Day 133
Varney Les Mousquetaires au couvent
Soloists
Orchestra Symphonique de la RTBF
Edgard Doneux
For the next few days I am crossing the channel and concentrating on one of my main interests - 19th century French Opera. Louis Varney (1844-1908) was was prolific composer of opéra comique/operetta. This is the only one of his pieces which has retained even a tenuous place in the repertoire.
I found it a delight and thoroughly enjoyed making its acquaintance. As I have commented before there is no fundamental distinction between ‘serious’ and ‘light’ French operas. The basic musical language is broadly the same and differences are a matter of nuance rather anything more fundamental. So here we have elements of Auber and Rossini, but also Meyerbeer and on to Messager, with the shadow of Offenbach always in the background. Varney has a very attractive lyrical musical voice with some real knockout melodies. The story - men doing into disguise to rescue pretty young girls from a convent -has similarities with with Le Comte Ory and Princess Ida and gives lots of opportunities for attractive melodic writing for the female soloists in thirds. There is so much to enjoy here and there were many times when it made me smile or even laugh out loud. The verve is irresistible.
I’m looking forward exploring more of this repertory over the next few days.
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