Manon
Jules Massenet’s Manon at the Berlin Staatsoper
2007 · 3h 20m
Music
Directed by
Vincent Paterson
Overview
Massenet's opera centres on its charming but contrary heroine, the vivacious young Manon who longs for luxury and excitement. We first encounter her en route to a convent, where her family are sending her to be educated. Along the way, she falls in love with the young student Des Grieux, and, impetuously, runs off with him. She soon leaves him, however, to become the mistress of a rich nobleman. Thus begins her descent into criminality and depravity, all too soon dragging the besotted Des Grieux with her, until she is imprisoned. Despite its tragic story, the opera is full of French charm and vitality – typified by the ambiguous Manon herself. Her plight is touching because of the subtle play of innocence and calculation in her character. The score contains many sparkling arias and ensembles, moving rapidly from moods of exuberance to tenderness, with perfect dramatic timing. Recorded live at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, April/May 2007.
Director and cast
- Vincent Paterson Director
- Anna Netrebko as Manon Lescaut
- Rolando Villazón as Des Grieux
- Alfredo Daza as Lescaut
- Christof Fischesser as Le Comte Des Grieux
- Remy Corazza as Guillot de Morfontaine
- Artu Kataja as Bretigny
- Hanan Alattar as Pousette
- Gal James, singer as Javotte
- Silvia De La Muela as Rosette
- Matthias Vieweg Cast
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