Massenet: Manon (2007)

Jules Massenet’s Manon at the Berlin Staatsoper

Massenet: Manon (2007) poster

Massenet's opera centres on its charming but contrary heroine, the vivacious young Manon who longs for luxury and excitement. We first encounter her en route to a convent, where her family are sending her to be educated. Along the way, she falls in love with the young student Des Grieux, and, impetuously, runs off with him. She soon leaves him, however, to become the mistress of a rich nobleman. Thus begins her descent into criminality and depravity, all too soon dragging the besotted Des Grieux with her, until she is imprisoned. Despite its tragic story, the opera is full of French charm and vitality – typified by the ambiguous Manon herself. Her plight is touching because of the subtle play of innocence and calculation in her character. The score contains many sparkling arias and ensembles, moving rapidly from moods of exuberance to tenderness, with perfect dramatic timing. Recorded live at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, April/May 2007.

Director: Vincent Paterson, Bernhard Fleischer, Andreas Morell
Genre: Music
Runtime: 200 min
Release Date:

Cast

Screenplay

Music: Jules Massenet
Editing: Gernot Arendt
Production: Unitel Classics, Deutsche Grammophon
Country: Germany
Language: Français
Original Language: fr

Keywords

opera

More Films by Director: Vincent Paterson, Bernhard Fleischer, Andreas Morell
More Films in Genre: Music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Massenet: Manon about?
Massenet's opera centres on its charming but contrary heroine, the vivacious young Manon who longs for luxury and excitement. We first encounter her en route to a convent, where her family are sending her to be educated. Along the way, she falls in love with the young student Des Grieux, and, impetuously, runs off with him. She soon leaves him, however, to become the mistress of a rich nobleman. Thus begins her descent into criminality and depravity, all too soon dragging the besotted Des Grieux with her, until she is imprisoned. Despite its tragic story, the opera is full of French charm and vitality – typified by the ambiguous Manon herself. Her plight is touching because of the subtle play of innocence and calculation in her character. The score contains many sparkling arias and ensembles, moving rapidly from moods of exuberance to tenderness, with perfect dramatic timing. Recorded live at the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, Berlin, April/May 2007.
Who directed Massenet: Manon?
Massenet: Manon was directed by Vincent Paterson, Bernhard Fleischer, Andreas Morell.
Who stars in Massenet: Manon?
Massenet: Manon stars Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón, Alfredo Daza, Christof Fischesser, Remy Corazza, Artu Kataja.
How long is Massenet: Manon?
Massenet: Manon has a runtime of 3h 20m (200 minutes).
What genre is Massenet: Manon?
Massenet: Manon is a Music film.
Where was Massenet: Manon produced?
Massenet: Manon was produced in Germany.