Hector Berlioz - LES TROYENS - Duet: "Nuit d'ivresse et d'extase infinie!" (Vickers, Veasey, Davis)

The love duet from Hector Berlioz's Les Troyens (composed 1856-1858, performed 1863): "Nuit d'ivresse et d'extase infinie!'
Énée: Jon Vickers
Didon: Josephine Veasey
Conductor: Sir Colin Davis

[@petergraham8681]

This for me is the greatest love duet from any French or Italian opera & this memorable recording is superbly performed with Vickers surpassing himself. The entire opera is a real landmark among opera recordings & remains wonderful to hear even after more than 50 years. I will cherish it always & it’s impact on my initial hearing it I will never forget. The more recent version sung by Graham & Kunde is another classic interpretation.

[@dfyfejamieson]

One of the greatest love duets. Vickers, Veasey

[@chuckylaurent]

She is Janet Baker (Didon), not Veasey (Cassandra)

[@lacihillviews8626]

Immensely beautiful!

[@veroniquegirard3546]

Une musique splendide, deux voix sublimes, à pleurer et à rêver, un moment suspendu sous la baguette de Sir Colin Davis, merci.

[@henrygingercat]

I've not heard this version for many years and I'd forgotten how much it plods.

[@Teddyb1939]

All magical but 7-50 out of this world. Lovely,lovely.

[@meyerbeersmith397]

Isn't it! A sublime piece of music, with the offstage chorus.

[@Teddyb1939]

So lovely.

[@esterbalbi4558]

magic!

[@TheVaughan5]

Thanks for the upload. Still remains the definitive recording of this remarkable ( and IMO greatest) opera, Vickers and Veasey are unmatched in Berlioz and of course there is Colin Davis, one the composers greatest champions - I admit though, there is some very stiff competition!

[@meyerbeersmith397]

+cameronpaul Glad you liked it! Davis's recording is stunning; amazing to think that Troyens was neglected for so long! It's a magnificent work - although I like Cellini more - it has more vitality and human warmth.

[@TheVaughan5]

Meyerbeer Smith Yes it was neglected for far too long but not completely surprising when you think that even today Berlioz is not fully understood or appreciated by many music lovers, which to me seems inexplicable.

[@duncanrichardson2167]

I agree. Cellini is 100% youthful Berlioz, untempered by the later loss of hope that he would achieve success in the Paris opera scene...and Auber's appointment , following Cherubini, as director of the Conservatoire !

[@unabarry2476]

Recorded in October 1969 under the auspices of Covent Garden in London.

[@paullewis2413]

I heard Colin Davis conduct this opera with the L.S.O. in a 1968 Prom concert. The cast included Josephine Veasey as Didon. I was too young to fully appreciate everything but it was enough to start a lifelong adoration for the music of Hector Berlioz.

[@luciesonal7804]

Jon Vickers : un éléphant dans un magasin de porcelaine, "si j'ai bien tout compris" ?!!! :-) Ce qui est excessif est insignifiant, non ?! Foin des vaines querelles, souvent empreintes d'un narcissisme non assumé par les querelleurs, Jon Vickers est sublime dans ce duo, ainsi que sa partenaire, comme il fut sublime dans des rôles majeurs seyant à sa voix, son timbre, sa sensibilité, son art du chant, son style et sa personnalité de tragédien lyrique d'exception, voilà tout, enfin, peut-être, me semble-t-il, si je puis l'oser;

[@LB-qd8qw]

7:06

[@mrrkdino]

Vickers always sounds like a bull in a china shop. No charm at all.

[@duncanrichardson2167]

I think that he sounds like Aeneas, the son of a god and a military hero.

[@Teddyb1939]

really !!!!

[@duncanrichardson2167]

yes really.

[@Teddyb1939]

My reply was to the person who said Jon was like a bull in a china shop.I love this version.

[@duncanrichardson2167]

Hi Teddy, My apologies for a response.I love this version too (Vickers is the finest Aeneas) but have reservations about Berrit LindholmRegardsDuncan