Gyorgy Vashegyi - Massenet:Werther - Import 2 CD

Credits:

Gyorgy Vashegyi

Description:

The baritone version of Werther is deeply human. A masterful performance by the best singers of the French opera world and a brilliant conductor! Massenet's masterpiece "Werther" was first performed in Vienna in February 1892 from a German libretto, and was first performed in French in Geneva later that year, establishing its immortality in the history of modern French opera. The opera was soon well received in the West, and in 1902, when Debussy's "Pelléas et Mélisande" premiered, it was also performed in St. Petersburg, far from the composer's home base in Paris. The leading role was sung by the famous singer Mattia Battistini, who was known as the "Gloria Italiana. However, his voice range was baritone, and Massenet created a special version for Battistini, in which the title role, originally intended for a tenor, was switched to a baritone. Later, as many famous tenor singers appeared who sang Werther, the baritone version was buried in history, but at the end of the 20th century, several singers, including Thomas Hampson, picked up this rare version, highlighting the drama of a young man in love, which is a unique feature of 19th century music. It sheds light on its charm.The Center for French Music of the Romantic Period (Palazetto Bru Zane), which is dedicated to the discovery and introduction of unknown 19th century music, has invited Tasis Christoyannis, one of the leading interpreters of 19th century music of our time, to play the leading role in this rare edition, and Veronique Janss, a conductor of the moment, to play Charlotte, the love of Welter's life, The new recording was made with Hungarian conductor György Vaszhegy, who has won acclaim for his revival of old French music from the pre-Rameau period. The recording is full of the charm of "Werther the Baritone," full of dramatic and profound flavors, with the orchestra's slow and graceful sounds, sometimes with an awareness of the period technique. The booklet (in French and English) is also well illustrated. This is a welcome release that offers a deeper insight into the secret of the masterpiece's charms from an unexpected angle. Naxos Japan