Dialogues des Carmelites

Set during the Reign of Terror (1793-1794) in the aftermath of the French Revolution, this fictionalized account of the martyred Carmelite nuns of Compiegne is the only full length opera by Francis Poulenc, who based his libretto on an unfilmed screenplay by Georges Bernanos. Comprising 3 acts and 12 scenes ("dialogues"), this 1999 performance by the Opéra du Rhin in Strasbourg is a directorial tour de force for actress Marthe Keller (Marathon Man, Bobby Deerfield) and a superb artistic triumph for all involved. The exceptional fusion of talent includes uniformly excellent acting and vocal skills (Anne Sophie Schmidt gets top billing as the heroine Blanche de la Force, but she meets her match in Patricia Petibon who is absolutely radiant as Soeur Constance), splendid choral work, strong and sympathetic orchestral support from Jan Latham-Koenig, and Don King's innovative video production. Visually stunning, emotionally gripping, gloriously tonal, this performance will continue to reward successive viewings. Presented widescreen with a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack in French with the choice of English or Japanese subtitles, this is an essential purchase for libraries with significant arts holdings. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)