Ariane et Barbe-bleue

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Ariane et Barbe-Bleue (Ariane and Bluebeard) is an opera in three acts by Paul Dukas. The libretto is adapted from the symbolist play by Maurice Maeterlinck. It received its first performance at the Opéra Comique in Paris in 10 May 1907. It has often been compared to the opera Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy which is based on another play by Maeterlinck. Both plays feature the character of Mélisande. Dukas who knew Debussy well, uses Mélisande's musical theme borrowed from Debussy in his opera. Ariane and Blue-Beard has never become a popular opera and is rarely performed. Two commercial recordings of it exist. There are also recordings of an orchestral suite.

1 Characters
2 Setting
3 Recordings
4 External links

[edit] Characters

Ariane - Soprano
La Nourice (The Nurse) - Alto
Barbe-Bleue (Bluebeard) - Bass

The wives of Bluebeard

Sélysette - Mezzo-soprano
Ygraine - Soprano
Mélisande - Soprano
Bellangère - Soprano
An old peasant - Baritone
2nd peasant - Tenor
3rd peasant - Bass
Peasants - Chorus

[edit] Setting

Time: The Middle Ages.

Place: Bluebeard's castle.

[edit] Recordings

Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Armin Jordan), singers : Katherine Ciesinski (Ariane), Mariana Paunova (la nourrice) Gabriel Bacquier (Barbe-Bleue); New Philharmonia Orchestra, Chœur de Radio France); 1983.
Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, (conducted by Tony Aubin), singers : Berthe Montmart (Ariane), Marie Luce Bellary (la nourrice) Xavier Depraz (Barbe-Bleue); Chorus and orchestra; 1968.
Dukas, Paul: Ariane et Barbe-Bleue, suite, (conducted by Arturo Toscanini), NBC Symphony Orchestra & Chorus; 1947.