Gustave Charpentier's "Louise" is a captivating journey into the world of French verismo opera, originally recorded in Paris between October and November 1935. This album, released by Prima Voce in 1991, features the complete opera performed by a stellar cast, including the renowned Jeanette MacDonald. Spanning just under an hour and nine minutes, the album is a testament to Charpentier's musical prowess and the timeless appeal of his work.
"Louise" is a significant piece in the opera repertoire, representing France's response to the Italian verismo movement of the 1890s. The opera tells the story of a young woman's journey through love, work, and self-discovery, set against the vibrant backdrop of Paris. Each track is a masterful blend of orchestral and vocal elements, showcasing the depth and range of Charpentier's compositional style.
The album's sound quality, while not pristine due to its historical recordings, offers an authentic and intimate listening experience. The artistic quality is highly praised, with a rating of 9 out of 10, making it a valuable addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Gustave Charpentier's "Louise" is an essential listen that brings the rich history and emotional resonance of French opera to life.
Tracks
Louise, Act I Scene I: O Coeur ami! O Coeur promis (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, Georges Thill, André Pernet, Aimée Lecouvreur, Christiane Gaudel, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act I Scene II & III: Moi je vous avais remarqué (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, Georges Thill, Aimée Lecouvreur, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act I Scene IV: Bonsoir! Le soupe est prête? (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, André Pernet, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act II Tableau I: Elle va paraître, ma joie…Laissez-moi, de grâce! (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, Georges Thill, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act II Tableau II Scene I: L'Atelier (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Christiane Gaudel, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act II Tableau II Scene II: Sérénade, Dans la cité lointaine (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Georges Thill, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act III: Le Couronnement de la Muse (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra, Eugène Bigot
Louise, Act III Scene I: Depuis le jour (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act III Scene II: Louise est heureuse? (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, Georges Thill, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act IV Scene I: Tu as peut-être eu tort de travailler aujord'hui (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, André Pernet, Aimée Lecouvreur, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act IV Scene II: Louise, Louise, regarde-moi (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, André Pernet, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
Louise, Act IV Scene II: Tout être a le droit d'être libre (Recorded 1935)Gustave Charpentier, Ninon Vallin, André Pernet, Aimée Lecouvreur, Eugène Bigot, Les Choeurs Raugel and Orchestra
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