L'amour de loin (Love from Afar) - Kaija Saariaho
Information about the opera L'amour de loin by Kaija Saariaho, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
A beautiful opera based on a 12th century tale of love involving a countess, a troubadour, and a wandering pilgrim, it's reminiscent of Pelléas et Mélisande (Pelléas and Mélisande).
Recommended recordings on CD
Nagano/Belcher/Lekhina (Harmonia Mundi HMC801937/38)
A superb studio recording of this mesmerising opera.
Rundfunkchor Berlin, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, conducted by Kent Nagano.
Cast: Daniel Belcher (Jaufré Rudel), Ekaterina Lekhina (Clémence), Marie-Ange Todorovitch (Le Pèlerin).
Harmonia Mundi HMC801937/38
Recommended recordings on DVD
Salonen/Finley/Groop (Deutsche Grammophon 0734026)
An excellent production.
Finnish National Opera, conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen.
Cast: Gerald Finley (Jaufré Rudel), Monica Groop (Clémence), Dawn Upshaw (Le Pèlerin).
Deutsche Grammophon 0734026