Benvenuto Cellini - Hector Berlioz
Information about the opera Benvenuto Cellini by Hector Berlioz, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Berlioz's first opera.
Synopsis
The opera is about the disreputable Italian goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini who melts down all his other creations to fulfil an obligitation to create a statue for the pope.
Recommended recordings on CD
Davis/Kunde/Jeffery (LSO Live LSO 0623)
A fine recording of an exuberant performance.
London Symphony Chorus, conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
Cast: Gregory Kunde (Benvenuto Cellini), Darren Jeffery (Balducci), Peter Coleman-Wright (Fieramosca), Laura Claycomb (Teresa), Isabelle Cals (Ascanio).
LSO Live LSO 0623
Nelson/Kunde/Naouri (Virgin Classics 545 706-2)
A superb new recording that finally brings Berlioz's troubled first opera to life.
Radio France Chorus, French National Orchestra, conducted by John Nelson, 2003.
Cast: Gregory Kunde (Benvenuto Cellini), Laurent Naouri (Balducci), Jean-François Lapointe (Fieramosca), Patrizia Ciofi (Teresa), Joyce DiDonato (Ascanio).
Virgin Classics 545 706-2
Davis/Gedda/Bastin (Philips 416 955-2)
One of the few recordings of this flawed work.
Royal Opera House Covent Garden Chorus, BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
Cast: Nicolai Gedda (Benvenuto Cellini), Jules Bastin (Balducci).
Philips 416 955-2
Also included in the boxed set:
Berlioz: Complete Operas
Recommended recordings on DVD
Gergiev/Fritz/Sherratt (Naxos 2.110271)
An imaginative modern production from the 2007 Salzburg Festival, with an outstanding performance by Maija Kovalevska as Teresa.
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Chorus Konzertvereinigung, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 2007.
Cast: Burkhard Fritz (Benvenuto Cellini), Brindley Sherratt (Balducci), Laurent Naouri (Fieramosca), Maija Kovalevska (Teresa), Kate Aldrich (Ascanio).
Naxos 2.110271