Ever heard of La Cour de Célimène by Ambroise Thomas? No, neither have I. Such a pity because that opera really is not to be sneezed at! It is a delightful, erotically tinged comedy in which a young, wealthy widow pits no less than fourteen (!) of her admirers against each other to eventually enter into a marriage of convenience with an old commander.

In between, we also get a duel, as Célimènes latest recruit, the Chevallier (brilliant Sébastien Droy) is hot-tempered, but it all works out and in exchange for a comfortable life in her manor, the commander is only too willing to accept all his wife’s lovers.

Portrait de Marie-Caroline Miolan-Carvalho dans son costume de Marguerite dans Faust Dénomination tirage photographique Dénomination coupure de journal

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photographe Alexandre QUINET

La Comtesse (a role written for the legendary colouratura soprano, Marie Miolan-Carvalho) is beautifully sung by a very virtuoso Laura Claycomb. Joan Rodgers counters her as her more serious sister and Alastair Miles is truly delightful as the Commander.

It’s entertainment of the highest order and the sparkling music is wonderful. What a treat! (ORC 37)

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)