Another case of an opera by a back-then popular composer faded into relative obscurity now, and another case of it not deserving to be.
'L'Amant Jaloux' is a very charming and pleasant opera by Gretry, with some beautiful and tuneful music that has a definite Mozartian influence. It never quite reaches masterpiece status, but there is never really anything wrong at the same time. Its limited performance history might be more to do with it having a slight running time for an opera then, lacking the narrative and character complexity of Mozart's operas and maybe not having music quite as memorable or as progressive, though to me if so they shouldn't be strong enough reasons for it to be performed less than it deserves to be.
This production is likewise very entertaining and lovely, that shows complete respect for the drama and spirit of the opera and music. Again it's not quite outstanding, and individual components don't stand out as being so either, but it's a very well performed and balanced production with nothing really that stands out as problematic.
It looks beautiful, very elegant and tasteful, actually feeling like you're transported and immersed in the period. It's also very charmingly and intimately staged, not exactly emotionally devastating, complex or a riot but to be honest 'L'Amant Jaloux' is not that kind of opera so that shouldn't be expected. The DVD is fine, with the only slight quibble being that the subtitles, if you need them, don't always work. The video directing, picture quality and sound are very good though.
Musically, it impresses too. The period orchestra is evocative and refined, especially the woodwinds, and the conducting allows the music to breathe while giving life and urgency to what's going on onstage. The singing and acting are very strong from all the men and women, nobody stands out as being completely extraordinary and there's no outshining as such but they are a very well balanced cast and perform with no major issues.
Overall, not quite achieving masterpiece status with both the opera and production but a lovely and very well done experience all the same. 8/10 Bethany Cox
'L'Amant Jaloux' is a very charming and pleasant opera by Gretry, with some beautiful and tuneful music that has a definite Mozartian influence. It never quite reaches masterpiece status, but there is never really anything wrong at the same time. Its limited performance history might be more to do with it having a slight running time for an opera then, lacking the narrative and character complexity of Mozart's operas and maybe not having music quite as memorable or as progressive, though to me if so they shouldn't be strong enough reasons for it to be performed less than it deserves to be.
This production is likewise very entertaining and lovely, that shows complete respect for the drama and spirit of the opera and music. Again it's not quite outstanding, and individual components don't stand out as being so either, but it's a very well performed and balanced production with nothing really that stands out as problematic.
It looks beautiful, very elegant and tasteful, actually feeling like you're transported and immersed in the period. It's also very charmingly and intimately staged, not exactly emotionally devastating, complex or a riot but to be honest 'L'Amant Jaloux' is not that kind of opera so that shouldn't be expected. The DVD is fine, with the only slight quibble being that the subtitles, if you need them, don't always work. The video directing, picture quality and sound are very good though.
Musically, it impresses too. The period orchestra is evocative and refined, especially the woodwinds, and the conducting allows the music to breathe while giving life and urgency to what's going on onstage. The singing and acting are very strong from all the men and women, nobody stands out as being completely extraordinary and there's no outshining as such but they are a very well balanced cast and perform with no major issues.
Overall, not quite achieving masterpiece status with both the opera and production but a lovely and very well done experience all the same. 8/10 Bethany Cox
