Poulenc: Dialogues des Carmélites
Poulenc: Dialogues des Carmélites

Movie spotlight

Poulenc: Dialogues des Carmélites

2019
Movie
169 min
English

Yannick Nézet-Séguin leads the classic John Dexter production of Poulenc’s devastating story of faith and martyrdom. Mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard sings the touching role of Blanche and soprano Karita Mattila, a legend in her own time, returns to the Met as the Prioress.

Insights

IMDb8.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic92/100
Google Users96%
Director: John DexterGenres: Opera, Drama, History

Plot Summary

This opera, based on a true story, chronicles the fate of Carmelite nuns during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror. As the aristocratic convent faces persecution and secularization, the nuns grapple with their faith and vow to face martyrdom together. The opera focuses on the spiritual journey of Blanche de la Force, a timid aristocrat seeking solace in faith, and her eventual acceptance of sacrifice.

Critical Reception

This production of Poulenc's 'Dialogues des Carmélites' has been widely acclaimed for its powerful emotional impact and masterful staging. Critics lauded the performances, particularly the sensitive portrayals of the nuns' inner turmoil and collective resolve. The opera's enduring themes of faith, sacrifice, and the persecution of the innocent resonated strongly with audiences and reviewers alike.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its profound emotional depth and spiritual resonance.

  • Lauded for exceptional vocal performances and sensitive character interpretations.

  • Commended for its historically sensitive and dramatically compelling depiction of the nuns' fate.

Google audience: Audiences consistently praise the opera's moving story and the breathtaking performances of the cast. Many found the production to be a deeply affecting and spiritually enriching experience, highlighting the bravery and faith of the Carmelite nuns.

Fun Fact

The opera is based on the true story of 16 Carmelite nuns from the Compiègne convent who were guillotined during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror.

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