Dive into the enchanting world of French operetta with André Messager's "Messager: Véronique, Extracts." This captivating album, released in 1962 under the BNF Collection label, offers a delightful selection of extracts from Messager's 1898 opéra comique, "Véronique." Spanning a concise 42 minutes, the album showcases the composer's mastery of the genre, with its witty libretto and melodious tunes.
André Messager, a prolific French composer, organist, pianist, and conductor, is renowned for his contributions to the world of opera and ballet. "Véronique" is one of his most celebrated works, known for its charming characters and engaging plot. The album features a stellar cast, with Violette Polchi delivering a standout performance that brings depth and nuance to her role.
The tracklist is a journey through the three acts of "Véronique," highlighting key moments and arias that encapsulate the spirit of the opera. From the opening "Ouverture" to the final ensemble piece, "Par une faveur insigne," each track is a testament to Messager's skill in crafting memorable melodies and engaging narratives.
This album is a must for fans of operetta and those looking to explore the rich history of French opera. Messager's "Véronique, Extracts" is a delightful addition to any music collection, offering a glimpse into the golden age of operetta and the enduring appeal of André Messager's compositions.
Véronique, Act I: "Ouverture"André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act I: "Quelle fraîcheur délicieuse" (Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act I: "Ah! La charmante promenade" (Hélène, Ermerance, Séraphin)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Suzanne Bauge, Georges Théry
Véronique, Act I: "Vrai Dieu! Mes bons amis" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act I: "Alors tout est fini?" (Hélène, Agathe, Ermerance, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Rolande Riffaud, Suzanne Bauge, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act I: "Petite dinde!" (Hélène)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval
Véronique, Act I: Final (Florestan, Hélène, Coquenard, Agathe, Loustot, Ermerance, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès, Paulette Merval, Jacques Loreau, Rolande Riffaud, Georges Lacour, Suzanne Bauge, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act II: "De-ci de-là" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Ah, méchante, vous voulez rire?" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Une grisette mignonne" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: "Adieu, je pars" (Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act II: L'ingrate Véronique (Agathe, Coquenard, Florestan, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Rolande Riffaud, Jacques Loreau, Marcel Merkès, Chœur Jacques Metehen
Véronique, Act III: "Voyons, ma tante" (Hélène)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval
Véronique, Act III: "Oh! Ah! Ciel!" (Hélène, Ermerance, Agathe, Coquenard)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Suzanne Bauge, Rolande Riffaud, Jacques Loreau
Véronique, Act III: "Ma foi, pour venir de province" (Agathe)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Rolande Riffaud
Véronique, Act III: "Eh bien, par ordre, procédons" (Hélène, Florestan)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès
Véronique, Act III: "Par une faveur insigne" (Hélène, Florestan, Coquenard, Agathe, Loustot, Ermerance, Séraphin, Chœur)André Messager, Grand orchestre Jacques Metehen, Jacques Metehen, Paulette Merval, Marcel Merkès, Jacques Loreau, Rolande Riffaud, Georges Lacour, Suzanne Bauge, Georges Théry, Chœur Jacques Metehen