In recent years there has been increased interest in the works of Ambroise Thomas, particularly in his ambitious setting of Hamlet (1868), which has been revived with success at London’s Covent Garden, the New York Met, Barcelona, Paris and elsewhere. His other major success was Mignon (1866), which had more than 1,200 performances at the Opéra-Comique up to the end of the 19th century. Opera Rara now takes a further important step in the rediscovery of this fascinating figure with a new recording of his 1855 opéra-comique La Cour de Célimène (Célimène’s Court). Set in 1750 in a château near Paris, the opera deals with a young widowed Countess who has no fewer than 14 suitors. The role was written for the legendary coloratura Marie Miolan-Carvalho, who also created roles in four of Gounod’s operas, notably Marguerite in Faust, Juliette in Roméo et Juliette and the title-role in Mireille. Here, the Countess is sung by Laura Claycomb, with Alastair Miles, Joan Rodgers and Sébastien Droy at her side. Given the large cast, it’s not surprising that the work’s ensembles have been picked out by scholars as highlights of a score that is sure to delight lovers of French opera.

The 2CD set comes with a lavishly illustrated book including libretto with an English translation. Richard Langham Smith gives a detailed account of the composer, the opera and its composition.