Dive into the opulent world of 19th-century grand opera with Giacomo Meyerbeer's "Grand Opera," a captivating collection of arias and duets from his most celebrated works. This album, released in 2017 by Erato/Warner Classics, showcases the brilliance of Meyerbeer, a composer who masterfully blended German orchestral style with Italian vocal tradition, leaving an indelible mark on the likes of Verdi and Wagner.
Spanning a little over an hour, this album features stunning performances by German soprano Diana Damrau, accompanied by the Orchestre et Chœur de l'Opéra National de Lyon, under the baton of conductor Emmanuel Villaume. The album opens with the thrilling "Mon coeur s'élance et palpite" from "Le Prophète" and takes you through a journey of Meyerbeer's most beloved operas, including "Robert le Diable," "L'Africaine," and "Les Huguenots."
Each track is a testament to Meyerbeer's genius, with soaring melodies and dramatic narratives that bring the stories to life. From the tender duets to the powerful arias, this album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "Grand Opera" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the enduring appeal of Meyerbeer's music.
Meyerbeer: Le Prophète, Act 1: "Mon coeur s'élance et palpite" (Berthe)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Robert le Diable, Act 4: "Robert, toi que j'aime" (Isabelle, Robert)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Charles Workman, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Alimelek, oder die beiden Kalifen, Act 1: "Nur in der Dämm'rung Stille" (Irene)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: L'Étoile du Nord, Act 3: "Ah, mon Dieu !... C'est bien l'air que chaque matin" (Catherine, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine, Act 5: "Là-bas, sous l'arbre noir... Fleurs nouvelles" (Inès)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Il Crociato in Egitto, Act 2: "D'una madre disperata... Con qual gioia" (Palmide, Aladino, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Laurent Naouri, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Le Pardon de Ploërmel, Act 2: "Comme cette nuit est lente à se dissiper !... Ombre légère" (Dinorah)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer : Ein Feldlager in Schlesien, Act 3 : "Oh Schwester, find' ich dich!... Lebe wohl, geliebte Schwester" (Therese, Vielka)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Kate Aldrich, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Emma di Resburgo, Act 1: "Sulla rupe triste, sola... Ah questo bacio " (Emma, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: Les Huguenots, Act 2: "Ô beau pays de la Touraine" (Marguerite, Urbain, Coryphée, Dame d'honneur, Chorus)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Joanna Curelaru Kata, Pascale Obrecht, Peimin Yu, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Meyerbeer: L'Africaine, Act 1: "Anna, qu'entends-je ?... Adieu, mon doux rivage" (Inès, Anna)Giacomo Meyerbeer, Diana Damrau, Kate Aldrich, Emmanuel Villaume, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon