Pique Dame

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840–1893)

DESCRIPTION

This pared-down performance of Pique Dame cuts back on some of the pageantry of Tchaikovsky's opera but succeeds in focusing on the themes of obsession that dominate the story. Elisabeth Söderström's youthful soprano is a perfect match for Lisa. The part of the Countess is often relegated to sopranos or mezzos in the twilight of their careers, making Barbro Ericson's casting a refreshing choice, as her voice still possessed much of the natural beauty that defined her earlier years. A year after this performance, Ingmar Bergman’s Magic Flute would propel Håkan Hagegård to international stardom. Here, in the relatively short role of Yeletsky, he displays a voice of sweetness and virility.

CAST

Hermann – JONNY BLANC
Lisa – ELISABETH SÖDERSTRÖM
Jeletskij – HÅKAN HAGEGÅRD
Countess – BARBRO ERICSON
Pauline – SYLVIA LINDENSTRAND
Tjekalinskij – KAGE JEHRLANDER
Surin – STEN WAHLUND
Tjaplitskij – HANS JOHANSSON
Narumov – BO LUNDBORG
Masja – BUSK-MARGIT JONSSON
Major Domo – MATTI KASTU

DETAILS

Location: Stockholm
Date: November 24, 1974
Conductor: Vaclav Kaslik
Catalogue Number: OD 12211-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

Act I, Scene I

Tracks 1 – 7

Act I, Scene II

Tracks 8 – 13

Act II, Scene I

Tracks 14 – 16

Act II, Scene II

Tracks 17 – 22

Act III, Scene I

Tracks 23 – 25

Act III, Scene II

Tracks 26 – 27

Act III, Scene III

Tracks 28 – 31