Virginia Zeani as Blanche in "The Carmelites" La Scala - 2

Poulenc was commissioned to write a new work for La Scala Milan and composed Les Dialogues des Carmelites to a French text by Georges Bernanos.

The World Premiere was to be sung in Italian and Poulenc personally chose Virginia Zeani to play the leading role of Blanche de la Force, having heard her in Paris as Violetta,

Blanche de la Force is a nervous young noblewoman, so terrified by the events of the French Revolution that she cries in terror at the sight of a passing shadow. Composing herself, she calmly tells her father that the only way she can find safety and peace of mind is to enter a convent.

In the final scene the nuns have been arrested by the revolutionary guard. Blanche, who had fled to avoid capture, is not with them as they are taken to the guillotine. As they approach the scaffold they sing together a bold "Salve Regina" and are executed one by one.

The last nun is young Sister Constance, Blanche's nearest friend. Sister Constance turns and looks for Blanche in the crowd. They see each other, and Blanche, at last no longer afraid, calmly follows Sister Constance to execution.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Virginia
• Zeani
• Carmelites
• Francis
• Poulenc
• Georges
• Bernanos
• La
• Scala
• Milan
• world
• premiere
• French
• Opera
• Soprano

[mjmacmtenor]

The Met has a VERY successful production of Carmelites in the 70s-80s. It is interesting that it starred "high" mezzos (von Stade, Maria Ewing) in the role of Blanche. It is a testament to Zeani that she was so successful in a role that was SOO different (stylistically and tessitura) from the other bel canto roles she was performing at the time.

[CharlotteinWeimar]

@mjmacmtenor Yes, Zeani is successful in a remarkably diverse repertoire  as demonstrated in my video

"Virginia Zeani Most Versatile Soprano" :

[basenjidiva]

Can you imagine Zeani's versatility? From Rossini, to Verdi, to Puccini to Poulenc!!! Absolutely incredible!

From Bel Canto to Verissmo, Zeani is always the comsummate actress, inhabiting her role, and convincing all within her range with her persuasive acting and incomparable voice.

Brava, Virginia! No wonder Poulenc, himself, chose you as his Blanche!

[scootscoot1996]

perfect song. a master piece. a shame that probably 95% of the US does not know of its exsitence.

[JefRoberts]

I love this opera so much... And it was in this opera that I saw Madame Zeani on stage for the only time - in San Francisco as Mere Marie. It will always be a cherished memory.

[qklq42]

IIn my mind is the Dialoque des Carmélites one of the most wonderful opera's ever written......

[mariusfelix]

Wonderful slow tempo!

[ItsApocalyptic]

I'm glad I'm one of the 5%.

[qklq42]

Like so much other sopranos of the time of Callas and Tebaldi,this heavenly sopranos as Virginia Zeani, Leyla Gencer, Magda Olivero ond so on were neglected by the grammofone-companies and soooo underrated. I am so glad that we can enjoy these great artist in You Tube. Thanks for sharing !!

Hans NL