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Auber: La Muette De Portici / Hermus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
CPO

Auber: La Muette De Portici / Hermus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau

$36.99

Details

Composer
AUBER, DANIEL-FRANCOIS-ESPRIT
Artist
Torre, De La Torre, Ruzzafante, Witholt, Opernchor Des Anhaltischen Theaters, Anhaltische Philharmon
Format
CD
Label
CPO
Released
Jul 30, 2013
Catalog #
777694-2
UPC
761203769421

About



AUBER La Muette de Portici • Antony Hermus, cond; Diego Torre ( Masaniello ); Oscar de la Torre ( Alphonse ); Angelina Ruzzafante ( Elvire ); Wiard Witholt ( Pietro ); Anhaltische PO & Op Ch • CPO 777694 (2 CDs: 135:09 & French only) Live: Dessau 5/24–26/2011


Hard for us to believe nowadays, but in its time Daniel-François-Esprit Auber’s opera La Muette de Portici (The Mute Girl of Portici) was to the Belgian fight for independence what Verdi’s Nabucco was to become a dozen years later for Italy—possibly even more so, since its Brussels premiere led directly to a public revolution on the very night the opera was given. The rebel leader tossed his red Jacobin cap into the air at the sight and sound of every appearance of the rebel Masaniello and his followers onstage; immediately after the performance, huge, unexpected mobs formed in the streets and marched into the office of the government newspaper Le National, smashing windows. All night long the victorious rebels loudly sang the passage from the opera declaring that nothing is more glorious than dying for one’s fatherland. Talk about a wildly successful premiere!


Very briefly, the plot concerns Alphonse, son of the Spanish Viceroy of Naples. He is in love with the mute girl Fenella, sister of a fisherman named Masaniello who becomes the leader of the peasants’ revolt (this is based on real events of 1647), but his father coerces him into marrying the more socially acceptable Elvire. Yet Fenella, imprisoned by Alphonse’s father, manages to escape and begs Elvire to help her. Fenella witnesses Alphonse’s marriage and is stunned to discover that Elvire is the bride, but the latter keeps her promise to help her and Alphonse, still in love with Fenella, also helps her escape. Masaniello and his fishermen plan for the revolution; when Alphonse and Elvire are captured, she begs the rebel leader to help them escape, and he does so before learning who they really are. When his actions are discovered, Masaniello is considered a traitor by the rebels and poisoned by his rival leader, Pietro; but this must be a rather odd, weak, and slow-acting poison, because Masaniello doesn’t die but just goes mad. Oddly enough, the peasants still trust him to lead them into battle, which he does. Fleeing from him this time, Elvire tries to convince Fenella to escape with her, but the mute girl learns that her brother was killed by his own men when he tried once again to protect Elvire and takes her own life.


Listening to the opera, especially as well and tautly conducted as it is by Antony Hermus, one is continually struck by the impressive and original music with which Auber graced this plot. Unlike so many Auber opera arias I’ve heard (think of “L’eclat de rire” from his Manon Lescaut ), this music demands that rare combination of vocal agility and flexibility with dramatic declamation. And let me tell you, this music is hard to sing: just listen to Elvire’s act 1 aria, “O moment enchanteur,” and you’ll hear what I mean. Angelina Ruzzafante, like so many of her soprano sisters nowadays (think of Barbara Frittoli or Patricia Racette), has a good enough technique to cope with the music’s difficulties and acts very well with the voice (a real necessity in this opera), yet has an inconsistent and sometimes acidic tone in the upper register (which does improve tonally as the performance goes on). This, however, is not entirely a detriment to a role which, like the opera itself, calls for drama over sheer vocalism, and the almost relentless drive of Auber’s music, in this opera at least, is a major factor in determining the prescribed style in which it is to be performed.


Tenor Oscar de la Torre, as Alphonse, has slightly tight voice production but superb phrasing, excellent declamation, and high notes in abundance—and he needs every last one of them, as they are written into the score and not optional. The other tenor, Diego Torre as Masaniello, has a similarly light, bright voice, and to my ears a more even tone production. Both are excellent in what they do. In fact, the only really poor voice in the cast is that of Masaniello’s rival, Pietro, sung by baritone Wiard Witholt.


The only other complete commercial recording of this opera that I could track down was the one made in September 1996 (EMI) with a considerably over-the-hill Alfredo Kraus and, though she was much younger, an already over-the-hill June Anderson (who also had, in my estimation, ZERO excitement as an interpreter); this is therefore clearly the better of the two recordings. (Since Kraus wanted to sing Masaniello’s famous aria, “Du pauvre seul ami fidèle,” he took that role, giving the equally cruel tessitura of Alphonse to a good but not great tenor, John Aler.)


