La Vie Parisienne (1991)
La Vie Parisienne (1991) Opéra National de Lyon. Offenbach / French
This 1991 production by the Lyon National Opera presents a welcome opportunity to revel in a uniquely Gallic confection rarely seen outside France. It's also a chance to enjoy one of Offenbach's most inventive, melodic scores in which the starring musical role and many of the best tunes go to the orchestra, here conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce. This is no accident: the operetta was originally created for a company of actors who relied on pastiche and the composer's help to get them through their "numbers". Not so these singers, of course. As Metella, the languorous courtesan who is responsible for the unravelling debacle, Helene Delavault is in meltingly good voice for her show-stopping rondeau, "A minuit sonnant commence la fete". Her sparring suitors Gardefeu (Jean-Francois Sivadier) and, particularly, Bobinet (Jacques Verzier) combine marvellous visual comedy with fluid singing and there is some dazzling vocal work from the supporting cast. It's a long piece, but hugely enjoyable.
Cast
- Hélène Delavault - Métella
- Jean-François Sivadier - Raoul de Gardefeu
- Jacques Verzier - Bobinet
- Jean-Yves Chatelais - Baron de Gondremarck
- Claire Wauthion - Baronne de Gondremarck
- Isabelle Mazin - Gabrielle
- Pierre Berriau - Prosper
- Caroline Chaniolleau - Leonie
- Alain Hocine - Frick
- Nathalie Joly - Pauline
Screenplay
Keywords
opera live performance
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is La Vie Parisienne about?
- This 1991 production by the Lyon National Opera presents a welcome opportunity to revel in a uniquely Gallic confection rarely seen outside France. It's also a chance to enjoy one of Offenbach's most inventive, melodic scores in which the starring musical role and many of the best tunes go to the orchestra, here conducted by Jean-Yves Ossonce. This is no accident: the operetta was originally created for a company of actors who relied on pastiche and the composer's help to get them through their "numbers". Not so these singers, of course. As Metella, the languorous courtesan who is responsible for the unravelling debacle, Helene Delavault is in meltingly good voice for her show-stopping rondeau, "A minuit sonnant commence la fete". Her sparring suitors Gardefeu (Jean-Francois Sivadier) and, particularly, Bobinet (Jacques Verzier) combine marvellous visual comedy with fluid singing and there is some dazzling vocal work from the supporting cast. It's a long piece, but hugely enjoyable.
- Who directed La Vie Parisienne?
- La Vie Parisienne was directed by Pierre Cavassilas, Alain Françon.
- Who stars in La Vie Parisienne?
- La Vie Parisienne stars Hélène Delavault, Jean-François Sivadier, Jacques Verzier, Jean-Yves Chatelais, Claire Wauthion, Isabelle Mazin.
- How long is La Vie Parisienne?
- La Vie Parisienne has a runtime of 2h 39m (159 minutes).
- What genre is La Vie Parisienne?
- La Vie Parisienne is a Music film.
- Where was La Vie Parisienne produced?
- La Vie Parisienne was produced in France.