Pulcinella & L'Heure Espagnole: Opéra Comique
About the Event
Louis Langrée, Guillaume Gallienne, and Clairemarie Osta have come together to create a show that celebrates the comic spirit and freedom of genre, honoring two masterpieces inspired by the gallant XVIIIth century. In this unique performance, the worlds of performing arts collide to bring these works to life.
In one act, Ravel's "L'Heure espagnole" tells the story of Polichinelle, who finds himself the object of affection for all the girls. Balancing his own romance while trying to appease the jealous suitors, he must navigate the complexities of love and desire. On the other hand, Concepción, the clockmaker's wife, is faced with disappointing lovers. Both characters find themselves entangled in hilarious and unpredictable situations, showcasing the rich comedic elements of the era.
It is worth noting that Ravel, dubbed the "Swiss watchmaker" by Stravinsky, created this musical comedy just before his collaboration with the Russian Ballets. This opus magnifies the spoken words and mechanics of theater, setting the stage for his future groundbreaking works. Stravinsky, inspired by Pergolesi's work, drew inspiration from it for his own ballet, "Pulcinella." After the war, he accepted the challenge of reinventing neoclassical ballet, bridging the gap between the past and the present.
"Pulcinella" is a ballet with songs in one act, featuring music based on Pergolesi's compositions. It premiered at the Opéra de Paris on May 15th, 1920, marking the beginning of the neoclassical period in Stravinsky's career. On the other hand, "L'Heure espagnole" is a delightful musical comedy in one act, with a libretto by Franc‐Nohain. Its premiere took place at the Opéra‐Comique on May 19th, 1911, capturing the essence of the era and showcasing the innovative spirit of Ravel.
Together, these two masterpieces come alive on stage, combining the talents of Louis Langrée, Guillaume Gallienne, and Clairemarie Osta. This show invites audiences to immerse themselves in the richness of the XVIIIth century, celebrating the comedic and artistic spirit that continues to inspire us today.
Cast / Production
Musical direction Louis Langrée • Stage direction Guillaume Gallienne • Choreography Clairemarie Osta • Orchestre des Champs-Élysées
Pulcinella | With singers from the Académie of the Opéra‐Comique • Six dancers
L'Heure espagnole | With Stéphanie d’Oustrac, Philippe Talbot, Benoît Rameau, Jean‐Sébastien Bou, Nicolas Cavallier
