5 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Opera with lots of gusto, and ending in an explosion!, October 8, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Le Prophete / La Dame Blanche (Audio CD)
Though I have not heard this CD, as it is not out yet, I do own a columbia recording of "Le Prophet" conducted by Henry Lewis and staring Marilyn Horne, Renata Scotto, James McCracken, and Jerome Hines. It is fantastic! The most difficult role is that of the old beggar woman, and mother of the "Prophet", Fides. This role was written for the renown singer Pauline Viardot-Garcia. It is a role that if a singer is not in perfect voice and health, don't even attempt it! The recording I own is simply a revelation. Meyerbeer is a terribly misunderstood composer who fell into obsurity because of the jealousies of other people, mostly Wagner. He is French Grand Opera at its best, and for those who love that style, this opera will not disappoint. It took advantage of the new invention of the day -- roller skates, and thus had a "skating ballet." Unlike most singers of the past, Horne sings all the difficulties this role has to offer, and really quite excellently. I recommend it, if for nothing more than the prison scene and the famous aria, "Oh, Toi qui m'abandonne."
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