Ben Heppner, the renowned Canadian heldentenor, showcases his vocal prowess and versatility in this captivating collection of French opera arias, released on Deutsche Grammophon in 2001. Spanning a rich hour and fourteen minutes, the album is a testament to Heppner's extraordinary range and artistic mastery.
The tracklist is a journey through some of the most celebrated French operas, featuring excerpts from Berlioz's "Les Troyens" and "La damnation de Faust," Bizet's "Les pêcheurs de perles," Gounod's "Faust," and Meyerbeer's "Les Huguenots," among others. Heppner's powerful and nuanced performances bring these iconic arias to life, demonstrating his ability to convey deep emotion and dramatic intensity.
From the haunting beauty of "Inutiles regrets" to the triumphant "La Marseillaise," this album offers a comprehensive exploration of the French operatic repertoire. Ben Heppner's French Opera Arias is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of the art of opera, highlighting the artist's exceptional talent and his deep connection to the music. Whether you're an opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a must-listen for anyone appreciating the power and beauty of the human voice.
Les Troyens, H. 133, Act V: Recit. mesuré & Air. Inutiles regrets – Ah! quand viendraHector Berlioz, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
La damnation de Faust, H. 111, Pt. 4: Invocation A la Nature. Nature immenseHector Berlioz, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
La damnation de Faust, H. 111, Pt. 3: Air de Faust. Merci, doux crépuscule!Hector Berlioz, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
Benvenuto Cellini, H. 76, Act II: Seul pour lutter, seul avec mon courageHector Berlioz, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
Béatrice et Bénédict, H. 138, Act I: No. 7, Rondo. Ah! Je vais l'aimerHector Berlioz, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
La Juive, Act IV: Rachel, quand du Seigneur la grâce tutélaireFromental Halévy, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Sapho, Act I: Ah, qu'il est loin, mon paysJules Massenet, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
Le Cid, Act III: O Souverain, ô juge, ô péreJules Massenet, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Le Cid, Act I: O noble lame éticelanteJules Massenet, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards
L'Africaine, Act IV: Pays merveilleux – O, paradisGiacomo Meyerbeer, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Les Huguenots, Act I: Plus blanche que la blanche HermineGiacomo Meyerbeer, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung
Le prophète, Act III: Roi du cielGiacomo Meyerbeer, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards
La MarseillaiseClaude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, Ben Heppner, London Symphony Orchestra, Myung-Whun Chung, London Voices, Terry Edwards