Another Saint-Saëns opera: Ascanio!

[BerlinExpat]

There's no information about a recording or a broadcast at the moment, but suffice to say that on November 24th & 26th this year a concert performance of Saint-Saëns' Ascanio will be performed at the Grand Théâtre Genève. It will be the first performance following the original manuscript.

Here's an extract from the Grand Théâtre's home page:

Ascanio

Opera in five acts and seven tableaux by Camille Saint-Saëns

Libretto, by Louis Gallet, is based on the 1852 play Benvenuto Cellini by Paul Meurice. First performed on March 21, 1890, at the Académie Nationale de Musique in Paris.

Concert version
In coproduction with the Haute école de musique de Genève

Sung in French with English and French surtitles

Of the thirteen operas by Saint-Saëns, just one, Samson, remains in the repertoire, while another, Ascanio, is yet to be showcased in its complete, original version. And yet the eponymous play by Paul Meurice, based on the memoires of Benvenuto Cellini, inspired the composer to produce an extraordinary work, blending – in a masterful tapestry of leitmotifs – the sensuality of French music, the passionate accents of Italian lyricism and the refinement of the melodies and dances of the Renaissance repertoire. Far from the hieratic style of Samson, Ascanio is a true lyrical drama during which Benvenuto Cellini, envied for his genius, prestige and the power he holds over the King of France, triumphs over the court intrigues by saving his disciple Ascanio, whose life is in danger...

[edurban]

Hooray!

[Mark Thomas]

Really good news.

[mjmosca]

This is really wonderful news! Martin Cooper, the English musicologist, in his "French Music from Berlioz to Faure" indicated that in his opinion, Ascanio was Saint-Saens finest opera (after Samson). I sure hope that a recording of this work will be made. The ballet music is available on a fine recording. And I am eager to hear Le Timbre d'Argent in the not too distant future.

[Ebubu]

Following the performances of Saint-Saëns' ASCANIO, at the Genève Grand-Théâtre, a recording will be issued, even more eagerly waited as the reviews were quite positive, concerning the work as well as the performances.

https://www.forumopera.com/ascanio-geneve-revelation-dun-authentique-chef-doeuvre

[Christopher]

Great news!  Any idea when?

[Alan Howe]

The review doesn't give any details of timescale.

[Alan Howe]

Here's news of the CD release:
https://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/classical/products/8473956--saint-saens-ascanio

[Mark Thomas]

Not too long to wait, then.

[adriano]

Already pre-ordered. So this seems to be a studio recording. The CD release will be on 21st September and the performances in November??
https://www.geneveopera.ch/programmation/saison-17-18/ascanio/

[Alan Howe]

No, the performances took place last year. Take another look!

[adriano]

Oh I see, thanks Alan :-)

[Alan Howe]

An easy mistake to make...

[JimL]

I wonder if it has a discrete overture...

[adriano]

It hasn't. The First Act starts directly with a boisterous ensemble for Cellini, Ascanio, Pagolo and the Choir.
What is important: it's another opera about Benvenuto Cellini, based on his adventurous autobiography - so it has nothing to with the subject of Mozart's "Ascanio in Alba". It requires quite a large orchestra and an extra stage music ensemble of 18 players plus 2 percussionists. It also has a ballet scene.