Samuel Ramey & Frederica von Stade - Act I Duet / Massenet, "Cherubin" / English subtitles / 1990

This is a delightful duet from Massenet’s "Cherubin," in which Cherubino - now 17 - is still hopelessly smitten with an insatiable desire for women, much like his earlier incarnation in "Le nozze di Figaro." His moral tutor, the Philosopher, apparently has his hands full, considering Cherubino’s youthful recklessness! 😄
Massenet, already 59 years old at the time, immersed himself in the creation of this work, dedicating 12 to 14 hours a day to its composition. The result was a dazzling, scintillating piece that Massenet called a comédie chantée - perhaps too light-hearted to be considered a full opera, but certainly not a musical comedy. Premiering at the Opera de Monte Carlo on February 14, 1905, it was a huge success, receiving constant applause and encores.
The audience got exactly what they expected from the generous musician: a wealth of pleasing melodies and a bubbling orchestration that sparkled with color. Henri Cain's witty lyrics soared on the wings of Massenet’s music-Massenet's trademark intricate orchestration never obscures the dialogue, but rather complements it with symphonic finesse.
The duet is a beautiful moment in the opera-heartwarming and deeply moving. Samuel Ramey sings with such finesse and mature authority, capturing the Philosopher’s love for his pupil and the weight of his moral guidance, while Frederica von Stade is charming and vulnerable as Cherubino. A stunning performance - watch, listen, and enjoy!
This is a fragment of the concert "Flicka & Friends: From Rossini To Show Boat" recorded on April 18, 1990, at Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, New York. Conductor: Henry Lewis. Also watch Samuel Ramey and Frederica von Stade perform "Là ci darem la mano" from Mozart's "Don Giovanni" • Samuel Ramey & Frederi...
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