Les Pêcheurs de Perles

The Pearl Fishers is known as “the other opera” by Georges Bizet, being the only stage work by the composer apart from his mega-popular Carmen that has retained even a tenuous spot in the repertory. Set in exotic Ceylon, the libretto essentially revolves around a romantic triangle, in which Zurga, just chosen as king of the fishermen, reconciles with his long-absent friend Nadir, with whom he had quarreled years earlier over Léïla, a woman who now returns as a priestess sworn to chastity. But seeing Nadir again, Léïla's love for him is rekindled, and when the pair are discovered, they are both threatened with execution—until Zurga orchestrates their escape. Les Pêcheurs de Perles lacks the melodramatic punch of the much more famous Carmen, but it compensates with considerable lyrical beauty, especially evident in the lovers' arias and duets. Originally performed in 1863, the work has a complicated textual history; this 2012 production hailing from the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples follows the standard edition that was cobbled together by Bizet's publisher following Bizet's death—which many scholars consider to be corrupt. For those willing to accept this, however, the performance is a good one, with vibrantly opulent sets and costumes, sensitive orchestral playing under Gabriele Ferro, and several athletic dances added by director Fabio Sparvoli. And the vocalism—by Dmitry Korchak (Nadir), Patrizia Ciofi (Léïla), and Dario Solari (Zurga)—is excellent. Presented in DTS 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this colorful production is certainly engaging. Recommended. (F. Swietek)