THÉODORE GOUVY (1819-1898): Iphigénie en Tauride, Op. 76.

Description: Like Electra, which we offered in January of 1999 (no longer available), this 1884 work is one of a remarkable series of dramatic cantatas written between 1876 and the year of Gouvy's death: ardently lyrical, holding on to the classical tradition of Mendelssohn, this 106-minute work is a fine example of the sort of musical drama which competed with opera for audience's attention during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dramatic visit of the Furies and the funeral ceremonies for Orestes are just two of several numbers which exemplify Gouvy's writing in such a way that the work could be semi-staged, further blurring the line between opera and cantata. French-English texts. Christine Maschler (soprano), Vinzenz Haab (baritone), Benjamin Hulett (tenor), Ekkehard Abele (bass), Kantorei Saarlouis, La Grande Société Philharmonique; Joachim Fontaine.