Jules Massenet, Manon (Sony Classical, 2003)
For many people, opera is like broccoli. You either like it or you don't. This is unfortunate, because with an open mind you'll find opera surprisingly good. The drawbacks (highly stylized singing, the language barrier) can be overcome. The result is usually worth the effort. Providing surtitles has helped boost opera's appeal in recent years, but this can be as much of a distraction as a benefit during a performance. One doesn't have this aid when listening to an opera on CD, but detailed liner notes can fill in the gaps created by the language barrier. Combined with good singing and a good story, an opera on CD is well worth the time.
The new Sony Classical release of Jules Massenet's Manon is a good place to start. The singing is outstanding, while the extraordinary detail in the liner notes fills in any gaps in understanding. Manon is the story of the love affair of the passionate maiden Manon (Renee Fleming) and the young Chevalier Des Grieux (Marcelo Alvarez). The two fall in love after a chance meeting at an inn in Amiens in 1721. Manon is to be shut into a convent because she desires pleasure too much, while Des Grieux is at the inn by chance -- he missed the coach for a trip to his father. Their meeting is the resounding point of Act I, as Manon accepts Des Grieux's passionate request to leave her family and go to Paris with him.
Alas, allowing emotion to sweep them away is ultimately their undoing. Manon's friends pursue the couple and Des Grieux's father is in shock over his love affair with a woman beneath his station. This conflict exposes Manon's fatal flaw: she loves the good life as much as she loves Des Grieux. Manon and Des Grieux are separated when she is offered a chance to have wealth if she gives up her true love. Jealous competition for Manon and wastrel living are ultimately the couple's downfall, as Manon dies imprisoned and awaiting deportation to the colonies, sighing to Des Grieux that he should always remember the happy times they had.
Manon delivers much of the impact of a live show -- as much as can be expected from a CD. Lacking the sets and acting to provide context (unless you can understand operatic French), the detailed liner notes fill in the plot. Topping this off, complete English translations of the lyrics are also included. This is more than enough background material to really immerse the listener in the show. The prelude sets a quiet introduction, ideal for a quiet inn. The boisterous singing that bursts out of the speakers announces the arrival of a rowdy group of noblemen, setting the stage for the love story to follow. The performers' emotions are held by a string; when Manon (Renee Fleming) enters, the energy suddenly changes. That's the hallmark of this production: very tight direction that allows the singing to stop on a dime and change tone when needed. The singers, back-ups as well as leads, are strongly invested in their roles. Each one takes ownership of the role. Alvarez emblemizes this -- his voice leaps out of the speakers -- he is clearly immersed in the part, swept away by his sudden obsession with Manon.
Fleming has a full, vibrant soprano voice that maintains a rich sound even in her upper register. The emotion contained in her voice suits the character of Manon well -- it's easy to feel her swept away by the moment when she and Des Grieux run off. The richness and depth of her voice also convey Manon's desire for the good things in life. Alvarez has a joyful, pure voice that rings out from the speakers almost as vibrantly as if it were live. He energizes the role of Des Grieux, a man easily swept up by the moment (Act I -- loves Manon and wants her to go away with him, Act III -- totally committed to a life in the Church, Act V -- ready to live a life of poverty with Manon). Alvarez's clear tone invests each of these abrupt changes with total conviction.
Manon delivers everything you need to give opera a try. Opera isn't for everyone, but this is a great CD (rather, three CD set) to try out if you want to whet your appetite. The singing is excellent, the story is good, and the extensive liner notes fill in all possible gaps. You may not be an opera fan after listening to Manon, but you'll be willing to give it a try again in the future.
For a more pop-music styled operatic performance, you can read our review of Marcelo Alvarez's Duets with Salvatore Licitra.
