Ariane et Barbe-bleue

The story of serial wife-killer Bluebeard and his new bride—whose curiosity about a locked door in his castle leads Bluebeard to plan her death as well—was the subject of numerous operas from the 18th through the 20th century, including Bartók's 1918 Duke Bluebeard's Castle. Ariane et Barbe-bleue by Paul Dukas dates from 1907 and was composed to a libretto by symbolist writer Maurice Maeterlinck, offering an exploration of the female psyche that is more interested in imagery and suggestion than realistic narrative. The reasonably evocative score is performed in this 2011 production from Madrid's Gran Teatre de Liceu under the baton of conductor Stéphane Denève, with Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet starring as a vivid, strong-voiced Ariane. As Barbe-bleue, veteran José van Dam no longer possesses his once-commanding vocal power, but he remains an authoritative stage presence. Claus Guth's production opts for modern dress and a rather sterile set, with a simple projection of a large house, rather than a castle, accompanying the opening chorus (still, in a work such as this—where psychology trumps realism—it's an acceptable choice). Presented in DTS 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on the Blu-ray release) and LPCM stereo, extras include a cast gallery. Recommended. (F. Swietek)