Credits:

Cherubini, Luigi (1760-1842)

Description:

A hidden masterpiece by the greatest opera composer of Beethoven's time. In the first complete recording on ancient instruments! One of the most important composers in the history of French opera during the revolutionary period between Rameau and Berlioz, the Florentine-born great Cervini boasted overwhelming authority as president of the soon-to-be-founded Paris Conservatory. Since the beginning of the 20th century, his works have often attracted attention but have yet to be definitively reappraised, including "Medea" (1797), for which Maria Callas gave a masterful Italian version, and the thrilling rescue opera "Two Days or The Water Carrier" (1800), but a recording on ancient instruments is now available that may mark a turning point in this trend! Although it was premiered in April 1813 in the presence of the Emperor Napoleon, who was still fresh in his mind after the failure of his Russian campaign, "Avancérages" lost its place in the repertoire due to the restoration of the monarchy shortly afterwards. Although it was revived in the 20th century and recorded several times, this is the first recording of the complete work on ancient instruments. It is a pleasure to hear the Orfeo Orchestra's edgy performance under the direction of Vaschhage, who is well versed in Rameau and other French operas of the 18th century.Set in Granada, the ancient capital of Spain at the end of the Muslim era, the thrilling love story of Almanzor, a young man of the Avancellaje tribe, and Princess Norime, who is about to be exiled by a hostile tribe, is saved by a Christian warrior dressed as a minstrel. The recitative is entirely orchestrated by Cherubini, and the rich and dense music, which can be said to be the culmination of his experience in Paris, is performed dynamically with a sense of Romanticism, with Constance and Montovidas, two of the most famous singers of the day, in the leading roles. The gorgeous booklet (in French and English) is as reliable as ever, as only the Bru Zane label can provide. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Ouverture
2.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Trio: Son triomphe s'apprete
3.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Air et Recitatif: Enfin j'ai vu naitre l'aurore!
4.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Duo: Qu'il est doux de pouvoir se dire
5.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Recit: Paraissez; Alemar attend
6.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Ch?ur: Que l'amitie, que l'hymen vous rassemble
7.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Chur: Que Zephyr sans cesse
8.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Ch?ur: Palais des rois, noble sejour
9.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Recitatif, Air et Scene: Braves Zegris
10.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Morceau d'ensemble: Laissons respirer la victoire
11.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Gavotte
12.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Recitatif, Arioso et Ch?ur: Des troubadours, le cortege joyeux
13.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Romance avec ch?ur: Vous qui n'aimez rien
14.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Les Folies d'Espagne
15.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Finale du ballet
16.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Recitatif et Morceau d'ensemble: Que nous veut Octair?
17.Les Abencerages ou L'Etendard de Grenade~Acte premier: Finale: Armez-vous, enfant d'Ismael