Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Félicien David's "Lalla Roukh," a captivating chamber music album released on March 4, 2014, by Naxos. This operatic gem, spanning 1 hour and 46 minutes, is a rich tapestry of intricate compositions that weave together a tale of love, intrigue, and adventure.
David, a French composer known for his exotic and romantic style, transports you to the heart of the Orient with this three-act opera. Each track is a masterful blend of vocals and orchestration, bringing to life the story of Lalla Roukh, a princess who embarks on a journey filled with passion and peril. From the stirring overture to the dramatic finales, the album is a testament to David's ability to evoke vivid imagery and deep emotion through his music.
The opera is divided into two acts, each containing a variety of musical numbers that showcase the talents of the cast and the depth of David's compositional prowess. The first act opens with the lively "Ouverture," setting the stage for the dramatic scenes that follow. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Romance" sung by Noureddin, the playful "Couplets" performed by Mirza, and the powerful "Duo" featuring Lalla Roukh and Noureddin.
The second act continues the story with a mix of recitatives, arias, and ensembles that build to a thrilling climax. The "Barcarolle et ensemble" and the "Marche et Final" are particularly noteworthy, showcasing David's ability to create both intimate and grand musical moments.
"Lalla Roukh" is not just an opera; it's a journey through the sounds and stories of the East, as imagined by Félicien David. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that will leave you spellbound.
2014 Naxos2014 Naxos
Tracks
Lalla Roukh: OuvertureFélicien David, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scenes 1-3: Scène et choeur. C'est ici le pays des roses (Chorus, Bakbara, Kaboul, Noureddin, Baskir)Félicien David, David Newman, Andrew Adelsberger, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Bernard Deletré, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I: Mélodie. Sous le feuillage sombreFélicien David, Marianne Fiset, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 6: Couplets. De près ou de loin (Baskir)Félicien David, Bernard Deletré, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 7: Choeur. Voici le repas du soir (Chorus)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 7: Ballet. La nuit tombe (Chorus)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 7: Choeur danse. Bayaderes plus légères (Chorus)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 8: Scène, Dieu, c'est lui! Quatuor, Je n'ose lever les yeux (Lalla Roukh, Baskir, Mirza, Noureddin, Chorus)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Bernard Deletré, Nathalie Paulin, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 8: Romance. Ma maitresse a quitte la tente, Scène, et reprise du choeur (Noureddin, Baskir, Lalla Roukh, Mirza, Chorus)Félicien David, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Bernard Deletré, Marianne Fiset, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 10: Couplets. Si vous ne savez plus charmer (Mirza)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 12: Duo. La nuit en deployant ses ailes (Lalla Roukh, Noureddin)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 12: Ballade. Lorsque l'etoile du ciel sans voile - Duo (Noureddin, Lalla Roukh)Félicien David, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Marianne Fiset, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act I Scene 13: Ronde de nuit et final du 1er acte. La nuit au manteau sombre (Chorus, Bakbara, Kaboul, Baskir, Lalla Roukh, Mirza)Félicien David, David Newman, Andrew Adelsberger, Bernard Deletré, Marianne Fiset, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 1: Entr'acteFélicien David, Ryan Brown, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 1: Recitatif. Enfin… - Air. Ô nuit d'amour (Lalla Roukh)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 2: Duettino. Loin du bruit, loin du monde (Lalla Roukh, Mirza)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 4: Choeur. Ces joyaux, ces parures (Chorus, Lalla Roukh, Baskir, Mirza)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Bernard Deletré, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 6: Couplets. Ah! Funeste ambassade (Baskir)Félicien David, Bernard Deletré, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 8: Barcarolle et ensemble. Ô! Ma maitresse (Noureddin, Baskir, Bakbara, Kaboul, Mirza)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Bernard Deletré, David Newman, Andrew Adelsberger, Nathalie Paulin, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 9: Duo bouffe. Tout ira bien demain (Noureddin, Baskir)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Bernard Deletré, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 10: Romance. Fuyez, fuyez (Noureddin)Félicien David, Ryan Brown, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Opera Lafayette Orchestra
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 10: Duo. Non, non, le ciel lui-même (Lalla Roukh, Noureddin)Félicien David, Marianne Fiset, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown
Lalla Roukh, Act II Scene 12: Marche et Final. Gloire, honneur (Chorus, Baskir, Lalla Roukh, Mirza, Noureddin)Félicien David, Bernard Deletré, Marianne Fiset, Nathalie Paulin, Emiliano Gonzalez Toro, Opera Lafayette Chorus, Opera Lafayette Orchestra, Ryan Brown