Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Ferdinand Hérold's final and most celebrated opéra-comique, "Le pré aux clercs." This captivating album, released on October 28, 2016, by Ediciones Singulares, brings to life the whimsical and dramatic tale composed by Hérold, who tragically passed away just three weeks after the opera's premiere in 1832.
Spanning three acts and 26 tracks, this nearly two-hour musical journey is performed by the renowned Orquestra Gulbenkian under the direction of Paul McCreesh. The opera, based on a libretto by Eugène de Planard, is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and intrigue, showcasing Hérold's exceptional talent for crafting memorable melodies and engaging narratives.
From the lively overture that sets the stage for the ensuing drama to the final, triumphant notes of the concluding act, "Le pré aux clercs" is a testament to Hérold's enduring genius. The album features a rich tapestry of musical numbers, including duets, trios, ensembles, and masquerades, each contributing to the opera's vibrant and dynamic storytelling.
Highlights include the charming duo "Les rendez-vous de noble compagnie" from Act I, the poignant air "Jours de mon enfance" from Act II, and the exhilarating final ensemble "Je frémis !" from Act III. The opera's witty dialogue and enchanting melodies are brought to life by the skilled performers, offering a glimpse into the opéra-comique tradition of 19th-century France.
This album is not just a collection of songs but a complete theatrical experience, capturing the essence of Hérold's final masterpiece. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Le pré aux clercs" offers a captivating and enjoyable listening experience that showcases the brilliance of Ferdinand Hérold and the enduring appeal of his music.
2016 Palazzetto Bru Zane / Sémele Proyectos Musicales2016 Palazzetto Bru Zane / Centre de musique romantique française
Tracks
Le pré aux clercs: OuvertureFerdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 1: No. 1, Introduction "Ah ! Quel beau jour de fête"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 2: Dialogue "Ah ! Reposons-nous"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 2: No. 2, Duo "Les rendez-vous de noble compagnie"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 3: Dialogue "Holà ! ho !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 4: No. 3, Air "Ce soir j’arrive donc"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 5: Dialogue "Ah les chiens !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Christian Helmer, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scènes 6, 7 & 8: No. 4, Morceau d’ensemble "Allons ! Dressons la table !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Christian Helmer, Leandro César
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scènes 9, 10 & 11: Dialogue "Quelle rencontre inattendue !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Eric Huchet, Michael Spyres, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger
Le pré aux clercs, Acte I Scène 12: No. 5, Final "À la Navarre"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousard, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 1: No. 6, Entracte et air "Jours de mon enfance"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 2: Dialogue "Mauvaises nouvelles"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger, Eric Huchet
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 3: No. 7, Trio "Vous me disiez sans cesse"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie Lenormand, Marie-Eve Munger, Eric Huchet
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 4 & 5: Dialogue "Je sens les gouttes d’eau"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 6 & 7: No. 8, Mascarade "Ah ! Quel plaisir !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 8: No. 8, Mascarade (Suite) "L’ambassadeur de Navarre !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Eric Huchet, Michael Spyres, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 9, 10, 11 & 12: Dialogue "Le Roi les mander ensemble"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Marie Lenormand, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scènes 13 & 14: No. 9, Final "Tout est dit"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte II Scène 15: No. 9, Final (Suite) "Je suis prisonnière"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 1: No. 10, Chœur, morceau d’ensemble "Que j’aime ces ombrages"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Manuel Rebelo
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 1: No. 10 (Suite), Ronde "À la fleur du bel âge"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 2: Dialogue "Eh bien !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Jeanne Crousaud, Christian Helmer
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 3: No. 11, Trio "C’en est fait !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Michael Spyres
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scènes 4 & 5: Dialogue "Ah ! les voilà"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scènes 6, 7 & 8: No. 12, Final "Je frémis !"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Manuel Rebelo, Tiago Batitsta, Nuno Fonseca
Le pré aux clercs, Acte III Scène 9: No. 12 Final (Suite), "Nargue de la folie"Ferdinand Hérold, Orquestra Gulbenkian, Coro Gulbenkian, Paul McCreesh, Marie-Eve Munger, Marie Lenormand, Jeanne Crousaud, Michael Spyres, Eric Huchet, Christian Helmer, Tiago Batista, Nuno Fonseca
Ferdinand Hérold, born Louis Joseph Ferdinand Herold, was a prominent French composer of the early Romantic era, renowned for his vibrant and spirited operas. Born in Paris in 1791, Hérold's musical journey began under the tutelage of notable figures such as violinist Rodolphe Kreutzer and the father of Adolphe Adam at the Paris Conservatoire. Throughout his career, he composed over twenty operas, many of which are celebrated for their comic charm and lively melodies, foreshadowing the French operetta style that would follow.
Hérold's most enduring works include the ballet "La Fille mal gardée" and the overture to his opera "Zampa," both of which continue to captivate audiences with their infectious energy and musical ingenuity. His compositions also extend beyond the stage, encompassing ballet music, piano works, and choral pieces that showcase his versatility and creativity. Despite his untimely death in 1833 at the age of 41, Ferdinand Hérold's legacy endures, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from classical to romantic music.
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Ferdinand Hérold
