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Opera on 3

Music: Classical: Opera

Programme presenting rare and fascinating operatic performances

Programme presenting rare and fascinating performances and vividly communicating the immediacy of the live experience

Opera on 3: Berlioz's Beatrice et Benedict

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Music: Classical

Berlioz's Beatrice et Benedict

08/10/2016

BBC Radio 3 - Opera on 3, Berlioz's Beatrice et Benedict

Berlioz's final opera, Beatrice et Benedict, from the 2016 Glyndebourne Festival.

From the 2016 Glyndebourne Festival, a performance of Berlioz's final opera, Beatrice et Benedict. With mezzo-soprano Stephanie d'Oustrac and tenor Paul Appleby in the title roles.

Berlioz had been a life-long Shakespeare enthusiast and for his final opéra comique, Béatrice et Bénédict, he wrote his own libretto based on Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado about Nothing. The opera was completed in 1858, soon after Berlioz had finished The Trojans, and he received an overwhelming response at its premiere in Baden-Baden. However, the opera has not become part of the staple repertoire (although the Overture is often played independently), but it contains some delightful music, particularly for the female characters. This performance was recorded earlier this summer at the Glyndebourne Festival, with conductor Antonello Manacorda making his Glyndebourne debut in director Laurent Pelly's new production. The title roles are taken by mezzo-soprano Stéphanie d'Oustrac and tenor Paul Appleby, the sparring couple trying to hide their true feelings. 
Presented by Andrew McGregor and Sarah Lenton. 

Béatrice..... Stéphanie d'Oustrac (mezzo-soprano)
Bénédict..... Paul Appleby (tenor)
Héro .....Anne-Catherine Gillet (soprano)
Claudio..... Philippe Sly (bass baritone)
Somarone..... Lionel Lhote (baritone)
Don Pedro..... Frédéric Caton (bass)
Ursule..... Katarina Bradic (mezzo soprano)

London Philharmonic Orchestra
The Glyndebourne Chorus
Antonello Manacorda (conductor).

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