Thanks as always for a thoughtful and insightful review, Hugh. I gave this recording a quick listen before the performance at Bard College in the US in late July. Will give it a more careful listen.
Thank YOU, Peter. The set has made me rethink Meyerbeer. Elder has a sympathy with this music and the theatrical flair to bring the sleepier pages to life, and the cast, is very stylish, even if it isn't specifically French. Both Osborn and DeShong are the business!
John Osborn never disappoints - and his French diction is usually faultless - I have heard him as Des Grieux negotiate all the treacherous "fuyez'" (...douce image) without once falling into the trap of pronouncing it "fouillez" as often happens with non-francophone tenors. Even though we shall be deprived of the spectacular good looks of Edwin Crossley-Mercer, it would seem that this Prophète should be in my basket very soon. Thanks!
Thanks as always for a thoughtful and insightful review, Hugh. I gave this recording a quick listen before the performance at Bard College in the US in late July. Will give it a more careful listen.
Thank YOU, Peter. The set has made me rethink Meyerbeer. Elder has a sympathy with this music and the theatrical flair to bring the sleepier pages to life, and the cast, is very stylish, even if it isn't specifically French. Both Osborn and DeShong are the business!
John Osborn never disappoints - and his French diction is usually faultless - I have heard him as Des Grieux negotiate all the treacherous "fuyez'" (...douce image) without once falling into the trap of pronouncing it "fouillez" as often happens with non-francophone tenors. Even though we shall be deprived of the spectacular good looks of Edwin Crossley-Mercer, it would seem that this Prophète should be in my basket very soon. Thanks!
You’re most welcome! Osborn & Spyres are the tenors of the grand’opéra Renaissance!