Hector Berlioz - Benvenuto Cellini - "Ah! Le ciel, cher epoux" (Patrizia Ciofi & Gregory Kunde)

It's difficult to believe, at certain points in the score, that the opera premiered in 1838, when belcanto was still very much in power, so stunningly innovative the score can be. But in other places it becomes obvious that "Cellini" is as much a herald of a new musical age, as it is a reflection of the traditions that were still being developed around it. The duet for Teresa and Cellini is a perfect example of this dilemma, combining both a dramatically refreshing accompaniment, a traditional succession of cantabile - cabaletta and a lyrical language that wouldn't seem out of place in a purely belcanto work. It opens with traditional couplets for each of the heroes. I would especially point out the sublime melody that forms Teresa's statement, reminding one instantly of a baroque lament. Cellini's answer is more light and optimistic, but Berlioz brilliantly ties both the statements by adopting the same haunting "coda". The subsequent section continues the dreamy atmosphere Berlioz has already created with short romantic phrases. A hurried dialogue is then given, as Teresa asks Cellini to change his clothes and hide his bloodstained sword. The opening section is then resolved by a return to the original statements that are finally connected into a lovely duettino for the lovers. The final stretta with which the piece ends is uncannily French in its' melody and perfectly illustrates the lovers growing happiness at finally being together and out of harm's way (though not for long). Hope you'll enjoy this piece as much as I enjoy it :)!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Hector
• Berlioz
• classical
• Benvenuto
• Cellini
• coloratura