Manon Lescaut

For those who are wondering this is neither the operas of Puccini or Massenet. This is from Auber this time around, and it was a new opera for me. It is a very interesting one, the music is lovely and the story touching, but I do prefer Puccini's and Massenet's, the latter being more plausible in terms of story. This is a very good production actually. It is just unfortunate that the picture quality is not as sharp as it should be and the sound having an almost half-muted quality to it(those new to the opera may also like subtitles but sadly there isn't any), as the production does boast evocative costumes and exquisite sets. The orchestral playing shows style and pathos, and Patrick Fournillier conducts firmly without letting the pace slacken and allowing the orchestration to sparkle. The staging is poignant and intense. Manon here is the biggest role, almost like a big colouratura showpiece with smaller roles, and Elisabeth Vidal does justice to that. Her colouratura is bright, flexible and positively dances when needed, and as well as an attractive appearance she brings out the girlish naivety and innocence of the character very nicely. Rene Massis makes his pursuing of Manon convincing, and Alain Gabriel is an ardent Des Grieux. Andre Cognet's Lescaut is both sympathetic and authoritative and Brigitte Lafon is a characterful Margarite. Overall, an interesting rarity and a very good production that is deserving of a better DVD. 8/10 Bethany Cox