Roussel: Le testament de la tante Caroline, L. 59 (1964 Version) [Live]

Featuring

Marie Lenormand
Marion Gomar
Lucile Komitès
Aurélien Gasse
Charles Mesrine
Marie Perbost

Fabien Hyon
Romain Dayez
Till Fechner
Dylan Corlay
Les Frivolités Parisiennes
Albert Roussel

Did you know?

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Recording & Production

This recording features the one-act version of Le Testament de la Tante Caroline, which was reworked in 1960 by Nino and adapted by Marcel Mihalovici at the request of Roussel's widow.

Composer Biography

Albert Roussel, the composer, served in the navy as a young man and traveled widely, which influenced his imagination and work.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Roussel believed that theatre is all about convention and that it is unnecessary to strive for realism, advocating for a return to neglected forms like opéra-bouffe and ballet.

Critical Reception

The operetta's 1936 premiere in Olomouc, Czech Republic, received a cool reception, with critics believing Roussel struggled with the musical simplicity required for the light genre.

Composition History

The libretto for Le Testament de la Tante Caroline was written by Nino (Michel Veber), who was known for his inventive, witty, and 'inimitable Parisian' style.

Critical Reception

At its French premiere in Paris, the libretto by Nino was widely criticized for its off-beat humor, while Roussel's score garnered admiration from music lovers.

Composition History

Roussel's operetta, Le Testament de la Tante Caroline, was written at the age of 68, surprising the musical world as he was known for very different works.