Description:

In the late 19th century, a wave of ideas, sounds, scents, and imagery from the Far East captivated Western artists, leaving a particularly strong mark on French composers. Although Mârouf is a 20th-century opera, it fits squarely within this trend. However, unlike other operas that draw on Asian influences through pentatonic or whole-tone scales, Henri Rabaud delves deeply into the musical traditions of the Middle East in a way that few operas achieved before.

That said, Mârouf is more than just an exploration of exotic idioms. Rabaud’s music remains firmly rooted in 19th-century romanticism, blending new influences with a rich, familiar tradition. This performance, featuring a cast of relatively unknown French singers, does much to bring the opera to life. While none of the vocalists emerge as standout stars, they deliver an unmistakably French elegance and style that suits the work perfectly.

Unfortunately, the chorus falls short of expectations. Considering this is the ORTF, one might expect a higher caliber of performance. The sound quality is generally clear, though the LP transfer introduces some scratchiness. Despite these minor drawbacks, this recording provides a fascinating glimpse into an often-overlooked gem.

OD 10742-2