Fausto

Description

It was around 1825 that Louise Bertin, a student of Reicha and a friend of Berlioz, took on the theme of Faust with all the energy and confidence of a 20-year-old woman. The composer exceeded all public expectations and won over critics with her boldness. Colorful orchestration, charming cantabiles, valiant choruses… everything seemed to promise the work a place in the repertoire. However, the closure of the Théâtre-Italien in 1831 after three performances decided otherwise: the score would slumber for 190 years in the cellars of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The main role, originally conceived for the mezzo-soprano Rosmunda Pisaroni, was ultimately created by the tenor Domenico Donzelli. Christophe Rousset presents here a complete recording on historical instruments – its original version that has never been heard, even during the composer's lifetime. Once again, Les Talens Lyriques join forces with the Palazzetto Bru Zane in the rediscovery of lesser-known French operas.