Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Spanish chivalry and romance with Jules Massenet's "Don César de Bazan," a captivating opéra comique that showcases the composer's mature symphonic style and gift for melody. This 2020 release from Naxos presents the 1888 version of Massenet's first full-length opera, originally performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris when the composer was just 30 years old. The album features a rich tapestry of arias and ensembles, including the lively "Sevillana" and the dramatic "Rien ne peut le défendre," all beautifully performed by a talented cast and orchestra.
The narrative of "Don César de Bazan" is a thrilling tale of deception and comedic reversals, set against the backdrop of dashing Spanish adventures. The opera's four acts are filled with memorable melodies and dramatic moments, from the overture's stirring introduction to the final act's poignant conclusion. With a duration of 1 hour and 51 minutes, this album offers a comprehensive exploration of Massenet's early mastery of the operatic form.
The album's tracklist includes all the key scenes and arias from the 1888 version, allowing listeners to follow the opera's narrative from beginning to end. Highlights include the Act I aria "C'est elle!" and the Act II duet "Riche, j'ai semé les richesses," both showcasing Massenet's ability to craft memorable and engaging vocal lines. The album's liner notes provide valuable context and insights into the opera's history and its place in Massenet's oeuvre, making this release an essential addition to any classical music lover's collection.
2020 Naxos2020 Naxos
Tracks
Don César de Bazan (1888 Version): OvertureJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 1 (1888 Version): Dès que ton tambour sonneJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 1 (1888 Version): C'est elle!Jules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Thomas Bettinger, Christian Helmer, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 2 (1888 Version): Partout où l'on chanteJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 6 (1888 Version): Le voilà!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Marion Lebègue, Christian Rodrigue Moungoungou, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act I Scene 8 (1888 Version): Bohème charmanteJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Elsa Dreisig, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Unknown Artist, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II (1888 Version): Entr'acteJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 1 (1888 Version): Dors, amiJules Massenet, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 1 (1888 Version): Riche, j'ai semé les richessesJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 2 (1888 Version): Me marier!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 6 (1888 Version): À boire, amisJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Christian Helmer, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Unknown Artist, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 9 (1888 Version): Rien ne peut le défendreJules Massenet, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act II Scene 10 (1888 Version): Grand Dieu!Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Christian Helmer, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III (1888 Version): Entr'acte SevillanaJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 1 (1888 Version): Cette splendeurJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 2 (1888 Version): Que de ta lèvre en fleurJules Massenet, Thomas Bettinger, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 3 (1888 Version): Qui je suis?Jules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Thomas Bettinger, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act III Scene 5 (1888 Version): Je m'en souviensJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV (1888 Version): Entr'acteJules Massenet, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV Scene 1 (1888 Version): Aux cœurs les plus troublésJules Massenet, Elsa Dreisig, Marion Lebègue, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Don César de Bazan, Act IV Scene III (1888 Version): Je pénétraiJules Massenet, Laurent Naouri, Elsa Dreisig, Thomas Bettinger, Marion Lebègue, Ensemble Aedes, Orchestre des Frivolités Parisiennes, Mathieu Romano
Jules Massenet, born in 1842, was a titan of French opera, crafting over thirty works for the stage that continue to captivate audiences today. His melodic genius and theatrical flair made him the leading operatic composer of his time, with masterpieces like "Manon," "Werther," and "Thaïs" standing as testaments to his enduring appeal. Massenet's music is renowned for its lyricism, sensuality, and emotional depth, drawing influences from the likes of Berlioz and Wagner. Beyond his operatic achievements, Massenet also composed oratorios, ballets, and orchestral works, leaving an indelible mark on the Romantic era. His legacy as a professor at the Paris Conservatoire and a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts further cemented his status as a pillar of French musical culture. Massenet's compositions, marked by their rich harmonies and vivid orchestration, offer a journey through the heights of human emotion, making him a composer whose works continue to enchant and inspire.
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Jules Massenet
