Hélène and Nuit persane

18/10/2008
P.M.
Le Temps (Switzerland)

One was aware that Guillaume Tourniaire was on the lookout for unjustly neglected music. One was aware, too, of the remarkably rapid rise of his conducting career. But one would be surprised to see him go to Melbourne to make this premiere recording. This opera in one act was composed in 1903 for the celebrated Australian singer Nellie Melba. One can hear Hélène battle against her passion for Pâris, then give herself to him in ecstasy, carried away to refined and sensual writing. A beautiful discovery! Nuit persane is equally worthy of the journey: the orientalism in the work is discretely effective…the choral and orchestral quality is magnificent.