Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Scene 1 - The Courtyard of an Inn near Paris
2. Scene 2 - Des Grieux's lodgings in Paris
3. Scene 1 - A Party at the Hotel particulier of Madame

Disc 2:

1. Scene 1 - Conclusion
2. Scene 2 - Des Grieux's lodgings
3. Scene 1 - The port of New Orleans
4. Scene 2 - The goaler's rooms in New Orleans
5. Scene 3 - A swamp in Louisiana

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12256 in Music
• Released on: 2002-07-08
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: Box set
• Running time: 107 minutes

Customer Reviews

Manon as a ballet
The complete score of one of Kenneth MacMillans most successful ballets "Manon" (1974), based on the popular 18th century romantic novel by Abbé Prévost, is finally reissued. Leighton Lucas, himself a former dancer with Diaghilev and a self-taught musician, drew on no less than 13 operas as well as orchestral and vocal works by Massenet for his arrangement. Paradoxically, none of the music comes from Massenet's opera "Manon".
This two-disc set from Decca in the mid-price range, recorded in 1985, provides excellent playing from the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden under Richard Bonynge and will satisfy all familiar (or not yet) with the ballet.
The liner notes include a synopsis of the ballet, although a detailed list of the origin of the various musical pieces would have been welcome.

A gem re-released
The music for this memorable 1974 ballet -- unavailable for too long -- is a collection of extracts by Massenet, brilliantly arranged and orchestrated by Leighton Lucas, with the assistance of Hilda Gaunt. While none of the ballet's music is from Massenet's opera, Manon, Lucas drew on thirteen other operas by the composer as well as on two oratorios, various songs, and orchestral pieces. It is a rare and beautiful jewel.

Quality
Very happy with quality for this item for which I have been searching for some time. A welcome addition to any ballet collection.