Paul Dukas (1865-1935)
Information about the composer Paul Dukas and his operas.
A French composer and music teacher.
Operas:
Ariane et Barbe-Bleue
Adapted from the symbolist play by Maurice Maeterlinck, which in turn was based on the fairy tale Bluebeard by the 17th century French author Charles Perrault.
Recommended recordings on DVD
Denève/Charbonnet/Dam (Opus Arte OA 1098 D)
Ariane frees Bluebeard's five other wives from the underground vault, in Paul Dukas's opera Ariane et Barbe-Bleue.
This is the first DVD version of this rarely-performed opera, from Claus Guth's production at the Gran Teatre del Liceu in Barcelona in 2011. The performances are excellent, especially Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet as Ariane.
Orchestra and Chorus of the Gran Theatre del Liceu, conducted by Stéphane Denève, 2011.
Cast: Jeanne-Michèle Charbonnet (Ariane), José van Dam (Barbe-bleue), Patricia Bardon (Nurse).
Opus Arte OA 1098 D