Ligeti: Le Grand Macabre (Barcelona 2011)
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Release Date: 09/01/2012
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
LIVE RECORDING FROM THE GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU, BARCELONA, 2011
Staged by LA FURA DELS BAUS
Piet the Pot: CHRIS MERRITT
Amando: INÉS MORALEDA
Amanda: ANA PUCHE
Nekrotzar: WERNER VAN MECHELEN
Astradamors: FRODE OLSEN
Venus / Gepopo: BARBARA HANNIGAN
GRAN TEATRE DEL LICEU
Conducted by MICHAEL BODER
Stage Directed by ÀLEX OLLÉ, VALENTINA CARRASCO
World Premiere Recording!
Barcelonas Grand Teatre del Liceu presents György Ligetis sole opera Le grand macabre in a stunningly imaginative and highly theatrical production by La Fura dels Baus - a production that already claimed enormous success in Brussels, London and Rome and - as the Independent proclaimed - only comes along once a decade. Ligetis (1923-2006) absurd-tragicomical masterpiece of the highest order blends popular theater, comics, pop art, cabaret, caricature and the Apocalypse with fascinating imaginativeness. The orchestra, for example, is enhanced with instruments such as car horns and doorbells. Ligeti himself one of the great composers of the later 20th century called his work an anti-anti-opera. Premiered in Stockholm in 1978, the work is based on a play by Michel de Ghelderode (1898-1962) and unfolds in an imaginary land inspired by the famous Dutch painter Pieter Brueghel the Elder: Nekrotzar, the Grand Macabre, announces the end of the world; but in a land ruled by eros, alcohol and corruption, his plan to unleash the Apocalypse bursts like a soap bubble. The people continue to lead their lives as before and refuse to be frightened by thoughts of death and a dark future Masterfully rendering the colorful score is conductor Michael Boder and the orchestra and chorus of the Liceu. The top-notch cast includes Werner Van Mechelen as Nekrotzar, Chris Merritt as Piet the Pot, Barbara Hannigan as Chief of the secret police, and Brian Asawa as Prince Go-Go.
Special Features: Fear to Death - Making Of Le Grand Macabre & Interview with Michael Boder.
REVIEW
The result is splendid [] It is rare that everything fits so well. --El País
A rousing and compellingly presented, surreal spectacle, simply breathtaking! --Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
An international cast, chosen with the Liceu's normal skill, sing well and act to perfection the broad, superficial style that the directors require. --Mike Ashman, Gramophone