Meyerbeer - Grand Opera - Giacomo Meyerbeer

Album Description

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.

May 5, 2017

℗ 2017 Parlophone Records Limited, a Warner Music Group Company

About Giacomo Meyerbeer

Giacomo Meyerbeer, born Jacob Liebmann Beer, was a German opera composer who rose to become one of the most celebrated and influential figures in 19th-century music. Hailing from a wealthy Jewish family in Prussia, Meyerbeer's journey took him through Italy and France, where he honed his craft and adopted his stage name. He is renowned for pioneering the grand opera genre, blending German orchestral style with Italian vocal traditions to create spectacular, melodramatic works that captivated audiences. His collaborations with librettist Eugène Scribe resulted in iconic operas like "Robert le diable," "Les Huguenots," and "Le prophète," which set the standard for Parisian opera and solidified the city's reputation as the opera capital of the world. Meyerbeer's innovations and dramatic flair left an indelible mark on the operatic landscape, influencing composers such as Richard Wagner and solidifying his legacy as a bridge between the classical and romantic eras.