Gaveaux: Léonore, ou L'amour conjugal

Move over, Beethoven: this 2017 production from Opera Lafayette presents the fascinating modern premiere of Pierre Gaveaux's 1798 opera Léonore, ou L'amour conjugal – a work based on the same literary source that would later inspire the great German composer's Fidelio. Fans of the latter will recognise elements of the plot – political struggle, revolution, romance and rescue. But Gaveaux's score offers a different musical perspective, from sparkling opéra-comique charm in the lightest moments to atmospheric chiaroscuro elsewhere. Soprano Kimy McLaren takes on the appealing title role and leads the largely French-Canadian cast, while Ryan Brown conducts Opera Lafayette Orchestra (playing on period instruments) and Oriol Tomas directs.