Credits:

Saint-Saens (1835-1921)

Description:

World premiere recording of Saint-Saens' first opera, with Lotto's baton and a splendid ensemble! Saint-Saens wrote his first opera "The Silver Bell" in 1865, and after many twists and turns, it was premiered at the Opéra Comique in Paris on February 23, 1877. The libretto was written by the same two artists who also wrote Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffmann. A gold coin is the only way to win the love of a beautiful witch, and in order to obtain it, one must ring a silver bell. However, each time the bell is rung, someone around it is sacrificed. First Conrad's father-in-law, then one of his best friends...such is the nightmare depicted. The version used here is the final version from 1914, which was revised as many as 10 times during the 50 years since its composition. The outstanding singers include Hélène Gumet, who is highly acclaimed in both French opera and song, Jodie Devos, whose repertoire ranges from Baroque to 19th century and is rapidly gaining popularity in recent years, Edgaras Montovidas, who is also active in contemporary opera, and Tassis, who is particularly good at 19th century French works. Lotto has put together a solid ensemble that includes Jody DeVos, who is rapidly gaining popularity in recent years for his wide repertoire ranging from Baroque to 19th century works, Edgaras Montovidas, who is also active in contemporary opera, and Tasis Christoyannis, who specializes in 19th century French works. The orchestra is, of course, led by Les Siecle, who has an excellent track record in period technique using ancient instruments for works from the 19th century onward, and the chorus is led by Aksánchez, an elite vocal ensemble that is also highly regarded for its ability to handle period interpretations.It shines a light on Saint-Saëns' great, little-known works from the early part of his career and presents them in a vivid and fascinating way. Includes a 165-page color booklet with French libretto, English translation, and ample images of documents. Naxos Japan

Tracklisting:

1.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Ouverture
2.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Nuit d'ivresse et de fete!...
3.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Eh bien?
4.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Ch?ur: O vain mirage!
5.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Quoi? Vous partez?
6.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Priere: O Vierge mere
7.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Benedict, quelles sont ces clameurs?
8.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Melodie: Humble et pauvre, es-tu donc heureux?
9.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Carnaval! Carnaval!
10.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Air: Dans le silence et l'ombre
11.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Air: Dans le silence et l'ombre
12.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: Carnaval! Carnaval!
13.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Ch?ur: Circe! renais a la vie
14.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte premier: Scene: O reve d'amour!...
15.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Entracte et Ch?ur: Gloire a la belle
16.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Scene: Un collier manquait aux atours
17.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Pas de l'abeille et Scene: Fiametta!
18.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Scene du jeu: A vous les des, marquis
19.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Scene: Pardon, ami Conrad
20.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Romance: Le bonheur est chose legere
21.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Premier tableau: Scene: Dieu! j'ai cru...
22.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Deuxieme tableau: Ch?ur et Scene: Seduisante almee
23.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Deuxieme tableau: Chanson napolitaine et Scene: Qui je suis?
24.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Troisieme tableau: Scene: O merveille!
25.Le Timbre d'Argent~Acte deuxieme: Troisieme tableau: Finale: Dans le bruit et dans l'ivresse