La légende de Joseph en Égypte

Théâtre Impérial De Compiègne have been interesting for their revival productions of unknown or rarely performed opera, and while their production of Mehul's Joseph- one of those rarely performed operas, despite being a critical success at the time, that is worthy of revival- is not one of their better productions (this is the same theatre responsible for wonderful productions of Saint Saens' Henry VIII and Thomas' Le Songe D'une Nuit d'été) it is still very interesting and worth seeing for more than just curiosity value.

La Légende De Joseph en Égypte is a little lacking in terms of technical values. While nicely and unobtrusively filmed, the picture quality could have done with more sharpness and colour and less of the slightly drab look, and while there isn't as big a problem with balance as some of the theatre's other productions like Une Education manqué the sound does lack resonance and the sound occasionally favours the orchestra. The lack of subtitles is a pity, as somebody who has and is studying French it was not a problem understanding what was said but anybody who doesn't know the language will have a hard time following what's going on.

There isn't an awful lot wrong with the production itself, other than some of the sets feeling a bit too bare when a theatre as grand as Théâtre Impérial De Compiègne could have come up with something grander, some sloppy synchronisation and some of the slow movements and reactions get a little dull after a while and don't add an awful lot to the storytelling.

However, La Légende De Joseph en Égypte's costumes are appropriate and very illustrative of Biblical-based stories, lighting is atmospheric and the grander Egyptian settings are beautiful to watch. The extensive spoken dialogue is informative and very expressively delivered. Musically, there is very little to complain about at all, it's very beautiful music from Mehul Vainement Pharaon . . . Champs Paternels being the most well-known aria from the opera, and it's performed with total commitment and a rich stylish sound from the orchestra, the choral and ensemble singing is beautifully blended and passionate and they are all sensitively but authoritatively conducted by Claude Bardon.

Laurence Dale is outstanding as Joseph, his singing is thrillingly steely and also effortlessly graceful, and his acting commanding and affecting. Brigitte Lafon is a radiantly sung and touchingly and charmingly acted Benjamin. René Massis sings with little strain and captures Simeon's jealousy and guilt with intensity. And Frédéric Vassar sings with sonority and his Jacob is very nobly portrayed. Watch also for a very young Natalie Dessay in a minor role

All in all, interesting and enjoyable, though I've seen better from Théâtre Impérial De Compiègne. 7/10 Bethany Cox