Francis Poulenc worked on his opera Dialogues des Carmélites from 1953 to 1956, during which time he suffered from depression and insomnia.
Recording & Production
This recording of Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmélites is a "best of" compilation from two live performances at the Theater an der Wien in January 2008 and April 2011.
Performer Biography
Bertrand de Billy, the conductor for this album, served as Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra (VRSO) from 2002 to 2010.
Historical Context
The opera is based on the historically established story of 16 Carmelite nuns who were executed during the French Revolution for their faith.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Poulenc's opera Dialogues des Carmélites focuses on emotional tension derived from dialogue and communication, rather than dramatic stage effects or romantic plots.
Compositional Technique
Poulenc uses discrete but significant leitmotifs in Dialogues des Carmélites to create a multi-layered network of references, emphasizing the intimate narrative.
