Djamileh

'Djamileh' is almost completely forgotten today, but while it will never be one of the greatest operas it's hardly a bad opera.

The story is at least logical and straightforward, if somewhat too simple with not quite enough to sustain the length, the cultural stereotypes may not bode well also with modern day audiences that are more culturally aware. There is some lovely tuneful music by Bizet that actually carries the story, if not as memorable as those for 'Carmen' and 'Les Pecheurs De Perles', and an exotic atmosphere if done well. 'Djamileh' may lack the emotional intensity and complexity of 'Carmen', but it is more involving than 'La Jolie Fille De Perth' and doesn't have a notoriously implausible plot twist like 'Les Pecheurs De Perles'.

Pierre Jourdan has been responsible for reviving rare French opera, much of which can be found on DVD, and most are great, especially those for Saint Saens' 'Henry VIII', Auber's 'Haydee Ou Le Secret' and Thomas' 'La Songe De La Nuit D'Ete'. That for Gounod's 'La Colombe', not helped by an opera that's not particularly good itself, was one of rare exceptions. His 'Djamileh' is not up there with the best available of his work but it is definitely worth watching.

Lack of subtitles will be a problem for anybody who doesn't know the opera that well (this reviewer didn't at first and had to look it up) or doesn't speak French. As said, 'Djamileh' is not that hard to follow as a plot, but opera DVDs should have subtitles in case there are those who aren't unfamiliar with the opera and are hearing or seeing it first time through the production (DVDs and recordings for this particular opera are very few) or don't know the language.

Technically on the DVD it is serviceable but not great, could have been better but there is nothing that wrecks the experience or anything. The video directing is not a problem, that's expansive when needed and also up close when needed. Picture quality is mostly focused and clear if occasionally grainy and could have been less dark. The sound is resonant enough and allows one to enjoy the moods and colours of Bizet's music, but as with a lot of Jourdan's "rare opera revivals" productions on DVD there are occasional balance issues though mostly it's fine.

Visually, the production does create a simple but elegant exotic atmosphere, even with the odd modern touch that surprisingly doesn't jar that much. And while Jourdan's direction is understated and straightforward it never comes at the expense of momentum and emotional investment.

Musically, the production also acquits itself well. It's performed with beautiful tone, wide ranges of colour and dynamics, tender lyricism and fiery intensity by the orchestra and is alertly and sympathetically conducted. The singers are attractive and young and, while there have been better performances in a rare French opera Joudan-directed revival production, they have very appealing voices and don't sound taxed. Although the opera is not exactly meaty, everybody demonstrates good at least acting ability.

Overall, good production if not quite up there with my favourites from Jourdan. 7/10 Bethany Cox