Manon

Manon

The opera Manon by Massenet is based on the novel Manon Lescaut by the Abbé Prévost, better known in the operatic version by Puccini. I only got as far as page 18 in the novel; I made the mistake of trying to read it in French and I got bogged down in the imperfect subjunctives so I do not know how faithful are the two composers' renditions. Puccini, typically, presents the story in four snapshots: we see Manon as an innocent country-girl , a Paris courtesan, waiting to be deported to America and dying in the American desert. Massenet fleshes out this story and also gives more prominence to the minor characters. There is a scene in which Manon and her lover des Grieux are living together happily before she dumps him and there is a scene, some years later where Manon returns to seduce des Grieux on the day he is to be ordained.

Renee Fleming sings the title role beautifully playing Manon as a big teaser, to borrow John Lennon's euphemism. She beautifully modulates the progression from innocent 15-year-old to cynical courtesan. I like how her wigs changed colour to match her personality development, from red to honey to platinum. Her performance was matched by that of Marcello Alvaraz as des Grieux. This is widescreen film of the Paris Bastille production; the spectacular costumes play against a minimal set that is usually a black backcloth. To my mind this is the ideal way of playing an opera with many different scene changes.

Massenet gives Puccini a run for his money. This is a spectacular production with spectacular performances. It is highly recommended.

Manon for me is my favourite Massenet opera, and I have loved all three productions I have seen of the opera(1983, 1977 and this from 2001). The story is heartfelt and very touching with the second most affecting final scene of any of Massenet's operas(Thais is first for me), and the music is truly beautiful.

You cannot go wrong with this 2001 production. It is truly exquisite in every sense of the word. Starting with how it looks visually, the costumes are so beautiful and colourful, and the sets have a certain richness to them.

The camera work is interesting all the way through and helped by clear picture quality and great lighting. I can't fault the production musically either, the orchestra have a lot of poignancy in their playing and Jesus Lopez-Cobos confirms why he is so talented with a superior conducting job.

Staging is excellent, the best being the Cours La Raine and gambling scenes, though one mustn't dispute the scene between Manon and Count Des Grieux, it is very touching, and the baroque-style ballet, which is very engaging and fitting in its choreography.

I couldn't have asked for better performances either. Renee Fleming is stunning as Manon, beautiful singing and deeply-felt acting. Marcelo Alvarez is a dashing and wholly convincing Des Grieux, and like Fleming he outdoes himself in the heart-breaking final act and in the exciting Nous Vivrons a Paris.

Alain Vernhes is a sympathetic Count Des Grieux, Mechel Senechal can still act up a storm and Lescaut and De Bretigny are also effectively performed.

Overall, exquisite really. 10/10 Bethany Cox