Natalie Dessay, the acclaimed French soprano, delivers a captivating collection of French opera arias in her 2004 album "French Opera Arias." This album, released under Warner Classics, showcases Dessay's exceptional vocal prowess and versatility, featuring arias from some of the most beloved French operas. Accompanied by the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse under the direction of Michel Plasson, Dessay brings to life arias from composers such as Massenet, Thomas, Boieldieu, Offenbach, Rossini, Donizetti, and Gounod.
The album spans a variety of emotions and styles, highlighting Dessay's ability to navigate complex coloratura passages with ease and grace. From the playful and vivacious "Profitez de la vie" from Boieldieu's "La Fête du village voisin" to the poignant and introspective "A vos jeux, mes amis, permettez-moi" from Thomas's "Hamlet," Dessay's performances are both technically impressive and deeply expressive. The inclusion of arias from well-known operas like "Manon," "Roméo et Juliette," and "La fille du régiment" offers a delightful mix of familiar tunes and lesser-known gems.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a testament to Natalie Dessay's artistry and her deep connection to the French operatic tradition. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "French Opera Arias" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Tracks
Massenet: Manon, Act 3: Air du cours de la reine. "Suis-je gentille ainsi ?" (Manon, Chœur)Jules Massenet, Natalie Dessay, Les Éléments, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Massenet: Manon, Act 3: Gavotte. "Obéissons quand leur voix appelle" (Manon, Chœur)Jules Massenet, Natalie Dessay, Les Éléments, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Massenet: Manon, Act 3: "Rire toujours ? Vous vous trompez" (Manon, Chœur)Jules Massenet, Natalie Dessay, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Thomas: Mignon, Act II: "Oui, pour ce soir" - "Je suis Titania la blonde" (Philine, Chœur)Ambroise Thomas, Natalie Dessay, Les Éléments, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Massenet: Chérubin, Act 3: "Vive amour qui rêve" (L'ensoleillad, Chœur)Jules Massenet, Natalie Dessay, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Boieldieu: La Fête du village voisin, Act 1: "Profitez de la vie" (Mme de Ligneul)François-Adrien Boieldieu, Natalie Dessay, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Offenbach: Robinson Crusoë, Act 2: Valse. "Conduisez-moi vers celui que j'adore" (Chœur, Edwige)Jacques Offenbach, Natalie Dessay, Les Éléments, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Rossini: Le Comte Ory, Act 1: "En proie à la tristesse" (La Comtesse)Gioachino Rossini, Natalie Dessay, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Donizetti: La fille du régiment, Act 2: Récitatif. "Pour ce contrat fatal tout prend un air de fête" - Air. "Salut à la France" (Marie, Chœur)Gaetano Donizetti, Natalie Dessay, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Gounod: Roméo et Juliette, Act 1: Valse. "Je veux vivre dans ce rêve" (Juliette)Charles Gounod, Natalie Dessay, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Thomas: Hamlet, Act 4 Scene 2: No. 18, Scene and Aria, "A vos jeux, mes amis, permettez-moi" (Ophélie)Ambroise Thomas, Natalie Dessay, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
Thomas: Hamlet, Act 4: "Le voilà, je crois l'entendre" (Ophélie)Ambroise Thomas, Natalie Dessay, Choeur Les Elements, Michel Plasson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse, Orchestre National Du Capitole De Toulouse
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