Les Boreades
2003
A performance of the Rameau opera which follows the tale of Queen Alphise who is contemplating abdication rather that an arranged marriage. Sung in French. Read more
| Starring | Barbara Bonney, Paul Agnew, Laurent Naouri, William Christie |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Carsen |
| Genres | Music/Musical, World Cinema |
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Les Boreades
A performance of the Rameau opera which follows the tale of Queen Alphise who is contemplating abdication rather that an arranged marriage. Sung in French.
| Starring | Barbara Bonney, Paul Agnew, Laurent Naouri, William Christie |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Carsen |
| Studio | OPUS ARTE MEDIA PRODUCTIONS |
| Run time | DVD: 3 hrs 38 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Music/Musical, World Cinema |
| Language | DVD: French |
| Subtitles | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 03 May 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Most helpful member's review
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
A wonderful early opera - stunningly performed...
On the surface, Les Boreades is a love story - of Alphise for Abaris. But Alphise is a woman of the Boread clan and may only marry another Boread if she is to ascend to the throne. Abaris is the son of Apollo though and will cause Alphise to lose her crown if their marriage goes ahead. Alphise is badly torn between duty and love. What should she do?
But this is 1764 with the Enlightenment in full swing, and in France, revolutionary ideas are already widely discussed. In forcing Alphise to choose starkly between a Boread or an Apollonian, Cahusac (the attributed librettist) is perhaps forcing us, the audience, to face up to choosing between tradition and modernity, between hierarchy and equality. The Boreads (all of them dressed in rigidly shaped black costumes) are a clan with formal rules and who demand deference to their authority. The Appolonians (dressed in loose white clothing and going barefoot) interact freely as equals with a humanist ethos. Should we stay in known territory, imprisoned in the loveless safely of tradition and respect for authority? Or should we go with our hearts and emotions and risk entering the new territory of equality and respect for each other as human beings?
Things get worse before they get better, and Robert Carsen tells the story through a metaphor of the seasons as the opera moves from summer through winter and back to spring. The stage setting for this is absolutely beautiful, and the elemental force of Boreas? cold North Wind, rain and snow is balanced with the colourful beauty of summer flowers and autumn leaves, and the scene of Boreans spinning autumn leaves from upturned umbrellas is visually stunning.
Rameau?s score is also sublime, and Les Arts Florissants under William Christie deliver wonderfully sensitive music with both the ensemble singing and the orchestra, and are a delight throughout. Edouard Lock?s La La La Human Steps was perhaps a bold choice for an early opera such as this as their dancing style is distinctive but will maybe come as a jolt to some. But the more you watch them the more you see how the complexity and delicacy of their choreography beautifully matches the sensitivity of this production, and you understand just what they also are bringing to the story. Thankfully they are not just there as the dance interlude. All of the soloists too on this recording give excellent and engaging performances.
So do we choose freedom or do we stay imprisoned - does Alphise choose Abaris or does she choose a Boread? Cahusac has a rather naff trick up his sleeve to help resolve this, and although the answer is perhaps a forgone conclusion, the journey is unbeatable. This is a wonderful production of a wonderful opera ? don?t miss it. -
Most recent members' review
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4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Marvellous !!
This is a superb modern production of one of Rameau`s greatest musical dramas - whilst the 'split personality' between the modernity of the production and the age of the music may disturb some people I personally think that it breathes new life into a work that otherwise might seem less easy to get on with ...
Both the singing and playing are faultless and the dancing ( from the entrancingly named 'La La Human Steps' group ) , which is an integral part of the plot , seems to be flawlessly executed . I would recommend this to anyone interested in opera , music of the period , or to someone just willing to expand their musico-dramatic experience .Enjoy ...!! -
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A performance of the Rameau opera which follows the tale of Queen Alphise who is contemplating abdication rather that an arranged marriage. Sung in French.... -