Ravel composed only two operas, and both are too short for a full evening's entertainment. Fortunately, they combine to make an outstanding operatic double-bill in this production from Geneva, featuring the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande with conductor Charles Dutoit.
The first opera, L'Heure Espagnole (The Time in Spain), was adapted from a play by Franc-Nohain. It tells the rather risqué story of a clockmaker's wife who pursues a few extra-curricular affairs before discovering an unlikely candidate who proves the most reliable suitor.
L'Enfant et les Sortilèges (The Child and the Magic Spells) tells the fantastic tale of a troublesome child who learns a life lesson when the surrounding animals and furniture, which he always took for granted, suddenly begin speaking to him.
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Cast:
L'Heure Espagnole
Concepción: Daniela Mack (mezzo-soprano)
Gonzalve: Julien Behr (tenor)
Ramiro:Elliot Madore (baritone)
Don Inigo: David Wilson-Johnson (baritone)
Torquemada: François Piolino (tenor)
L'Enfant et les sortilèges
The Child: Khatouna Gadelia (soprano)
Mother/Teacup/Dragonfly: Hanna Hipp (mezzo-soprano)
Cat/Squirrel: Daniela Mack (mezzo-soprano)
Fire/Nightingale/Princess: Kathleen Kim (soprano)
Shepherdess/Bat: Julie Pasturaud (mezzo-soprano)
Armchair/Cat: David Wilson-Johnson (baritone)
Grandfather Clock/Tree: Elliot Madore (baritone)
Teapot/Little Old Man/Frog: François Piolino (tenor)
Grand Theatre of Geneva Chorus
Geneva Conservatory Children's Chorus
Suisse Romande Orchestra
Charles Dutoit, conductor