There are two negatives, only one of which really affects us as listeners: 1) the stage production seems to have been updated to represent a gang war, as Masaniello is wearing a do-rag and a sleeveless T-shirt with “FSBN Bulldogs” proudly printed on it, and 2) the libretto is in French only. Other than that, this recording is a must-get for any lovers of truly dramatic opera of the ottocento period. This music is so great as to almost beggar belief, driving forward with an impulse that is sheerly visceral and practically irresistible. After hearing it, I almost wanted to go out and smash a government newspaper window myself! Go for it!


FANFARE: Lynn René Bayley

Tracklist 31 tracks

  1. Disc 1
  2. 1 Overture 07:57
    Track
    1
    Title
    Overture
    Duration
    07:57
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  3. 2 Act I: Introduction et Air: Du prince object de notre amour (Chorus, Alphonse) 04:29
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act I: Introduction et Air: Du prince object de notre amour (Chorus, Alphonse)
    Duration
    04:29
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  4. 3 Act I: Recitative: Lorenzo, je te vois (Alphonse, Lorenzo) 02:39
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act I: Recitative: Lorenzo, je te vois (Alphonse, Lorenzo)
    Duration
    02:39
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  5. 4 Act I: Mais du cortege qui s'avance (Alphonse, Chorus) 01:52
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act I: Mais du cortege qui s'avance (Alphonse, Chorus)
    Duration
    01:52
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  6. 5 Act I: Recitative: Plaisier du rang supreme (Elvire) 03:20
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act I: Recitative: Plaisier du rang supreme (Elvire)
    Duration
    03:20
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  7. 6 Act I: Air: O moment enchanteur! (Elvire) 03:36
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act I: Air: O moment enchanteur! (Elvire)
    Duration
    03:36
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  8. 7 Act I: Scene: Dans ces jardins (Elvire, Dame d'honoeur, Selva, Lorenzo) 05:34
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act I: Scene: Dans ces jardins (Elvire, Dame d'honoeur, Selva, Lorenzo)
    Duration
    05:34
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  9. 8 Act I: O Dieu puissant! (Chorus, Selva) 04:42
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act I: O Dieu puissant! (Chorus, Selva)
    Duration
    04:42
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  10. 9 Act I: Finale: Il sont unis! (Chorus, Elvire, Alphonse, Lorenzo, Selva) 04:06
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act I: Finale: Il sont unis! (Chorus, Elvire, Alphonse, Lorenzo, Selva)
    Duration
    04:06
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante, Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  11. 10 Act I: Finale (continuation): Rendez le calme (Elvire, Alphonse, Lorenzo, Selva, Chorus) 04:02
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act I: Finale (continuation): Rendez le calme (Elvire, Alphonse, Lorenzo, Selva, Chorus)
    Duration
    04:02
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante, Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  12. 11 Act II: Amis, le soleil va paraitre (Chorus, Borella, Masaniello) 03:36
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act II: Amis, le soleil va paraitre (Chorus, Borella, Masaniello)
    Duration
    03:36
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  13. 12 Act II: Barcarolle: Amis, la matinee est belle (Masaniello, Borella, Chorus) 04:30
    Track
    12
    Title
    Act II: Barcarolle: Amis, la matinee est belle (Masaniello, Borella, Chorus)
    Duration
    04:30
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  14. 13 Act II: Recitative: Mais j'apercois Pietro (Masaniello, Pietro) 01:03
    Track
    13
    Title
    Act II: Recitative: Mais j'apercois Pietro (Masaniello, Pietro)
    Duration
    01:03
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  15. 14 Act II: Duet: Mieux vaut mourir que rester miserable! (Masaniello, Pietro) 03:49
    Track
    14
    Title
    Act II: Duet: Mieux vaut mourir que rester miserable! (Masaniello, Pietro)
    Duration
    03:49
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  16. 15 Act II: Recitative: Que vois-je? Fenella! (Masaniello) 03:48
    Track
    15
    Title
    Act II: Recitative: Que vois-je? Fenella! (Masaniello)
    Duration
    03:48
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  17. 16 Act II: Finale: Venez, amis, venez portager mes transports (Masaniello, Borella, Pietro, Chorus, Elvire, Borella, Alphonse) 06:44
    Track
    16
    Title
