Roma
Jules Massenet
A rare work by Massenet in which tragedy and loftiness of soul combine to subtle effect.
Dates
Rachel Willis-Sørensen | Fausta
Jean-François Borras | Lentulus
Julie Robard-Gendre | Posthumia
Tassis Christoyannis | Fabius Maximus
Patrick Bolleire | Lucius Cornelius
Jérôme Boutillier | Vestapor / Caïus / An old man
Hélène Carpentier | Junia
Aliénor Feix | The great Vestal
Clémence Tilquin | Galla
Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo
Diego Ceretta | direction
Chœur de Radio France | direction Lionel Sow
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Sung in French, surtitled in French/English
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Approx. running time : 1h20 - Intermission (30mn) - 50mn
About
Following the success of Manon, Werther and so many other richly melodic and lush works which are so characteristic of his personal style, Massenet turned to a historical subject with Roma – an unusual work, whose beauty lies in its tragic power. The subject matter drawn from Antiquity and the libretto encouraged the composer to write more pared-back music, stripped of all artifice. Massenet focuses closely on his subject and delivers a spare and serious score with carefully handled hints of passion. To deliver this rare work by Massenet, the Palazzetto Bru Zane team has once again assembled a cast of singers who are devotees of this very early twentieth-century repertoire.
Production Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, en collaboration avec le Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française
Concert broadcasted by France Musique on 17 october at 8pm. Then available to stream on the France Musique website and the Radio France app.
