Jacques Offenbach's "La vie parisienne, extraits" is a delightful collection of highlights from his renowned opéra-bouffe, offering a glimpse into the vibrant and satirical world of Parisian life in the 19th century. Composed with Offenbach's signature wit and charm, this album captures the essence of the original five-act opera, condensed into a concise 30-minute experience.
The album features a selection of the opera's most memorable arias and ensembles, showcasing the talents of the original cast and the orchestral prowess of the Grand Orchestre René Alix under the direction of Marcel Cariven. From the lively "Ouverture" to the humorous "Couplets de la Parisienne" and the rousing "Chanson à boire," each track offers a unique perspective on the opera's themes of love, deception, and the absurdities of high society.
Originally released in 1960 by BNF Collection, this album serves as a testament to Offenbach's enduring influence on the world of opera and music theater. The opera itself, with libretto by Henry Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, is a lampoon of the ancient legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, reimagined in a contemporary Parisian setting. The vocal score, arranged for piano and voice, is a popular choice among singers and enthusiasts alike, further cementing the opera's place in the canon of classical music.
Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "La vie parisienne, extraits" offers an engaging and entertaining introduction to the world of Jacques Offenbach. With its witty libretto, memorable melodies, and vibrant orchestration, this album is sure to captivate and delight listeners of all backgrounds.
La vie parisienne, Act I: "À Paris nous arrivons en masse" - "Je suis Brésilien, j'ai de l'or" (Chœur, Le Brésilien)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, René Alix Choir, Dario Moreno
La vie parisienne, Act I: Finale. "Nous venons, arrivons" (Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, René Alix Choir
La vie parisienne, Act II: Duo."Entrez, entrez, jeune fille à l’œil bleu !" - Air du gant. "Autrefois plus d'un amant" (Gabrielle, Frick)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Renee Doria, Lucien Huberty
La vie parisienne, Act II: Rondeau de la lettre. "Vous souvient-il, ma belle" (Métella)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Andree Gabriel
La vie parisienne, Act II: "Nous entrons dans cette demeure" - Couplets. "Je suis veuve d’un colonel" (Chœur, Gabrielle, Raoul de Gardefeu, Le baron de Gondremarck)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, René Alix Choir, Renee Doria, Robert Lilty, Julien Giovannetti
La vie parisienne, Act II: "Par saint Crépin !" - Air tyrolien. "On est v'nu m’inviter" (Gabrielle, Chœur, Frick)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Renee Doria, René Alix Choir, Lucien Huberty
La vie parisienne, Act III: Couplets de la Parisienne. "On va courir, on va sortir" (Gabrielle, Chœur, Le baron de Gondremarck, Pauline)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Renee Doria, René Alix Choir, Julien Giovannetti, Christiane Harbell
La vie parisienne, Act III: Chanson à boire."En endossant mon uniforme" - Finale. "Tout tourne, tourne, tourne" (Bobinet, Prosper, Urbain, Gabrielle, Pauline, Clara, Léonie, Louise, Le baron de Gondremarck, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Pierre Gianotti, Maurice Faure, Jean Paredes, Renee Doria, Christiane Harbell, Charlotte Legrand, Françoise Dobsik, Evelyne Courtois, Julien Giovannetti, René Alix Choir
La vie parisienne, Act IV: Récitatif. "La maison compte sur vous, messieurs" - Couplets d'Urbain. "Avant toute chose, il faut être" (Urbain, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Jean Paredes, René Alix Choir
La vie parisienne, Act IV: Duo. "Mes bons amis, je vous présente" (Le Brésilien, Chœur, Gabrielle)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Dario Moreno, René Alix Choir, Renee Doria
La vie parisienne, Act IV: Finale. "Des amants, des maîtresses" (Gabrielle, Le baron de Gondremarck, Chœur)Jacques Offenbach, Marcel Cariven Orchestra, Marcel Cariven, Renee Doria, Julien Giovannetti, René Alix Choir
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