Philidor (Le) Sorcier
This 18th-century Frenchman may need a reappraisal, but this does him no favours
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: François-André Danican Philidor
Genre:
Opera
Label: Arion
Magazine Review Date: 10/2004
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
Stereo
Catalogue Number: ARN263608
![](https://reviews.azureedge.net/gramophone/media-thumbnails/3325482636088.jpg)
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
(Le) sorcier |
François-André Danican Philidor, Composer
Bernard Boudier, Bastien, Tenor Chantal Reyjal, Justine, Soprano François-André Danican Philidor, Composer Jean-Claude Orliac, Blaise, Tenor Judith Mok, Simone, Soprano Marc Soustrot, Conductor Peggy Bouveret, Agate, Soprano Rennes Orchestra Udo Reinemann, Julien, Baritone |
Author: David Vickers
François-André Danican Philidor (1726-95) was a popular composer of comic operas, but was also a fine chess player, so this rare recording of Le sorcier might be viewed as an opportunity to assess in which direction his greater talent lay. There is enough circumstantial evidence to suggest Philidor’s music might be worth investigation. Gluck, after his arrival in France, is alleged to have remarked that Paris audiences did not need him to compose good operas for them when they already had Gossec and Philidor. Perhaps the admiration was mutual: Philidor read the proofs of Orfeo ed Euridice when it was published in Paris, and some of the influence of its music must have sunk in. Allegedly the French composer plagiarised a melody from Orfeo in Le sorcier, although its long stretches of spoken dialogue between musical numbers place this closer to popular theatre than the world of serious opera.
But whereas some of Philidor’s earlier operas were essentially based on arrangements of folk songs, Le sorcier is all original music. Warmly received, Philidor became the first French composer to be applauded on the stage after its première in January 1764. The plot concerns a pretend sorcerer who brings two lovers together. This is similar to Rousseau’s Le divin du village, but more notably has links with Mozart’s childhood opera Bastien und Bastienne. Mozart was in Paris in January 1764, and Bastien was composed only three years later. It is not fanciful to imagine some direct influence from Philidor on the young prodigy.
All of which historical value makes it a pity that this release does not do more to re-establish Philidor’s reputation as an opera composer. This unexceptional performance has not dated well: the sopranos sound pinched and are far removed from the current crop of French singers who sing 18th-century music so well. The men are more solid, but they make little impact over a bland and muddy orchestral sound. Philidor has remained a figure mentioned only in passing in venerable text books for too long, but if that is to change he needs better service than this.
But whereas some of Philidor’s earlier operas were essentially based on arrangements of folk songs, Le sorcier is all original music. Warmly received, Philidor became the first French composer to be applauded on the stage after its première in January 1764. The plot concerns a pretend sorcerer who brings two lovers together. This is similar to Rousseau’s Le divin du village, but more notably has links with Mozart’s childhood opera Bastien und Bastienne. Mozart was in Paris in January 1764, and Bastien was composed only three years later. It is not fanciful to imagine some direct influence from Philidor on the young prodigy.
All of which historical value makes it a pity that this release does not do more to re-establish Philidor’s reputation as an opera composer. This unexceptional performance has not dated well: the sopranos sound pinched and are far removed from the current crop of French singers who sing 18th-century music so well. The men are more solid, but they make little impact over a bland and muddy orchestral sound. Philidor has remained a figure mentioned only in passing in venerable text books for too long, but if that is to change he needs better service than this.
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