Laura Claycomb - La Comtesse, Joan Rodgers - La Baronne, Alastair Miles - Le Commandeur, Sébastien Droy - Le Cheavlier, Nicole Tibbels - Bretonne. Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor - Andrew Litton.

In recent years, there has been increased interest in the works of Ambroise Thomas, particularly in his ambitious setting of Hamlet(1868), which was successfully revived at opera houses including London’s Covent Garden, the New York Met, Barcelona and Paris.

Ambroise Thomas’ other major success was Mignon (1866), which had more than 1,200 performances at the Opéra-Comique up to the end of the 19th century. Opera Rara now takes a further important step in the rediscovery of this fascinating figure, with a new recording of his 1855 opéra-comique La Cour de Célimène (Célimène’s Court). Set in 1750 in a château near Paris, the opera centres on young widowed Countess who has no fewer than fourteen suitors. The role was written for the legendary coloratura, Marie Miolan-Carvalho, who also created roles in four of Gounod’s operas, notably Marguerite in Faust, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette and the title-role in Mireille. Here, the Countess is sung by Laura Claycomb, with Alastair Miles, Joan Rodgers and Sébastien Droy at her side. Given the large cast, which includes 13 soloists from the Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, it is unsurprising that the work’s ensembles have been selected by scholars as highlights of a score that is sure to delight lovers of French opera.
Tracklisting:
CD 1:
1. Ouvertüre (1. Akt)
2. Bientôt elle arrive
3. Il paraît, chère soeur
4. Qui, c'est le plus grand des bonheurs
5. Charmez, brillez, c'est de votre âge
6. C'est un mariage
7. Ainsi, un fois mariés
8. Que dites-vous?
9. Allons, rassurez-vous...
10. Ça va être bien divertissant
11. Ah, vous violà donc, chevalier?
12. Mais pardon...
13. Eh bien! Monsieur...
14. Oh... Ah! Cessez de grâce
15. Ainsi, madame...
16. Quels fracas!

CD 2:
1. Dieu! Quel mortel ennui... (2. Akt)
2. Que voulez-vous
3. Ma soeur! Ma soeur!
4. Voilà donc la cruelle
5. Sur le terrain, tous deux enfin
6. Ainsi, commandeur, vous voilà
7. Nus pouvons arranger l'affaire
8. Ainsi, noble baronne...
9. Aucun, et je proteste!...
10. Et maintenant, chevalier
11. Que vois-je?
Released 2008.