LE COQ D'OR

Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
LE COQ D'OR
Théâtre Musical de Paris, Châtelet, 2002

Soloists: Olga Trifonova, Yuri Maria Saenz, Albert Schagidullin
Orchestra, Chorus: Chorus of the Mariinsky Theatre, Orchestre de Paris
Conductor: Kent Nagano
Director: Ennosuke Ichikawa

Rimsky-Korsakov epitomises the fantastic side of the Russian soul. Regarding opera as „essentially the most enchanting and intoxicating of lies,“ he drew on his country’s rich folk heritage to create a fairy-tale world in which the fanciful and commonplace were fused through extravagant orchestral virtuosity and fervently Romantic vocal writing. This Châtelet revival of Le Coq d’Or brings to the stage once again the great Kabuki actor Ennosuke III’s striking staging of Rimsky-Korsakov’s opera first mounted in co-production with the San Francisco Opera in 1984. Born into one of Japan’s most important Kabuki families in 1939, Ennosuke III is a master of his art, who has worked to give this traditional theatre form appeal for modern audiences. As an actor, director and producer his aim has been to bring back the energy and excitement of Edo-period Kabuki. High-tech special effects, dynamic lighting, stunning costumes and minimalist sets have drawn new fans to his ‘Super Kabuki’ shows. He worked on this sumptuous production of Le Coq d’Or with an all-Japanese creative team and the result had an Oriental beauty and fascination entirely appropriate to this satirical fantasy opera. Completed in 1907, Le Coq d’Or, based on Pushkin’s 1834 poem, was Rimsky-Korsakov’s last opera. It was also his most provocative. When he completed the score, he was forced to submit it to the censor with the result that it was barred from production. Rimsky-Korsakov died in 1908 without ever having heard the opera performed.

"Arthaus Musik zeigt uns die prunkvolle Inszenierung des großen Kabuki-Schauspielers Ennosuke Ichikawa von 2002 aus dem Châtelet, dem Théâtre Musical de Paris. Großartige Effekte, dynamische Beleuchtung, atemberaubende Kostüme und minimalistische Bühnenbilder sind kennzeichnend für seine Arbeit an Rimski-Korsakows Werk." Dr. Eberhard Kneipel, OTZ, 26.05.2012

"It’s particularly delightful that the singing is of a very high standard throughout, but this is a wonderful production on just about every level.[…] It's really quite breathtaking." Noel Megahey, OperaJournal, 13.03.2012

"The the exotic Rimsky-Korsakov score is well handled by conductor Kent Nagano and his forces, the Orchestre de Paris and the Marinsky Chorus of St Petersburg. The soloists are simply superb as are the audio and video recordings. This opera is truly a feast for the eyes and ears. […] Highly recommended." Lawrence Devoe, blu-raydefinition.com, 04.04.2012