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Maurice Maeterlinck

Other operas based on plays by Maurice Maeterlinck:

Ariane et Barbe-Bleue - Paul Dukas

Pelléas et Mélisande (Pelléas and Mélisande) - Claude Debussy

Information about the opera Pelléas et Mélisande by Claude Debussy, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.

Debussy's only completed opera is a masterpiece in which very little happens, but intense emotion is conveyed by the singing and orchestration.

Recommended recordings on CD

Gui (Glyndebourne GFOCD 003-63)

GFOCD 003-63

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vittorio Gui, 1963.

Glyndebourne GFOCD 003-63

Buy on CD:
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Karajan/Stilwell/Stade (EMI Classics 7243 CMS5 67057-2)

CMS5 67057-2

One of the most passionate versions, with excellent playing. Highly recommended.

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, 1978.

Cast: Richard Stilwell (Pelléas), Frederica von Stade (Mélisande), José van Dam (Golaud), Ruggero Raimondi (Arkel).

EMI Classics 7243 CMS5 67057-2


Recommended recordings on DVD

Boulez/Archer/Hagley (Deutsche Grammophon 073 030-9)

073 030-9

A magical production, coupled with superb picture and sound, make this a highly recommended DVD.

Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, conducted by Pierre Boulez, 1992.

Cast: Neill Archer (Pelléas), Alison Hagley (Mélisande), Donald Maxwell (Golaud), Kenneth Cox (Arkel).

Deutsche Grammophon 073 030-9

Buy on DVD:
Amazon.com