Leon Botstein Discusses Ernest Chausson's King Arthur (Le roi Arthus)

King Arthur (Le roi Arthus)
by Ernest Chausson
July 25 - August 1
bit.ly/leroifc
New Production
The American Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Leon Botstein
Directed by Louisa Proske
“The Bard production, directed by Louisa Proske, is scenically spare but richly costumed and dramatically effective. And Botstein, leading the American Symphony Orchestra, an impressive cast and the excellent Bard Festival Chorale, made a compelling case for the piece.”-New York Times
Idealism, treachery, honor, and perfidy collide in this richly lyrical opera by French composer Ernest Chausson. This opulently scored work, which premiered in 1903, lays bare the tragedy of King Arthur’s betrayal at the hands of his queen Genièvre and his trusted knight Lancelot.
Considered one of the finest examples of French romanticism, King Arthur (Le roi Arthus) was composer Chausson’s only opera-his own composing career was tragically cut short by his early death at age 44.
Performed by a stellar cast, helmed by baritone Norman Garrett, mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke, and tenor Matthew White, this production of King Arthur takes us to a world in the midst of upheaval where long-standing codes of honor and loyalty no longer hold sway.

[@wotan10950]

I’m seeing this opera later today. I can’t wait!

[@ahoj7720]

I knew this opera already. I agree the final scene is just fantastic. It always gives me goosebumps! I've listened to your staging and I feel that, in the last scene, the choir is slightly too loud, compared to Arthus. But I got the goosebumps nevertheless! Another understaged French opera from the same period is Dukas's "Ariane et Barbe-Bleue"...

[@federicozimerman8167]

compare for a brief moment 2022 to 1922 and to 1822 to understand the state of “classical” music composition…………..

[@synthifou5815]

Yes indeed :
Le maçon (Auber) < Polyphème (Cras) < Les Éclairs (Hersant)
Conclusion :
1822 < 1922 < 2022