    Act II: Finale: Venez, amis, venez portager mes transports (Masaniello, Borella, Pietro, Chorus, Elvire, Borella, Alphonse)
    Duration
    06:44
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt, Angelina Ruzzafante, Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  18. Disc 2
  19. 1 Act III: Duet: N'esperez pas me fur (Alphonse, Elvire) 07:11
    Track
    1
    Title
    Act III: Duet: N'esperez pas me fur (Alphonse, Elvire)
    Duration
    07:11
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Oscar de la Torre, Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  20. 2 Act III: Au marche qui vient de s'ouvir (Chorus) 02:12
    Track
    2
    Title
    Act III: Au marche qui vient de s'ouvir (Chorus)
    Duration
    02:12
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  21. 3 Act III: Finale: Non, je ne me trompe pas (Selva, Masaniello, Chorus) 03:32
    Track
    3
    Title
    Act III: Finale: Non, je ne me trompe pas (Selva, Masaniello, Chorus)
    Duration
    03:32
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  22. 4 Act III: Finale (continution): Priere: Saint bienheureux (Masaniello, Pietro, Borello, Chorus) 03:42
    Track
    4
    Title
    Act III: Finale (continution): Priere: Saint bienheureux (Masaniello, Pietro, Borello, Chorus)
    Duration
    03:42
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  23. 5 Act III: Finale (continution): Courons a la vengeance! (Masaniello, Pietro, Borello, Chorus) 01:24
    Track
    5
    Title
    Act III: Finale (continution): Courons a la vengeance! (Masaniello, Pietro, Borello, Chorus)
    Duration
    01:24
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  24. 6 Act IV: Air et Cavatine: Spectacle affreux (Masaniello) 06:28
    Track
    6
    Title
    Act IV: Air et Cavatine: Spectacle affreux (Masaniello)
    Duration
    06:28
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  25. 7 Act IV: Air et Cavatine (continuation): Du pauvre seul ami fidele (Masaniello) 02:48
    Track
    7
    Title
    Act IV: Air et Cavatine (continuation): Du pauvre seul ami fidele (Masaniello)
    Duration
    02:48
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  26. 8 Act IV: Cavatine: Mais on vient (Masaniello, Pietro, Chorus, Alphonse, Elvire) 05:57
    Track
    8
    Title
    Act IV: Cavatine: Mais on vient (Masaniello, Pietro, Chorus, Alphonse, Elvire)
    Duration
    05:57
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Wiard Witholt, Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  27. 9 Act IV: Arbitre d'une vie (Elvire) 04:47
    Track
    9
    Title
    Act IV: Arbitre d'une vie (Elvire)
    Duration
    04:47
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  28. 10 Act IV: Scene: Des strangers dans ma chaumiere (Masaniello, Alphonse) 00:44
    Track
    10
    Title
    Act IV: Scene: Des strangers dans ma chaumiere (Masaniello, Alphonse)
    Duration
    00:44
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Diego Torre, Oscar de la Torre
    Ensemble
    Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  29. 11 Act IV: Scene (continuation): Par le peuple conduits (Pietro, Masaniello, Alphonse, Elvire, Chorus) 05:20
    Track
    11
    Title
    Act IV: Scene (continuation): Par le peuple conduits (Pietro, Masaniello, Alphonse, Elvire, Chorus)
    Duration
    05:20
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Wiard Witholt, Diego Torre, Oscar de la Torre, Angelina Ruzzafante
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  30. 12 Act IV: March: Honneur et gloire! (Chorus, Pietro, Masaniello) 04:42
    Track
    12
    Title
    Act IV: March: Honneur et gloire! (Chorus, Pietro, Masaniello)
    Duration
    04:42
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Wiard Witholt, Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  31. 13 Act V: Barcarolle: Voyez du haut de ces rivages (Pietro, Morenom, Chorus) 05:42
    Track
    13
    Title
    Act V: Barcarolle: Voyez du haut de ces rivages (Pietro, Morenom, Chorus)
    Duration
    05:42
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Wiard Witholt
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  32. 14 Act V: Finale: On vient! Silence, amis! (Pietro, Borello, Chorus, Masaniello) 06:29
    Track
    14
    Title
    Act V: Finale: On vient! Silence, amis! (Pietro, Borello, Chorus, Masaniello)
    Duration
    06:29
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Wiard Witholt, Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus
  33. 15 Act V: Finale (continution): L'Ennemi! (Pietro, Masaniello, Chorus) 07:44
    Track
    15
    Title
    Act V: Finale (continution): L'Ennemi! (Pietro, Masaniello, Chorus)
    Duration
    07:44
    Composer
    Daniel-François-Esprit Auber
    Performer
    Wiard Witholt, Diego Torre
    Ensemble
    Dessau Anhalt Theater Chorus, Anhaltische Philharmonie Dessau
    Conductor
    Antony Hermus