Gounod, C.: La Colombe

   in Opera Now (Jan, 2016)
A new recording of Gounod’s La Colombe comes from the ever-reliable Opera Rara. A rarity from 1860, it should appeal to admirers of Gounod, who, having thrilled to Faust and Romeo et Juliette, have perhaps been moved to investigate the charms of Mireille. If you haven’t thrilled to Faust, on the other hand, then this is probably not for you. It is also likely to attract fans of opera-comique, so if Boieldieu, Auber and Adam are to your taste then this piece continues the tradition. It’s a simple story concerning the titular dove, a gifted bird, and the adoration of its owner, Horace, for Sylvie, who in turn wants possession of …