Poulenc - Dialogues of the Carmelites / Bonynge, Sutherland, Buchanan, Begg, Opera Australia

Starring:Anne Maree McDonald, Geoffrey Chard, Anthony Warlow, Heather Begg, Joan Sutherland, Isobel Buchanan, John Germain, Paul Ferris (III), Lone Koppel
Director: Henry Prokop
Studio: Kultur Video
Product Type: DVD

Description

Poulenc's only full-length opera is firmly rooted in the post World War II era. Based on the historical events of the time of the French Revolution, this story of a community of Carmelite nuns who go to the guillotine rather than renounce their calling can be received in many ways. Poulenc's warmly melodic and lyrical score is wholly dramatic and gripping, and Joan Sutherland, recreating the role she sang at the opera's British premiere in 1958, sings the second prioress with commanding moderation. This production serves the inspiration of Poulenc in every important particular of style, economy and theatrical force. Richard Bonynge conducts the Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra. Sung in English.

Customer Reviews:

FRENCH NUNS GO TO THE SCAFFOLD SINGING IN ENGLISH.......2007-02-13

The novella this opera is based on was called THE LAST ON THE SCAFFOLD. I was very hesitant to buy this DVD because it's sung in English but the translation is so excellent and well suited to the musical line that I don't want to hear this opera any other way. I have a ticket to see the Chicago Lyric Opera's first ever production this month and they will be singing it in French. What a missed opportunity. The first performance of CARMELITES in 1957 was sung in Italian. The French version didn't premier until six months later. In any language, this is an operatic gem and I don't understand why it's not a standard repertory piece in all the major opera companies. It's based on a true story, has melodic music, drama, a mad scene and an emotional ending that packs a dramatic punch comparable to any other music written for the operatic stage. The singing in this production is first rate. Heather Begg as the Mother Superior is riveting, especially in her death scene. Isobel Buchanan as Blanche is perfectly cast. Besides having a voice that can deliver all the notes and words clearly, she's truly believable as the mixed up adolescent. I especially liked the director's touch of keeping us in suspense over her absence in the execution scene. My "favorite" nun is Anne Maree McDonald as Sister Constance. She is the sister who disciplined all of us in our religious classes when we were young. And finally JOAN SUTHERLAND as Madame Lidoine. It was so great seeing her in a roll that wasn't in her standard repertory and singing so splendidly late in her career (1984) when this production was taped. Her husband Richard Bonynge conducted and brought out all the beautiful colors of Poulenc's music from the Australian Opera Orchestra. Any opera lover will want to add this DVD to their collection and be sure to pester your local opera company to perform this fantastic work more often.

Dialogues des Carmelites.......2005-09-24

Joan is breathtaking. This opera is a beautiful and tragic story and it is wonderful to have a resource available in English.

The French CD with Duval is georgous also, if you are interested in owning a recording. :)

NO LIBRETTO OR SUB-TITLES - PITY.......2004-04-05

It would have been 5 Stars if a Libretto was supplied with the DVD or if it had optional sub-titles.

Le Dialogue des Carmelites.......2002-12-21

I, too, am seeking a copy of the film of the play, filmed in 1960 as mentioned in the other review. If anyone has any info on how this may be obtained, please post your findings!

The original French Film: Le Dialogue des Carmelites.......2001-12-11

I am also looking for the film version made in 1960 I believe, which starred Jeanne Moreau and was directed by Phillipe Agostini, I very much would like to get hold of a copy as well as the Opera.

I would appreciate your research on the above which is available in France and the USA (the latter for rental)

Thank you

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