Messiaen : Saint François d'Assise

Description du produit "Aufnahme" Recorded live at Het Musiektheater, Amsterdam, on 30th May, 11th June & 16th June 2008 "Musik" The Hague Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus of De Nederlandse Opera Conductor: Info Metzmacher "Interpreten" The angel - Camilla Tilling Saint Francois - Rod Gilfry The Leper - Hubert Delamboye Frere Leon - Henk Neven Frere Massee - Tom Randle Frere Elle - Donald Kaasch Frere Bernard - Armand Arapian Description The orchestra, drilled to absolute perfection, played as if their lives depended on it, while the choral singing was superb in its intensity. The cast tellingly emphasised the physicality as well as the spirituality of Messiaen's vision. Heartthrob baritone Rod Gilfry played Francis as a charismatic visionary beguiled by the glory of creation, yet fearful of both its imperfections and its transience. The Angel, who teases, consoles and ultimately guides him was sensually sung by Mozart diva Heidi Grant-Murphy. A stupendous evening, and one of the great operatic achievements of recent years. --The Guardian