Bizet: Clovis et Clotilde - Te Deum Katarina Jovanovic

• Georges Bizet (1838-1875): Clovis et Clotilde - Te Deum
• 1Introduction03:41
• 2Scene 1: Recit: Noble Clovis (Clotilde)01:57
• 3Scene 1: Romance: Il est si beau (Clotilde)03:13
• 4Scene 2: Duo: Que vois-je! (Clotilde, Remy)05:59
• 5Scene 2: Recit: Reine, je vais pour vous (Remy)01:14
• 6Scene 3: Priere! Priere! (Clotilde)02:15
• 7Scene 4: Duo: Ma Clotilde cherie! (Clovis, Clotilde)01:40
• 8Scene 4: Duo (suite): Paix, triomphe, esperance! (Clotilde, Clovis)01:10
• 9Scene 4: Duo (suite): Mais comment laissas-tu (Clotilde, Clovis)03:46
• 10Scene 4: Duo (suite): Ta douce aurore (Clotilde)02:12
• 11Scene 5: Recit: Mon pere, en ce beau jour (Clotilde, Remy)01:14
• 12Scene 5: Strophes: Salut a toi (Remy)04:07
• 13Ensemble final: C'en est fait (Clovis, Clotilde, Remy)01:58
• 14Te Deum laudamus05:08
• 15Tu rex gloriae, Christe03:41
• 16Te ergo quaesumus04:52
• 17Fiat misericordia tua04:31
• Total Runtime52:38

Info for Bizet: Clovis et Clotilde - Te Deum

This fascinating disc presents the young Georges Bizet’s first composition after having won the prestigious Prix de Rome, the grandiose Te Deum, which remained unpublished until 1971, and his Prix de Rome cantata Clovis et Clotilde, which recounts the tale of the Frankish King Clovis’s conversion to Christianity by his wife Clotilde. Both scores are abundantly theatrical, as one would expect from the future composer of Carmen (8.660005–07), and are performed by three outstanding young singers and two internationally renowned French ensembles directed by the distinguished conductor Jean-Claude Casadesus.

„This is a disc guaranteed to delight anyone who has ever responded to the youthful sparkle of Bizet’s Symphony in C. Like the Symphony, the dramatic cantata Clovis et Clotilde and the ambitious Te Deum date from the composer’s teenage years. The cantate was Bizet’s entry to the Prix de Rome in 1857, which he won, while the Te Deum was written during the same period for the same judges. Both works have remained in oblivion—quite undeservedly, as these outstanding performances bear witness. Passages in the cantate reflect the music of his teacher, Gounod, but more often Bizet’s own distinctive style is reflected in the abundant lyricism. Plainly, even in his teens, Bizet had a fully developed talent.

The cantata tells the story of the conversion to Christianity of the Frankish King Clovis by his wife, Clotilde. It divides neatly into two halves, for Clovis, a tenor role brilliantly and freshly sung by Philippe Do, emerges only halfway through. Until then Clotilde, brightly sung by Katarian Jovanovic, takes pride of place along with her father, Rémy, sung by Mark Schnaible. There are many moments to cherish, notably Clotilde’s prayer, starting on an exquisitely delicate pianissimo. Otherwise Jovanovic is fearless in tackling exposed top notes cleanly and precisely. The tenor, Philippe Do, has no separate aria, although the central duet between Clovis and Clotilde culminates in a substantial solo for him. Do’s diction is excellent (fortunate when the notes do not contain any texts, though otherwise they are ideally informative).

The Te Deum makes an ideal coupling. It was not published until 1971, and it seems that Bizet was so discouraged at the lukewarm reception it received from the Prix de Rome judges that he decided not to attempt any more religious music. After a grand choral opening, the tenor soloist enters with the first of his powerful solos. Though the Te Deum ends with the rather downbeat “Let me never be confounded”, Bizet ignores that sentiment in a triumphant close. Altogether another highly enjoyable piece, adding to the attractions of a disc beautifully recorded in clean, well-balanced sound—in every way a delightful discovery.“ (Edward Greenfield, Gramophone)

Katarina Jovanovic, soprano
Philippe Do, tenor
Mark Schnaible, bass
Chœur Régional Nord - Pas-de-Calais
Orchestre National de Lille
Jean-Claude Casadesus, conductor

No biography found.

Booklet for Bizet: Clovis et Clotilde - Te Deum