Composer: Jacques Offenbach
Works: La Belle Hélène
Performers: Dame Felicity Lott (Hélène), Yann Beuron (Paris), Michel Sénéchal (Ménélas), Laurent Naouri (Agamemnon), François Le Roux (Calchas), Marie-Ange Torodovitch (Oreste), Eric Huchet (Achille), Alain Gabriel (Ajax I), Laurent Alvaro (Ajax II), Hjördis Thébalut (Bacchis), Stéphanie d’Oustrac (Leoena), Magali Léger (Parthoenis), José Canalès (Philocome)
Recording: TDK DV-OPLBH, 127 min. (opera), 26 min. (interviews)
Label: BRILLIANT
Jacques Offenbach’s operetta La Belle Hélène, first performed in 1864, occupies a unique space in the operatic canon as a satirical commentary on the grand narratives of love and war derived from Greek mythology. This particular production, conducted by Marc Minkowski and brought to life by Les Musiciens du Louvre, emerges from the esteemed Théàtre Châtelet in Paris, a venue known for its innovative interpretations of classical works. The operetta is a playful yet incisive critique of societal norms and romantic entanglements, encapsulated in a story that revolves around Helen of Troy’s infidelity and the ensuing chaos among the Greek leaders.
Minkowski’s interpretation is marked by a vibrant orchestral palette that captures the effervescence of Offenbach’s score while maintaining a keen awareness of the comic timing essential to the operetta’s success. The conductor’s experience with Baroque repertoire, particularly evident in the crisp articulation and buoyant rhythms, infuses the performance with an energy that feels both fresh and historically informed. The orchestration is rendered with clarity and precision, allowing the singers’ voices to soar above the instrumental texture without feeling overwhelmed—a testament to the exemplary sound engineering of this DVD release. The audio fidelity, featuring both AC3 Digital 5.0 and DTS 5.0, enhances the experience, with a spaciousness that allows the audience to appreciate both soloists and ensemble work in equal measure.
Dame Felicity Lott’s portrayal of Hélène is nothing short of revelatory. Her voice, traditionally aligned with the lyricism of Strauss, adapts seamlessly to Offenbach’s demands, showcasing her vocal agility and comedic prowess. The role is characterized by a blend of charm and vulnerability, and Lott embodies this duality with a nuanced performance that resonates with the audience. Her ability to navigate the intricate passages of the “Chanson de l’Odéon” with both elegance and wit exemplifies her mastery of character interpretation. Comparatively, her performance stands out against other notable recordings, where either vocal exuberance or comic timing often takes precedence over the delicate balance of both; Lott achieves a rare synthesis.
The supporting cast is equally compelling, with Yann Beuron’s light tenor as Paris complementing Lott’s Hélène beautifully, while Michel Sénéchal’s portrayal of Ménélas brings a seasoned gravitas to the role of the cuckolded husband. The ensemble, consisting predominantly of French singers, showcases the rich tradition of French operatic training, delivering a performance that is both technically proficient and artistically engaging. Notably, the ensemble’s clarity in delivering the text allows the humor of the libretto to shine, particularly in moments such as the final act’s “Choeur des Rois,” where the comedic absurdity of the scenario is laid bare.
The staging by Laurent Pelly introduces modern elements that resonate with contemporary audiences without sacrificing the operetta’s inherent charm. His decision to depict the Greek chorus as a group of modern-day tourists cleverly juxtaposes the ancient mythological themes with a playful commentary on modernity. This creative choice invigorates the narrative, making it accessible while echoing the original irreverence of Offenbach’s work.
The DVD also includes insightful interviews with key figures such as Minkowski and Lott, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the production’s conception and execution. The booklet provided with the recording is thorough, containing essential details about the performance as well as subtitles in multiple languages, enhancing the accessibility of this remarkable work.
This production of La Belle Hélène is an operatic jewel that marries the wit of Offenbach with a contemporary sensibility, engaging audiences with its humor and musicality. The synergy among the performers, under Minkowski’s expert direction, creates a captivating viewing experience that merits repeated engagement. Each viewing reveals new layers of depth and humor, solidifying its status as a definitive interpretation of this timeless operetta.
