Virginia Zeani as Blanche in "The Carmelites" La Scala - 1

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.

Category:

Music

Tags:

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

[qklq42]

Only the greatest performers want to sing in a world-premiere. This Virginea Zeani belongs surely indeed to the very greatest. I now wonder if there is also a recording of the turkish soprano Leyla Gencer, who also was a member of the cast in the world-premiere of this masterpiece. Virginea Zeani, Leyla Gencer and Magda Olivero, they are all very underrated by the recording companies.

Hans NL

[basenjidiva]

When Zeani conveys fear, we feel terror! Her incomparably expressive voice is totally compelling.

At the tragic conclusion of the opera, Zeani was asked if she felt great fear. Her reply was that she felt ecstacy!

Such glorious gifts she has; such a fabulous gift she is... for all of us, to treasure, and to celebrate! An iconic performance!

Brava, Zeani!

[qklq42]

The sound of this great soprano touch you straight into your hart. This is a overwhelming performance of this overwhelming opera. Together with Magda Olivero I considder Virginia Zeani as the greatest artists of our times. We are happy folks who can hear all these great musical moments !

[SENAFOREVER]

You're spoiling us, my dear, and it's great!