Massenet: Hérodiade - Crespin, Gorr, Chauvet, Massard, Patterson, Cathcart; Lombard, 1963
Massenet: Hérodiade - Crespin, Gorr, Chauvet, Massard, Patterson, Cathcart; Lombard, 1963

Members hear the full recording

Massenet: Hérodiade - Crespin, Gorr, Chauvet, Massard, Patterson, Cathcart; Lombard, 1963
Massenet: Hérodiade - Crespin, Gorr, Chauvet, Massard, Patterson, Cathcart; Lombard, 1963

Members hear the full recording

Massenet

Hérodiade

Crespin, Gorr, Chauvet, Massard, Patterson, Cathcart; Lombard
1963

Regular price $17.95
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Hérodiade

Jules Massenet

Hérodiade, one of Massenet's lesser-known operas, receives the full star treatment in this performance—and the investment pays off. Régine Crespin is radiant as Salomé, her silvery soprano soaring effortlessly over the orchestra before retreating into moments of hushed delicacy. Massenet's take on Hérodiade is far more nuanced than the vengeful caricature of Strauss's Herodias, and Rita Gorr rises to the challenge, revealing the character's humanity through her warm, expressive mezzo. Guy Chauvet proves why he was considered one of the great French tenors of his generation; his voice is both powerful and refined, and his delivery of the French language manages to be both stylish and sincere.

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5.0 Based on 3 reviews
5 ★ 3
4 ★ 0
3 ★ 0
2 ★ 0
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Jasmin M.✓ Top Reviewer

France

Overall rating
Best singers on that ideal production of Herodiade !!!!
Thank you !!!!
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David R.✓ Top Reviewer

United States

Overall rating

Great Singing, A Lot of Cuts, Acceptable Sound!

Massenet's Herodiade is better known today than it was back in 1963. There have been several fine commercial recordings since then and a number of excellent bootlegs. This one from the American Opera Society features four marvelous singers thoroughly familiar with the French language and style, all heard here in their vocal primes. Crespin demonstrates again why she was considered one of the top singers of her time. Her voice is powerful and beautiful and she has no difficulties with her two top Cs in Act 3. With her velvety voice and commanding presence, Gorr is every inch the Queen (far more sympathetic here than her character is in Strauss's opera). Massard sings the famous "Vision fugitive" with melting beauty while Chauvet contributes a memorable Jean, joining Crespin in some exciting duets. Patterson is very good as Phanuel, deserving the great applause he gets at the end of his aria. Cathcart is also excellent, but is only heard briefly since most of his role is cut. Lombard conducts with strength and love. I'm guessing the enormous cuts were forced on him because of a lack of rehearsal time. This is really more like extended excerpts from Herodiade, yet the singing is superb.The voices are only slightly recessed; certainly the sound is better here than in the Werther with Gedda and Gorr (also available from Opera Depot). Recommended to all Massenet lovers!
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Jean-maurice C.✓ Verified Buyer

Belgium

Overall rating

sublime Rita

such a great voice (RITA) and the great Massart for the vilain couple. in th complète week.
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