Boieldieu was, for want of a better description, a bel-cantist; his vocal lines are decorated and at times virtuosic--particularly in his writing for tenor. But at the same time he is quintessentially French in melodic and harmonic temperament and tone; his music is graceful and has a certain regality and delicacy that is immensely appealing. This opera is based on a couple of stories by Sir Walter Scott involving a disguised Earl, a castle, and a ghost (the "white lady" of the title) believed to be haunting the castle. It's silly, but the music is definitely worth hearing, and this performance, taped live in 1964 (and in very good sound--it must have been broadcast) is excellent.
The production's star is the in-his-prime Nicolai Gedda, who sings the difficult music of George Brown (who turns out to be Julius, Earl of Avenell)--full of coloratura, octave leaps, high Cs, and much soft, sweet singing--as if it were easy. As Anna, whom the Earl eventually winds up marrying (and who has been roaming the castle as the ghost), Mimi Aarden exhibits a lovely soprano; her music often is accompanied by harp and has great charm. The conniving Gaveston, who wants the castle to himself, is baritone Henk Dreissen--perhaps not menacing, but a good singer. The rest of the cast is fine. This is a treat for certain tastes; light and delightful.
--Robert Levine
George Brown Tenor - Nicolai Gedda
Jenny Soprano - Sofia Van Sante
Gaveston Bass - Guus Hoekman
Anna Soprano - Erna Spoorenberg
Dickson Tenor - Frans Vroons
Marguerite - Mimě Aarden
McIrton - Henk Driessen
Chorus & Orchestra of Radio Hilversum
Jean Fournet, conductor
Live performance, Hilversum, 25 November 1964
>
LINK: DOWNLOAD
No comments:
Post a Comment