TV Standard: NTSC
Color: Colour

Credits:

Gounod (1818-1893)

Description:

In celebration of the bicentennial of Gounod's birth (2018), an unknown opera revived at the Opéra-Comique, Paris, is now available on film! The setting is 11th century Bohemia. In order to unite the long-feuding factions of Baron Moldavu and Count Rodolphe, Pierre the Hermit proposes the marriage of their children. The white feather was Moldavian daughter Agnes and Rudolph's son Theobald. But it is Theobald's brother Rodolphe whom Anise loves, and the two plan to elope on the occasion of a five-yearly disturbance caused by the apparition of a "bloody nun," but Anise is late for their appointment. Rodolphe mistakes the ghost for Agnes, and they pledge their love to each other. Based on a German medieval legend, the libretto is based on the 19th century bestseller "The Monk," written by Matthew Gregory Lewis. This horror tale was a favorite theme of the 19th century, and Berlioz also set music to the same subject, albeit unfinished.A repertoire that had been forgotten in the passage of time, despite the great success of its premiere in 1854, has been magnificently revived at the Opéra-Comique to commemorate the bicentennial of Gounod's birth (2018). In this production, veteran singers, including Spires, are backed by a vibrant performance by the Insula Orchestra led by Ekirbey and Aksantus. DeVos, a promising young singer, is lovely, and Lebegue, who plays the "nun," gives an uncanny performance as a singer. The dancers on stage are also united in this impressive performance. Naxos Japan