Phryné, Saint-Saëns’ only comic opera, receives a charming—if abridged—presentation that makes a persuasive case for the work. Saint-Saëns deploys his considerable mastery of harmony and orchestration to craft a score that sparkles with humor and vivid character, while revealing a sophisticated musical language indebted to Wagner. Denise Duval brings charm and poise to the title role, capturing its lightness with unaffected grace.