108, 87, 65, 40, 15, 6 €

Béatrice et Bénédict

Hector Berlioz

February 24 to March 06, 2010

108, 87, 65, 40, 15, 6 €
en

OPÉRA COMIQUE in two acts, 1862. Libretto by Hector Berlioz based on Much Ado about Nothingby William Shakespeare.

Renaissance Italy, the grand shores of Sicily, the winds from the sea and war epics, the battles of wits in courts where lords and artists develop a common way of life: romantic reverie during the first centuries of modern history gave numerous masterpieces to the plastic arts and opera. For an idealist coupled with a lover of Italy such as Berlioz, Shakespeare’s comedy depicts a long-entertained subject. With this return to sources, Berlioz created a work that reflected him – caustic and tender, sublime and grotesque, sensitive and powerfully lyrical – and one of the most beautiful compositions of the genre.

“Love cannot give an idea of what music is, music can give an idea of what love is… Why distinguish the one from the other? They are the two wings of the soul.” 

Hector Berlioz Composer

Synopsis

Act I
In Messina in the 16th century the Sicilians celebrate victory over the Moors by the troops of valiant general Don Pedro, whom governor Léonato is about to receive. His daughter Héro awaits the return of her beloved Claudio with impatience, but her niece Béatrice taunts military valor, aiming her sarcastic remarks at another officer, Bénédict. The reunion is as tender between the engaged couple as it is stormy between Béatrice and Bénédict, who trade insults and mockery with a strange pleasure. When Claudio learns of his imminent nuptials from the general, he is as delighted as Bénédict is horrified. Don Pedro and Claudio conspire to lead the two enemies to also marry in accordance with the governor’s secret wish. Somarone, the music teacher, conducts his choir and orchestra for the evening festivity. His so-called masterpiece is given a rough handling by the choristers and rehearsed before a general not so keen on music. When the musicians have left, the general and Claudio start a conversation about Béatrice with the purpose of making Bénédict believe that she is madly in love with him. The young man eventually recognizes Béatrice’s qualities and decides to give up his pride and succumb to love. On her part, Héro had a similar discussion with her attendant Ursule and Béatrice overheard them. The night is falling with its share of promises.

Act II
In the governor’s palace, the banquet is in full swing and the cellar is soon empty. Already quite drunk, Somarone improvises a drinking song for the guests before the ceremony. Béatrice is tormented by her feelings but she eventually admits to herself that she loves Bénédict and that her aversion might have been fear to yield to love. Surprised and overjoyed to find a softened Béatrice, Héro and Ursule undertake to convert her to marriage. Before the wedding celebration, the two former enemies are on the verge of quarreling but Bénédict succeeds in stirring the defiant maiden. As the bridal procession enters, a second marriage contract is produced which hastens avowals: Béatrice and Bénédict get married… for the better and for the worse.

Musical direction, Emmanuel Krivine
Stage direction, Dan Jemmett

With Christine Rice, Allan Clayton, Ailish Tynan, Elodie Méchain, Edwin Crossley-Mercer, Jérôme Varnier, Michel Trempont, Giovanni Calò, Bob Goody, David Lefort les éléments
La Chambre Philharmonique

See all the cast

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 - 8:00pm
Friday, February 26, 2010 - 8:00pm
Thursday, March 4, 2010 - 8:00pm
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 8:00pm
Salle Favart
108, 87, 65, 40, 15, 6 €

Introduction à l'œuvre par Agnès Terrier
0:00
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Cast

Musical direction
Emmanuel Krivine
Stage direction
Dan Jemmett
Scenery
Dick Bird
Costumes
Sylvie Martin-Hyszka
Lighting
Arnaud Jung
Choreography
Cécile Bon
Musical assistant
Neil Beardmore
Direction of the chorus
Joël Suhubiette
Stage direction assistant
Meriam Korichi
Choral director
Nathalie Steinberg
Béatrice
Christine Rice
Bénédict
Allan Clayton
Héro
Ailish Tynan
Ursule
Élodie Méchain
Edwin Crossley-Mercer © Julien Benhamou
Claudio
Edwin Crossley-Mercer
Don Pedro
Jérôme Varnier
Somarone
Michel Trempont
Leonato
Giovanni Calò
Alberto (le narrateur)
Bob Goody
Le Messager
David Lefort
membre du chœur les éléments
Les éléments
Les éléments

La Chambre Philharmonique

Production, Opéra Comique

Coproduction, Grand Théâtre de la Ville de Luxembourg

Associate co-producer, Palazzetto Bru Zane – Centre de musique romantique française

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Avec le soutien de :
Palazzetto Bruzane

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