Greece Hotels Travel - Massenet - Manon / Fleming, Alvarez, Vernhes, Chaignaud, Lopez-Cobos, Paris Opera
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List Price: $29.99
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Manufacturer: Tdk DVD Video
Starring: Renée Fleming, Marcelo Alvarez, Jean-Luc Chaignaud, Michel Sénéchal, Alain Vernhes
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0824121000295
Format: Classical
Label: Tdk DVD Video
Manufacturer: Tdk DVD Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Tdk DVD Video
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2003-10-21
Running Time: 164
Studio: Tdk DVD Video
Theatrical Release Date: 2001
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Editorial Reviews:
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This DVD introduces a production by Gilbert Deflo, which had its first performance at the Bastille opera in Paris in June 1997, conducted by Jesus Lopez-Cobos. It was an unforgettable experience thanks to the splendid historical costumes by William Orlando, the minimal décor, the sophisticated lighting as well as the musical excellence of the performers. It was also due to the charisma of Renée Fleming; she confessed in an interview, "I think Manon is my favorite role. I love French music, it is so elegant and delicate stylistically. It has both dramatic and lyrical elements." Marcelo Alvarez was brilliant in the role of the Chevalier des Grieux, and among the other artists were Jean-Luc Chaignaud as Lescaut, Alain Vernhes as the Comte des Grieux, Michel Sénéchal as Guillot de Morfontaine and the choir and orchestra of l'Opéra de Paris.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating: 
Summary: A Night at the Opera
Comment: And a very satisfying one too!
Massenet's music is sublime; the satin-voiced Renee Fleming portrays a charming Manon and Marcelo Alvarez, a convincing Des Grieux (although no one can live up to my childhood memories of seeing the great Brazilian soprano Bidu Sayao and Giuseppe Di Stefano in the leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera). The highlight for me was Alvarez's heart-breaking rendition of "Ah, fuyez, douce image!" as Des Grieux waits to take his vows at Saint Sulpice. The red-haired Fleming is stunning in the title role, but she presents such a picture of health that I had to suspend my disbelief when she is supposed to be dying on the rode to Le Havre. This is partly the fault of the costumer, who dressed her in shiny peacock blue satin (supposed to be the tattered remnants left over from the Hotel de Transylvanie, when she was arrested; because of its sheen, the costume doesn't look quite tattered enough.).
For the most part, William Orlandi's costumes are reminiscent of a Watteau or Fragonard painting, and I suppose it was excusable to conceive the scenes at Cours la Reine in commedia dell'arte Venetian costumes a la Tiepolo. However, I disliked Orlandi's use of scarlet, a color that seems not only anachronistic for a woman in the early 18th century but also rather obvious on a symbolic level, especially when Manon doffs her black domino in Saint Sulpice (One would think that Des Grieux might think twice about leaving the church for such a patently scarlet woman!). I also think that that blue is not the most effective choice of color for a woman who is obsessed with gold in the gambling scene (I recall Sayao wearing gold watered silk reminiscent of the gown worn by Mme. de la Pompadour in Francois Boucher's portrait.). Nevertheless, it is a pleasure to see a production that utilizes traditional costumes instead of "modern" representations that turn up in some productions (One thinks of the flannel nightgowns and pillows for the water nymphs in "Roussalka"!).
The supporting cast is excellent, particularly Alain Vernhes in what can be the thankless role of the Count Des Grieux, and Michel Senechal as the old roue Guillot de Mortfontaine.
Despite the above reservations, this production is on the whole excellent, and the ending left my cheeks wet with tears.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fleming à Paris
Comment: Pour Renée Fleming, il s'agissait sans doute d'un "challenge" : chanter Manon, en Français of course, et à l'Opéra de Paris! Challenge réussi...qui pourrait résister à l'une des plus belles femmes au monde, dont la voix irradie et enchante?
Curieusement, Manon est devenue la coqueluche des grandes maisons d'opéra, et les chanteuses d'aujourd'hui (Dessay et Netrebko, entre autres) aiment se l'approprier. C'est très bien, car l'opéra possède beaucoup plus de charmes que sa rivale puccinienne, trop brutale à mon goût.
La production française se veut plus intimiste qu'à Vienne ou Barcelone, avec de beaux cadrages qui se resserrent ou s'élargissent, comme des plans cinématographiques, évoquant aussi bien Watteau que Choderlos de Laclos (les liaisons dangereuses). Les costumes sont absolument magnifiques. Mention spéciale au vétéran Michel Sénéchal, acteur, comédien et chanteur, qui sait ce que théâtre veut dire...
Renée Fleming est éblouissante (mais ça, on le savait déjà) et son ténor est remarquable.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Vive Manon!
Comment: Superbly sung and beautifully produced stage version of "Manon". Renee Fleming is in divine voice and looks ravishing in the various costumes. Her impeccable French phrasing is a joy to behold. Marcelo Alvarez is a wonderful singer. The costumes and set are perfect. Not too outlandish or overdone. Sound and picture quality are excellent. The camera people did an outstanding job of filming this live show. The audience is clearly appreciative of what they witnessed that evening. Highly recommended.
Customer Rating:
Summary: sad but beautiful...
Comment: The opera of melancholy, and that's Massenet and I love it! And oh,
I'm a Fleming fan, also I like Alvarez. This Manon is preferable to
Puccini's prolonged piece--
so it's heartbreakingly recommended...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Exquisite Manon: Fleming & Alvarez in top form
Comment: The first time I saw this performance was actually on the big screen for it was a part of an opera-festival in Vienna. My memories weren't deceiving me here. Not since the days of de los Angeles (Still a fave) have I been as enchanted with a Manon. Renee Fleming portrays both the innocent girl as well as the corrupted seductress perfectly. Her voice is like a sensual perfume, gorgeous, warm and bursting with colours and emnotions. (I don't get much of Manon's corruption & cunning from de los Angeles, Freni or Cotrubas. Sills on the other hand manages a balance of supreme artistry but her voice is less luxurious than Fleming's) Manon is not an innocent with a pretty sweet voice, Manon is first of all a weak, greedy & seductive woman. (Her innocence is soon gone) & Fleming portrays that with luxurious colours, wonderful FRench diction (de los Angeles & Vallin beat her there though) and exquisite pacing. Her costumes are GORGEOUS & fittingly garish (For a courtesan) as is her make-up. I also love that she's not stick-thin but has womanly curves, in the 18th century they preferred women like that btw.
Alvarez is even better when it comes to the French style, yet his acting (Vocal & physical) is a bit wooden, maybe on purpose, 'cause the role ain't a seducer. He's brilliant in the church-scene, exquisite in the final scene where he phrases emotionally & sings with a gorgeous timbre that so fits des Grieux's nature.
The production is lovely, no Euro-Trash anywhere. Lopez Cobos, a veteran, conducts with fire & style, the rest of the cast is great as well. A must buy for Fleming fans & beyond.
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