Customer Reviews

Massenet: Manon - Complete Ballet

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

 

 

This is an excellent recording of this amazing ballet. Unfortunately, the Ballet of Manon is compilation of many works by Massenet which makes it almost impossible to find on a CD. Other than this recording, the only place to hear this music is at one of the major ballet theaters in the world.

Fortunately, the conductor, Richard Bonynge, has conducted this CD in the manner which it is performed at many theaters in the world. The tempos are excellent both as a symphony and as a ballet. To have handled the tempos any better for ballet (using Rubato) Bonynge would have had to have dancers (Bocca and Ferri) performing this in front of him. Short of that, this is excellent.

I highly recommend this and was very happy to finally own it,
Erik
Professional Dancer

This ballet is composed of music by the great French opera composer Jules Massenet. The music is very melodic and quite beautiful. Its beauty is enhanced by the superb conducting of Richard Bonynge. Unlike the previous reviewer, I feel that Bonynge is very gifted in his ability to conduct concert versions of ballets at tempos that enhance their beauty. If you like ballet music of the Romantic period -- or simply beautiful music of any genre -- please treat yourself to this outstanding 2 CD set.

To my knowledge, this recording is the only show in town.

The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House plays beautifully; however, Bonynge conducts much of the music at an undanceable tempo (the opening of the scene at the Port of New Orleans is a prime example). There is virtually no rubato throughout. Bonynge never seems to breath with the phrasing. I can't see anyone dancing to many of his tempi.

I don't understand conductors who have different tempi for the concert hall and the stage. After all, the music was composed/arranged for the ballet. (I don't know whether Bonynge in particular employs different tempi, but I'd feel sorry for any company that had to dance at the tempi he's chosen.)