Opera no 86
Adam: Le Toreador
Soloists
Welsh National Opera
Richard Bonynge
Adam is remembered mainly for his ballet music, in particularly the score to Giselle but he also wrote several operas. The most famous is probably Le Postillion de Longameau, becuase tenors like to tack the very high leading role, but this one has not been completely forgotten. That is mainly because of the variations on ah vous dirai je maman (Twinkle twinkle little star to you and me) which has been recorded by most of the coloratura sopranos from the early days of recording onwards. Those variations have a flute obligato - not uncommon in show pieces for the soprano - but here the added twist is that the love interest is himself a flute player.
I thought that this was a gorgeous little work. It has a charming overture and everything comes across fresh as a new coat of paint. You can certainly see why Adam had such success as a ballet composer - he has a real sense both of melody and of style. I’m pleased to have given myself the chance to hear the opera for the first time.
