Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary vocal prowess of Ernest Blanc in his latest album, "Airs d'opéras," released on December 14, 2023, under Warner Classics. This exquisite collection of opera arias showcases Blanc's remarkable range and mastery of the genre, spanning iconic works from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The album opens with a lively rendition of "Largo al factotum" from Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia," followed by a powerful performance of "Vanne, la tua meta già vedo" from Verdi's "Otello." Blanc's ability to convey the depth and complexity of each character is evident in his portrayal of Iago, Renato, and other legendary roles.
From the haunting beauty of "Maudite à jamais soit la race des enfants d'Israël" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila" to the tender melancholy of "O du, mein holder Abendstern" from Wagner's "Tannhäuser," Blanc's voice shines with precision and passion. The album also features a stunning performance of "Ah per sempre io ti perdei" from Bellini's "I puritani," showcasing Blanc's ability to convey heart-wrenching emotion.
With a duration of 44 minutes, this album is a testament to Ernest Blanc's artistry and his deep connection to the operatic tradition. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Airs d'opéras" is sure to leave you spellbound.
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1: "Largo al factotum" (Figaro)Gioachino Rossini, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Verdi: Otello, Act 2: "Vanne, la tua meta già vedo" - "Credo in un dio crudel" (Iago)Giuseppe Verdi, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Verdi: Un ballo in maschera, Act 3: "Alzati, là tuo figlio a te concedo riveder" - "Eri tu che macchiavi quell'anima" (Renato)Giuseppe Verdi, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Saint-Saëns: Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act 1: "Maudite à jamais soit la race des enfants d'Israël !" (Grand Prêtre)Camille Saint-Saëns, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Wagner: Tannhäuser, Act 3: "Wie Todesahnung Dämmrung deckt die Lande" - "O du, mein holder Abendstern" (Wolfram)Richard Wagner, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Leoncavallo: I pagliacci, Prologo: "Si può?" (Tonio)Ruggero Leoncavallo, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Bellini: I puritani, Act 1: "Ah per sempre io ti perdei" (Riccardo)Vincenzo Bellini, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Massenet: Thaïs, Act 1: "Voilà donc la terrible cité... Alexandrie !" (Athanaël)Jules Massenet, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Wagner: Tannhäuser, Act 2: "Blick' ich umher in diesem edlen Kreise" (Wolfram)Richard Wagner, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492, Act 3: "Hai già vinta la causa!" - Aria. "Vedrò, mentr'io sospiro" (Conte)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ernest Blanc, Orchestre De La Société Des Concerts Du Conservatoire, Georges Prêtre
Verdi: La traviata, Act 2: "Lorsqu'à de folles amours" (Orbel)Giuseppe Verdi, Ernest Blanc, Georges Prêtre, Orchestre du Théâtre National de l'Opéra de Paris