Ariane et Barbe-bleue

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Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (Ariane and Bluebeard) is an opera in three acts by Paul Dukas. The French libretto is adapted from the symbolist play by Maurice Maeterlinck. It received its first performance at the Opéra Comique in Paris in 10 May 1907. It has often been compared to the operas Duke Bluebeard's Castle by Bela Bartok which is also based on symbolist play of Maeterlinck and Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy which is based on another play by Maeterlinck. Both plays feature the character of Mélisande. Dukas, who knew Debussy well, uses Mélisande's musical theme borrowed from Debussy in his opera. Ariane and Blue-Beard has never become a popular opera and is rarely performed; nevertheless Oper Frankfurt premiered a new production in its 2007-2008 season - so it does remain on the repertoire of major opera companies. Four commercial recordings of it exist. There are also recordings of an orchestral suite.

Contents

[edit] Roles

Role Voice type Premiere cast,
10 May 1907
(Conductor: -)
Ariane soprano
La nourice (the nurse) alto
Barbe-Bleue (Bluebeard) bass
Sélysette, one of Bluebeard's wives mezzo-soprano
Ygraine, one of Bluebeard's wives soprano
Mélisande, one of Bluebeard's wives soprano
Bellangère, one of Bluebeard's wives soprano
An old peasant baritone
2nd peasant tenor
3rd peasant bass
Chorus, silent roles: Peasants

[edit] Synopsis

Time: The Middle Ages

Place: Bluebeard's castle

[edit] Act 1

[edit] Act 2

[edit] Act 3

[edit] Recordings

  • Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Leon Botstein), singers : Peter Rose, Ana James, Daphné Touchais, Sarah-Jane Davies, Laura Vlasak Nolen; BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Singers; 2007.
  • Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Armin Jordan), singers : Katherine Ciesinski (Ariane), Mariana Paunova (la nourrice) Gabriel Bacquier (Barbe-Bleue); New Philharmonia Orchestra, Chœur de Radio France); 1983.
  • Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Tony Aubin), singers : Berthe Montmart (Ariane), Marie Luce Bellary (la nourrice) Xavier Depraz (Barbe-Bleue); Chorus and orchestra; 1968.
  • Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, suite, (conducted by Arturo Toscanini), NBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus; 1947.

[edit] External links