Dive into the enchanting world of 18th-century France with Ambroise Thomas' captivating opéra comique, "La Cour de Célimène." Released in 2008 by Opera Rara, this two-act masterpiece is a delightful blend of romance, intrigue, and humor, set in a château near Paris in 1750. The story revolves around the young widowed Célimène, as she navigates the complexities of love and society, accompanied by a vibrant cast of characters including the Baroness, the Countess, the Commander, and the Chevalier.
Thomas, a prominent figure in the French opera scene of his time, masterfully crafts a score that is both melodically rich and dramatically engaging. The album, spanning 1 hour and 35 minutes, features 27 tracks that beautifully capture the essence of this opéra comique. From the lively overture to the poignant arias and ensemble pieces, each track offers a glimpse into the intricate world of Célimène's court.
The recording, conducted by Andrew Litton and performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, brings together a stellar cast including Laura Claycomb as Célimène and Alastair Miles as the Commander. Their performances, coupled with the orchestra's exquisite playing, breathe life into Thomas' score, making this album a true gem for opera enthusiasts and classical music lovers alike. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "La Cour de Célimène" promises an unforgettable journey through the world of Ambroise Thomas and his timeless music.
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: OvertureAmbroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Bientot elle arrive" (Young Man, Adolescent, Old Man, Chorus of 12 Men)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Il parait, chere soeur" (The Baroness, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Qui, c'est le plus grand des bonheurs" (The Countess, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Charmez, brillez, c'est de votre age" (The Commander, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "C'est un mariage" (The Baroness, the Countess, Ensemble)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Ainsi, un fois maries" (The Baroness, the Commander, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Que dites-vous?" (The Commander)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Allons, rassurez-vous" (The Countess, the Commander, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Ça va être bien divertissant" (The Commander, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Ah, vous voila donc, chevalier?" (The Baroness, the Chevalier)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Mais pardon ..." (The Chevalier, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Eh bien! Monsieur" (The Countess, the Chevalier)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Oh... Ah! Cessez de grâce" (The Chevalier, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Ainsi, madame" (The Chevaliers, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 1: "Quels fracas!" (Chorus, the Commander, the Chevalier)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Dieu! Quel mortel ennui" (The Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Que voulez-vous" (The Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Ma soeur! Ma soeur!" (The Baroness, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Voila donc la cruelle" (Chorus of 12 Men, the Countess, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Sur le terrain, tous deux enfin" (The Commander, All)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Ainsi, commandeur, vous voila" (The Countess, the Baroness, the Commander)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Nous pouvons arranger l'affaire" (The Commander, the Countess, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Ainsi, noble baronne" (The Commander, the Baroness, the Countess)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Aucun, et je proteste! ..." (The Chevalier, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Et maintenant, chevalier" (The Baroness, the Chevalier)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, Act 2: "Que vois-je?" (The Chevalier, the Commander, the Baroness, the 12 Men, the Countess, the Baroness)Ambroise Thomas, Andrew Litton, Philharmonia Orchestra
Ambroise Thomas, born in Paris in 1811, was a leading composer and teacher of 19th-century France, renowned for his captivating operas that blend light, melodious styles with dramatic storytelling. His most celebrated works, "Mignon" (1866) and "Hamlet" (1868), showcase his mastery of the operatic form and have left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. Thomas's compositions, though less frequently performed today compared to some of his contemporaries, were highly acclaimed during his lifetime, earning him a place among the greats of French opera alongside Meyerbeer, Auber, and Offenbach. His contributions to the operatic repertoire continue to enchant audiences and inspire musicians, making Ambroise Thomas a pivotal figure in the rich tapestry of French musical heritage.
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Ambroise Thomas
