Bernard Foccroulle's "Foccroulle: Cassandra. An Opera on a Libretto by Matthew Jocelyn" is a captivating and immersive opera experience, set to be released on May 30, 2025, under the Fuga Libera label. Spanning nearly two hours, this ambitious work is a testament to Foccroulle's compositional prowess and his ability to craft a compelling narrative through music.
The opera is structured into 13 scenes, each offering a unique musical landscape that propels the story of Cassandra forward. From the haunting "Prologue: Somewhere out There" to the powerful finale "No-one, Ever, Will Take My Voice Away," Foccroulle's music is both evocative and dramatic, drawing the audience into the world of his characters.
The opera was recorded live at La Monnaie, a renowned opera house, ensuring an authentic and vibrant performance that captures the essence of the live experience. Foccroulle's collaboration with librettist Matthew Jocelyn has resulted in a rich and engaging story, brought to life through the composer's distinctive musical language.
"Foccroulle: Cassandra" is not just an opera; it's a journey through sound and story, showcasing Bernard Foccroulle's ability to create a world that is both musically and narratively compelling. With its intricate composition and powerful performances, this opera is a significant addition to Foccroulle's discography and a highlight of contemporary opera.
2025 Outhere Music France2025 LA MONNAIE / DE MUNT
Tracks
Cassandra, Prologue: Somewhere out There - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 1: Troy Burns, Cassandra Watches - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Katarina Bradić, Kazushi Ono, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra
Cassandra, Scene 2: Call Me Cassandra - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Jessica Niles, Lisa Willems, Sandrine Mairesse, Paul Appleby, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 3: You Spat in My Mouth - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Joshua Hopkins, Katarina Bradić, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 4: The Bees (I) - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 5: Ototoi Popoi Da - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Paul Appleby, Jessica Niles, Kazushi Ono, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra
Cassandra, Scene 6: Family Dinner - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Susan Bickley, Jessica Niles, Paul Appleby, Gidon Saks, Sarah Defrise, Sandrine Mairesse, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 7: In the Library of the Dead - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Katarina Bradić, Gidon Saks, Susan Bickley, Joshua Hopkins, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 8: The Siren Call of Motherhood - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Jessica Niles, Paul Appleby, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 9: The Bees (II) - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 10: Lullaby - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Sarah Defrise, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 11: A Ship for Antarctica - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Jessica Niles, Susan Bickley, Sarah Defrise, Gidon Saks, Joshua Hopkins, Sandrine Mairesse, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 12: No-one, Ever, Will Take My Voice Away - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, Katarina Bradić, Jessica Niles, La Monnaie Chorus, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono
Cassandra, Scene 13: The Bees (III) - Live at La MonnaieBernard Foccroulle, The Monnaie Symphony Orchestra, Kazushi Ono