February 1, 2023
Author and music critic Robert Reilly joins us on the podcast to discuss Francis Poulenc’s 1957 work, one of the greatest operas of all time. Carmelite Dialoguewhich host Thomas Milas recently saw at the Metropolitan Opera. Based on the true story of 16 Carmelite nuns martyred during the French Revolution (famously singing the Salve Regina on their way to the guillotine), the opera is an adaptation of a play by Georges Bernanos, which in turn was adapted from a novel by Gertrud von Le Fort. Song at the Execution Grounds.
With a remarkable spiritual realism, Dialogue
A dramatic expression of the inner conflict of the soul, the motivation to pursue a religious vocation, the fear of death and the transmission of grace are all intertwined in this work, which, combined with Poulenc’s magnificent music, is even more moving.
In addition to this opera, Riley presents other fine music by this Catholic composer.
One of the most popular operas of the 20th century – book/stage play by Georges Bernanos, based on Gertrud von le Fort’s The Guillotine Song.
link
Robert Riley, Astonished by Beauty: A Listener’s Guide to the Renaissance of Contemporary Music
https://www.amazon.com/Surprised-Beauty-Listeners-Recovery-Modern/dp/1586179055
Surposed by Beauty website featuring music reviews and album recommendations https://surprisedbybeautyorg.wordpress.com
Poulenc recordings heard in this episode:
Mass No. 2 in G majorRIAS Chamber Choir, Conductor: Marcus Creed
Carmelite DialogueDelvaux, Duval, Crespin
Video displayed:
From the finale of the 1987 Metropolitan Opera performance Carmelite Dialogue https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbRpYJsqhpE
Excerpt from the Metropolitan Opera 2019:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehyz-CH4QHI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wchkYKj5n8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqtgq-SkpRA
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