Ariane et Barbe-bleue
Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (Ariane and Bluebeard) is an opera in three acts by Paul Dukas. The libretto is adapted from the symbolist play by Maurice Maeterlinck. It received its first performance at the Opéra Comique in Paris in 10 May 1902. It has often been compared to the opera Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy which is based on another play by Maeterlinck. Both plays feature the character of Mélisande. Dukas who knew Debussy well, uses Mélisande's musical theme borrowed from Debussy in his opera. Ariane and Blue-Beard has never become a popular opera and is rarely performed. Two commercial recordings of it exist. There are also recordings of an orchestral suite.
Characters
The wives of Bluebeard
- Geneviève - Mezzo-soprano
- Ygraine - Soprano
- Melisande - Soprano
- Béllangère - Soprano
- An old peasant - Baritone
- 2nd peasant - Tenor
- 3rd peasant - Bass
- Peasants - Chorus
Setting
- Time: The Middle Ages.
- Place: Bluebeard's castle.
Recordings
- Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Armin Jordan), singers : Katherine Ciesinski (Ariane), Mariana Paunova (la nourrice) Gabriel Bacquier (Barbe-Bleue); New Philharmonia Orchestra, Chœur de Radio France); 1983.
- Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Tony Aubin), singers : Berthe Montmart (Ariane), Marie Luce Bellary (la nourrice) Xavier Depraz (Barbe-Bleue); Chorus and orchestra; 1968.
- Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, suite, (conducted by Arturo Toscanini), NBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus; 1947.
External links
- Libretto available at http://www.karadar.com/Librettos/dukas_ariane.html