L'heure espagnole

Set in a clockmaker's shop, 'L'heure espagnole' (The Spanish Hour) is a one-act comic opera by Maurice Ravel. Concepcion, the clockmaker's wife, awaits her lover while her husband is away to wind the town clocks. She must ingeniously hide her clandestine encounters with various suitors, including a wealthy banker and a young student, within the shop filled with ticking timepieces, leading to a chaotic and humorous resolution.

Laurent Pelly's 2013 production of Ravel's 'L'heure espagnole' was widely praised for its inventive staging, strong vocal performances, and faithful adherence to the opera's comedic spirit. Critics lauded the sharp wit and intricate musicality of Ravel's work, which was expertly brought to life by the cast and orchestra. The production was seen as a delightful and sophisticated exploration of desire and deception.

• Praised for its vibrant and witty staging.

• Lauded for strong vocal performances and Ravel's intricate score.

• Appreciated for its faithful and energetic interpretation of the comedic opera.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this particular production is not readily available. However, Ravel's 'L'heure espagnole' generally appeals to audiences who enjoy witty, fast-paced comic operas with intricate musical textures.

Maurice Ravel originally intended 'L'heure espagnole' to be paired with another one-act opera, 'Béatrice et Bénédict' by Berlioz, but ultimately decided against it, and it is most often performed as a standalone work.