Maurice Maeterlinck
Other operas based on plays by Maurice Maeterlinck:
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)
Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vittorio Gui, 1963.
Glyndebourne GFOCD 003-63
Karajan/Stilwell/Stade (EMI Classics 7243 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)
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