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 | French |
| Subtitles | 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
Baroque Wonder
WOW. This rarely-performed Rameau masterpiece finally receives a top rate DVD release to allow its worth to be more widely recognised. This is not just anorak-rediscovery: Les Boreades is a truly incredible piece full of pathos, drama and incredible arias, dances and choruses. The playing of that Prince among period bands, Les Arts Florissants, and its peerless conductor, William Christie, alone makes this is 5-star disc but add an elegantly stylised production with gorgeous stage pictures and a fantastic cast (including the performance of a lifetime from Paul Agnew) and you have a highly recommended opera release. For once the Entrance of Polyhymnia in Act 4 (one of my desert island discs!) doesn't stand out of its context because the whole effort is exemplary. Go on: open your mind and try this gem! Good opera didn't start with Mozart!!!
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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.... -