Don Quichotte

Although not the last of Jules Massenet's operas—he would compose three more before his death in 1912—his 1910 take on Cervantes' famous elderly knight-errant has a valedictory feel, accentuated in this superb 2010 production from Brussels' Opera de la Monnaie by the presence of Brussels' native son José Van Dam. The libretto is simple: Quichotte falls for the beautiful Dulcinea and determines to prove his love for her by retrieving a necklace stolen by a band of brigands. Instead, Quichotte is captured by the thieves, although his nobility so moves the rogues that they return the necklace. But while Dulcinea is happy to recover her missing jewelry, she spurns Quichotte, and he dies broken-hearted. The rich score is gorgeously performed by the company orchestra under Marc Minkowski. Septuagenarian Van Dam can no longer manage the lowest baritone register, but he remains an extremely stylish, affecting performer, while Silvia Tro Santafé is a resplendent Dulcinea (both visually and vocally), and Werner Van Mechelen is a gruffly humorous Sancho Panza. Although the costumes are an odd mix—gorgeous gowns for Dulcinea, a tattered topcoat for Quichotte, and glitzy toreador garb and black tuxedos (sometimes topped by horse-head masks!) for male choristers—the lavish sets are a distinct plus. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, DVD extras include a “making-of” documentary. A striking production of a relatively rare opera, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)