Debussy - Pelléas et Mélisande
by Peter Stein, Pierre Boulez
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Alison Hagley, Donald Maxwell, Kenneth Cox, Neill Archer, Penelope WalkerDirector: Peter Stein, Pierre Boulez
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: Chinese (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Original Language); English (Original Language); Spanish (Original Language); German (Original Language); Mandarin Chinese (Original Language)
Format: Color, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 158 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2002-10-29
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
Movie Reviews of Debussy - Pelléas et Mélisande
Movie Review: Wonderful production of a masterpiece
Summary: 5 Stars
As is well known, "Pelléas et Mélisande" caused a scandal at its 1902 premiere, instantly polarizing the French musical community between those who loved the opera and those who loathed it. But it has long since achieved recognition as a one-of-a-king masterpiece, a career-defining work for Debussy, and one of the great operas of the twentieth century. But it's not an opera for everyone. Everything is vague, suggestive, and understated. There are no arias or ensembles, just a wonderfully expressive and flexible sort of speech-song, with orchestral writing of infinite colors and textures. The average operagoer is confused by the lack of "operatic" trappings, and the intimacy and subtlety are lost in a large theater. So this DVD is an excellent way to experience the work. Pierre Boulez has long been known for his clear, communicative performances of twentieth-century music, and he has always considered Debussy a major twentieth-century composer. When he first recorded the orchestral works in the late sixties, the clarity and precision of the performances were considered revelatory. He brings the same qualities to "Pelléas", along with an unexpected passion and lyricism. And he has a superlative cast, without a weak link - beautiful singing, strong characterization, and exemplary French diction. I especially enjoyed Alison Hagley. I knew her from her delightful Susanna on a Glyndebourne "Figaro". Perhaps surprisingly, her Mélisande is also delightful - not a pallid cipher, but a witty, multifaceted heroine. I was also most impressed by Samuel Burkey as Yniold; this little boy handles the difficult music with aplomb, acts well, and is unfazed by the language. The sets are mostly abstract shapes and very dark, but they work well; and the lighting effects are striking. I rather enjoyed seeing pages from Boulez's conducting score during the orchestral interludes - an unusual and innovative approach. I agree with a couple of other reviewers that this is one of the best opera DVDs available. Strongly recommended!
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