Based on the story of Bluebeard, Dukas set a text by the Belgian writer Maurice Maeterlinck and took seven years to complete the work. It was well received by fellow composers and musicians. Vincent d’Indy thought it “the most important piece of music drama since Wagner”. This great recording from 1986 is now available for the first time on CD.

Artists

Marilyn Schmiege (Ariane), Roderick Kennedy (Barbe-Bleu), Jocelyn Taillon (Amme), Mitsuko Shirai (Melisande), Cynthia Buchan (Selysette), Francine Laurent (Bellangere), Josef Otten (Alter Bauer). Monique Baudoin (Ygraine), Jörg Pavelec (Zweite Bauer), Franz Gerihsen (Dritte Bauer)

Kölner Rundfunkchor & Kölner Rundfunk-Sinfonie-Orchester, Gary Bertini

"...a splendid 1986 recording fromt he archives of Cologne Radio. From the very first bar Gary Bertini reveals mastery of the score that puts in the shade all but Bertrand de Billy...As for the main singers, Bertini has the most natural pairing in Marilyn Schmeige and Jocelyne Taillon - expressive, secure in intonation, well coupled and well contrasted...Altogether this newcomer seems to me a clear winner all round." (Gramophone, Februar 2012)