Manlio Benzi, Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia - Charles Gounod: Polyeucte (2005)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 670 Mb | Total time: 76:54+75:31 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic | CDS 474/1-2 | Recorded: 2004
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 670 Mb | Total time: 76:54+75:31 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Dynamic | CDS 474/1-2 | Recorded: 2004
There is much to enjoy in this forgotten (save for an aria or two), late (1878) Gounod opera. Essentially the same story as Donizetti’s Poliuto, its title character is a convert to Christianity under the Romans, and his wife Pauline tries to protect him. The Emperor’s envoy, Sévère, still loves Pauline, to whom he was once betrothed–but despite his hatred of Christians, Sévère is noble and tries to save Polyeucte. But the latter insists on making a public scene denouncing idols, and at the end, along with Pauline “who has been converted by the grace of God”, goes to his death in the public arena. Aside from a sappy baptism scene the likes of which would make the Massenet of Thaïs blush with shame, the opera is tuneful, with exciting arias and duets and an ensemble or two, although none of it remains very long in the memory.