La voix humaine by Poulenc and French mélodies
In co-production with the Festival d’opéra de Québec
Proud sponsor of JM Canada’s opera
In this double bill in which the comedy gives way to human tragedy, Poulenc’s La voix humaine takes on an almost veristic meaning, as a broken relationship is woven through the mundane language of a telephone conversation. In this distressful monologue, a woman attempts to speak to her lover over the phone, slowly laying bare her sadness and pain at being abandoned. In the first half, a singer performs a selection of French mélodies, its levity juxtaposed against the lyrical tragedy of the second half. In this way, French operetta arias are brought into harmony with Poulenc’s La voix humaine in a rich, daring, and contrasting vocal concert.
PLANNED TOUR PERIOD
October 10 to November 18, 2024
A FIRST LOOK AT THE REPERTOIRE
F. POULENC (1899-1963)
Souviens-toi du dimanche de Versailles* ÉCOUTEZ
Pardonne-moi, je sais que cette scène est intolérable* ÉCOUTEZ
Mais non, mon chéri, ce n’est pas du tout pareil* ÉCOUTEZ
FRENCH MÉLODIES
C. SAINT-SAËNS (1935-1921)
La cigale et la fourmi** LISTEN
* Audio file recorded by Kirsten Leblanc (soprano) and Esther Gonthier (piano).
** Audio file recorded by Olivier Bergeron (baritone) and Esther Gonthier (piano).
Recording and editing by Pierre Léger.
