Search - Delibes, Nagano :: Coppelia

A Splendid Coppélia

Aronne | 12/19/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There is definitely more to the score of Coppélia than what first meets the eye. Kent Nagano brings out many of these subtleties in his consistent reading of Delibes' most loved ballet. His tempi are very convincing, and the playing of the Orchestre de l'Opera de Lyon is first class. No. 14, the music for the Automata, is given virtuosic treatment. Listen to that flute playing! It beats the almost sour performance under Andrew Mogrelia on Naxos (which has a lot of dance power and verve nevertheless): Delibes: Coppélia (complete in three acts) / La Source (suites).



This is sure to delight anyone who picks it up, but I'm not prepared to say there is any reason for it to delight over the best versions available. If you're after all of Delibes' ballets, Richard Bonynge's complete recording is quite tantalizing: Delibes: The 3 Ballets."

Some very catchy moments but also some uninspiring ones

RALPH P. GRAY | New york, NY United States | 04/22/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The title I gave this review explains why I gave this 2 CD set 4 stars. I don't put Delibes in the ranks of first rate composers but he had enough understanding, skill and musicality to make most of this piece a real pleasure - and it is well played, which certainly helps.



For me it is good music particularly when I feel blah or blue, but I think if it had been cut by maybe 25% (omitting the drier sections), the whole thing would be a ***** delight. Nonetheless, I am glad to have it and I admit to having played it these past months more or less bi-weekly.



I also admit that this is no deep review, but then the music, though Wagner influenced, is not deep either. If you like good tunes, nicely played, this Coppelia might suit you well."

My second review

LD400RN | Sebaastopol, CA, USA | 04/04/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have another reciew on this that is more indepth but here's the summary:

Best performance I have ever heard. Nagano really brings out the best in his orchestra. I've seen the visuals - not pretty. Really scary not prety. Really, "mommy make it go away!" not pretty. Look for my other review on it. But do buy it. It is quite enjoyable auditorialy."