to life. The Malmö Opera Orchestra and Malmö Opera Chorus provide a rich, immersive soundscape that complements the dramatic narrative.
"Pelléas et Mélisande" is a journey through a thrilling blend of thriller, chamber play, and romantic drama. The opera's intricate plot, set in a modern living room in this production, unfolds with a sense of inevitability and tragedy. The story of Pelléas and Mélisande, their forbidden love, and the consequences of their actions is a timeless tale that resonates with audiences to this day.
Debussy's unique compositional style, characterized by its impressionistic qualities and subtle orchestration, is on full display in this album. The interplay of light and dark, the delicate balance of harmony and dissonance, and the evocative use of leitmotifs create a musical tapestry that is as captivating as it is profound.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Pelléas et Mélisande" is an album that will captivate and inspire. It is a testament to Debussy's genius and a shining example of the power of music to tell a story and evoke deep emotions.
2016 Orfeo2016 Orfeo
Tracks
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act I: Act I Scene 1: Je ne pourrai plus sortir de cette foret (Golaud, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act I: Act I Scene 2: Voici ce qu'il ecrit a son frere Pelleas: un soir, je l'ai trouvee (Genevieve)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Marga Schiml, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act I: Act I Scene 3: Il fait sombre dans les jardins (Melisande, Genevieve, Pelleas)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Helen Donath, Marga Schiml, Bavarian Radio Chorus, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act II: Act II Scene 1: Vous ne savez pas ou je vous ai menee? (Pelleas, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act II: Act II Scene 1: InterludeClaude Debussy, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act II: Act II Scene 2: Ah! Ah! Tout va bien, cela ne sera rien (Golaud, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act II: Act II Scene 2: InterludeClaude Debussy, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act II: Act II Scene 3: Oui, c'est ici, nous y sommes (Pelleas, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act III: Act III Scene 1: Mes longs cheveux descendent (Melisande, Pelleas)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act III: Act III Scene 2: Prenez garde; par ici, par ici (Golaud, Pelleas)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act III: Act III Scene 2: InterludeClaude Debussy, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act III: Act III Scene 3: Ah! Je respire enfin! (Pelleas, Golaud)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act III: Act III Scene 4: Viens, nous allons nous asseoir ici, Yniold (Golaud, Yniold)Claude Debussy, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Walter Gampert, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act IV: Act IV Scene 1: Ou vas-tu? (Pelleas, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act IV: Act IV Scene 2: Maintenant que le pere de Pelleas est sauve et que la maladie (Arkel, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Peter Meven, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act IV: Act IV Scene 2: InterludeClaude Debussy, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act IV: Act IV Scene 3: Oh! Cette pierre est lourde … (Yniold, Le berger)Claude Debussy, Walter Gampert, Josef Weber, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act IV: Act IV Scene 4: C'est le dernier soir … (Pelleas, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Nicolai Gedda, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act V: Act V: Ce n'est pas de cette petite blessure qu'elle peut mourir (Le medecin, Arkel, Golaud)Claude Debussy, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Helen Donath, Raimund Grumbach, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Pelléas et Mélisande, Act V: Act V: Qu'avez-vous fait? Vous allez la tuer (Arkel, Golaud, Melisande)Claude Debussy, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Peter Meven, Helen Donath, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Rafael Kubelík
Claude Debussy, born Achille Claude Debussy, was a pioneering French composer who left an indelible mark on the classical music landscape. Often hailed as the first Impressionist composer, despite his personal rejection of the label, Debussy's innovative approach to harmony and orchestration revolutionized the musical world. His compositions, which span the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are celebrated for their evocative atmospheres and subtle, shimmering textures. Debussy's influence endures, making him a cornerstone of classical piano and broader classical music genres.
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Claude Debussy
