Search - Cadmus & Hermione, tragédie lyrique de Lully et Quinalut / Dumestre, Le Poème Harmonique, Lazar (Opéra Comique 2008) on DVD

On every level, an extraordinary experience

wolfgang731 | 11/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cadmus & Hermione, Lully and Quinault's first collaboration is given extraordinary treatment in this glorious, historically precise production led from the podium by the remarkable young French conductor, Vincente Dumestre with mise en scene by Benjamin Lazar. The idea behind this production, a result of the overwhelming reception that greeted their "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" two years ago, was to recreate, as exact as possible, the spectacle as it would have been seen in Paris's Jeu de Bequet in 1673, with all stage lighting provided solely by candles, replicas of the stage machinery, costumes, body language, pronunciation and dance. The result is a triumph both musically and visually. The sort of experience that few will ever have a chance to enjoy first hand. There are times when you feel that what you are witnessing is a tableau vivant or better yet, a baroque painting that has sprung to life. The all-French cast could hardly be improved upon, with sublime singing from everyone involved. Needless to state that Dumestre's own band, Le Poeme Harmonique is sheer perfection. Period sensibilities definitely extend beyond just the visual. This appealed to me from both a musical and historical perspective and if you, like me, are fond of the French baroque, this is an absolute must have. Gorgeous from beginning to end. For a brief glimpse, please visit cadmus.fr."

Magnificent

Armida | Mombasa, Kenya | 01/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I received this DVD from Amazon France this morning; and I had the most delightful 2 hours watching it. If "Le bourgeois gentilhomme" was stunning, this piece is oppulent, ravishing, elegant.

The metteur en scene has outdone himself with the stage, the theatre machinery. the radiant costumes. And the music and singing are without flaw. The previous reviewer has said it all.

Although this opera is called a "tragedie lyrique", the story is gripping, but not really tragic. Noble Cadmus has his comic sidekicks (his three somewhat inept companions); and Pallas Athene and Amour see to it that there is a splendid happy end.

There are some shortcomings, not of the piece, but of the DVD (European release) - not sufficient, however, to deduct any points.

Although the DVD comes with a small booklet on the background of the opera, there is no track list

There is no bonus material at all. Everything you want to learn about Le Poeme Harmonique and French baroque staging, you will have to get from Le bourgeois gentilhomme

During the curtain call, the ensemble is obscured by those tiresome scrolling credits. I would have liked to learn the names of the singers individually and also shared in the enthusiasm of the audience. Surely, there was space on the disc for 2 more minutes.

That said, the production is a marvel. Incidentally, if you have a multi-region player, check out this DVD on amazon.fr for considerable savings.
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A Dream Come True

Dr. John W. Rippon | Florida | 02/21/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can only add to the the chorus of praise for this outstanding production. It unbelievably good. I am a great fan of Baroque Opera and this presentation is a dream come true. The music of Lully is done on period instruments, the sets, costumes, stage machinery, dances and dance steps true to the era, singers who can sing such music naturally, even the lighting by candles and all this conducted by someone who is akin to the spirit of the composer. This is truly heaven-sent. I always approach productions of Baroque and Bel Canto opera DVDs with great trepidation as so often the directors, curse them, will present Romeo and Juliet in a Brooklyn brothel or worse, or some other Eurotrash clap-trap e.g just look over what's been done to Handel's masterpieces. Here at last is what can be done by dilligent and respectful production personel and musicians. I am simply awe struck by the masterful presentation"

Very exciting performance

LESAFFRE KATHRYN | ELANCOURT, YVELINES France | 01/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Cadmus and Hermione is the first French Opera by Quinault and Lully.Lully, born in Italy and close friend to Louis the XIVth and "intendant" à la Cour is known to be first French Opera composer.
Louis enjoyed Dance,Music and Lyrics together and probably encouraged Lully in this way.
Vincent Dumestre already performed "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by Lully and Moliere but unfortunately the DVD is very poor quality because badly filmed.This is a pity because the work of Vincent Dumestre is Extraordinary.
I must admit Cadmus and Hermione DVD is far better.
By the way both performance on stage are very professionnal."