Product Description
Featuring:
Bernard Richter (Atys), Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Cybèle), Emmanuelle de Negri (Sangaride), Nicolas Rivenq (Célénus), Marc Mauillon (Idas), Sophie Daneman (Doris), Jaël Azzaretti (Mélisse), Paul Agnew (Le Sommeil) & Cyril Auvity (Morphée)
Danseurs Compagnie Fêtes galantes & Les Arts Florissants, William Christie (conductor) & Jean-Marie Villégier (director)
Carlo Tommasi (designer)
Patrice Cauchetier (costumes)
Francine Lancelot, Béatrice Massin (choreography)
William Christie: "There were a number of important moments in the history of the Arts Florissants, but there's one moment that obviously stands out - and that's the moment when we produced Atys." Christie had been approached by the director of the Paris Opera, Massimo Bogianckino, to think about putting on a Lully opera. Christie was advised by the Opéra-Comique's Thierry Fouquet that Quinault's libretto for 'Atys' would demand an extraordinary stage director - Jean-Marie Villégier took this role and he, together with Christie, created 'Atys'. The production marked the renaissance of Baroque Opera in France.
The American philanthropist Ronald P. Stanton has funded this 2011, Opera Comique production that has been described as 'one to see before you die', and it is clear that the magic of this show is still intact. Villégier has concentrated the tragedy in a unique backdrop of black marble, marked by furniture from the State Apartments of Versailles, and sumptuous costumes designed by Patrice Cauchetier with graceful choreography by the late Francine Lancelot revived by Béatrice Massin. The fabulous musicians and choir of Les Arts Florissants and the Jardin des Voix need no introduction here.
Last, but not least, we have the powerfully-projected Atys of Bernard Richter, admired mezzo, Stephanie d'Oustrac as Cybele, rival to the vibrant Sangaride, sung by soprano Emmanuelle de Negri. Discover this masterpiece of Lully magnified by the combined talents of William Christie and Jean Marie Villégier.
Product Reviews
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One to see before you die
Posted by Clive - Fish Fine Music on 13th Mar 2012
This production might just be the most important staging of a French Baroque Opera in our times. A glorification of Louis XIV, Atys was such a success in 1676 that it became "the opera of the Sun King". Three centuries later its unforgettable revival directed by Jean-Marie Villégier toured the world in a record 80 performances. The production marked the renaissance of Baroque Opera in France.
The American philanthropist Ronald P. Stanton has funded this 2011, Opera Comique production that has been described as 'one to see before you die', and it is clear that the magic of this show is still intact. Villégier has concentrated the tragedy in a unique backdrop of black marble, marked by furniture from the State Apartments of Versailles, and sumptuous costumes designed by Patrice Cauchetier with graceful choreography by the late Francine Lancelot revived by Béatrice Massin. The fabulous musicians and choir of Les Arts Florissants and the Jardin des Voix need no introduction here.
Last, but not least, we have the powerfully-projected Atys of Bernard Richter, admired mezzo, Stephanie d'Oustrac as Cybele, rival to the vibrant Sangaride, sung by soprano Emmanuelle de Negri. Watch the clip below of the iconic 'sleep scene' and I hope you will be as smitten as I was.
“The stateliest of Lully's operas, Atys is given an exceptionally handsome performance here. When it first appeared in 1987 this was a landmark recording. It remains a performance to treasure.” BBC Music Magazine