Claude Debussy applied the techniques of impressionism to score the medieval dream world of Maurice Maeterlinck's 1892 stage play, Pelléas et Mélisande. Wandering in the mythical kingdom of Allemonde, the widower Golaud comes upon the mysterious woman Mélisande, whom he marries and brings back to his castle, after which Golaud's stepbrother Pelléas falls in love with her. When the title characters are discovered in a romantic tryst, the cuckolded Golaud murders Pelléas, and later Mélisande also dies—in childbirth—leaving her daughter with an uncertain legacy. In this opera, the music fuses with and propels the flowing action, uninterrupted by set arias, while the dream world fantasy is taken a step further in this unusual 2004 production filmed live at the Opernhaus Zürich: the setting is a frozen landscape, and the psychological duality and distance of the characters is portrayed through the use of mannequins—doppelgangers who are confronted by their live counterparts. Yes, it's decidedly weird, but I found myself totally absorbed in the drama, thanks to fine acting on the part of Rodney Gilfry as Pelléas, Isabel Rey as Mélisande, Michael Volle as Golaud, and the exceptional László Polgár as King Arkel, all admirably backed by the Orchester der Oper Zürich, superbly lead by Franz Welser-Möst. Although more traditional productions are available (which would be better choices for some), this offbeat mounting—presented in Dolby Digital 5.0, DTS, and LCPM stereo—is recommended for larger collections. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
Pelléas et Mélisande
(2004) 2 discs. 161 min. In French w/English subtitles. DVD: $29.99 (booklet included). TDK (dist. by Naxos of America). Color cover. Volume 21, Issue 5
Pelléas et Mélisande
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