Customer Reviews

Delibes: Lakmé - Highlights

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As someone in the process of building an operatic collection, I purchased this CD after listening to the Flower Song (Track 2) in mp3 form in my computer. Little did I realize the other enchanting songs I would hear. Tracks 4 and 7 also send shivers down my spine, quite literally. The soprano is beautiful, if odd to the ear at first. The rest of the work leaves little to be desired, as well. If you can appreciate the beauty in opera, you should by this CD.

Mesple's voice is much better and crispier than Sutherland in this role. Sutherland's voice is too dramatic, and lack the smoothness that needed in the Flower Duet and the Bell song. The high notes by Mesple's seem more at ease and effortless then Sutherland pushy technique. I highly recommend this recording over Sutherland's.

If you only know the "Dome epais" duet co-opted by British Airways, get to know the whole opers- it's one gorgeous piece after another. Obviously written with the success of Carmen in mind, except with a much more conventional heroine. Burles does a fine job, very lyrical. Soyer sings gorgeously in his Act 2 solo, one of the most beautiful lyric arias written for baritone. However, the show belongs to Mesple and it's a shame that some of Lakme's beautiful slow solos are not included here. Take note of the fact that she has an old-school French soprano voice- a little tweety, very bright, but it's still it's a beautiful performance. And one of the things that makes this disc so recommendable is the death-defying speed at which she takes teh Bell Song- it makes Sutherland and the recent Dessay versions (very beautiful though they are) seem downright sleepy by comparison.

This has to be Mesple's best recording second to the full length version produced by EMI (same performers but 2 CD's). Mesepe's voice is as smooth as velvet as she works with Delebes' most powerful work. This is a must for any opera lover.

I first heard the flower duet of this opera with Mesple which is among the most beautiful works I've ever heard, and the bell song is also impressive. Mesple takes it faster than Sutherland, and, although I'm a huge Sutherland fan, Mesple has a voice more appropriate for the role and sings comfortably in french, whereas Sutherland is more of an italianate performer. So for the soprano's performance alone, Mesple has an edge over other recordings (the third I know of, besides Sutherland's and Mesple's recordings of the opera, is one with Robin, but that recording is somewhat dated--1952 I believe). If highlights doesn't do it for you, go for the full version (I found that at CD now, and I go with it since I wanted the whole opera, but it's almost 3 times more expensive, so it really just depends how enthusiastic about this opera you are. All in all, this is a performance you won't be upset with (as for the rest of the cast, the Sutherland set is superior in my opinion, but the one with Mesple is competent enough) unless, of course, you are tone-deaf. :)

I am brand new to opera music and bought this CD after hearing the Flower Duet by these artists on an opera sampler CD. I still find the 2nd track to be absolutely stunning (I cannot get it out of my head) and am enjoying the rest of the selections. I would recommend to anyone who is curious about opera as well as those who already like it.

A Gorgeous Cast and the music is enchanting. Melodious and stunning. Tenor Soyer is a lovely light lyric tenor, reminds me of John Alexander. Mady Mesple is THE french coloratura ... I knew there was more to Lakme than the BELL SONG (stunningly sung here). I bought the complete opera after hearing this sampler. You will too. It's a delight!

Lakme is arguably one of the most beautiful Operas ever written- but it takes a true diva's voice to qualify it as such; On this particular recording of Lakme, the voices and instrumentation are prime. Produced in Paris by Delibes in the late nineteenth century, the composition carries a tinge of Fin de Siecle flair while maintaining a decidedly Romantic distinction. It is sung in French, that most enchanting language, and its story takes place in the East, near India. The fusion of Eastern and European musicality can be ascertained in the scales and harmonies, providing a piquant melange which is sure to give you a taste of the divine and to break the glass.

Mady Mesple is simply the best for this role. Yes, Joan Sutherland is known for this song (and I love Sutherland), but I have to say this opera is Mady's. When I hear the Bell Song sung by Mady - chills go up my spine. Definitely a keeper!

The music was beautiful and haunting. I am especially fond of Flower Duet and have loved it from the first time I heard it some years ago. This whole recording is great and I have much enjoyed it!