
Star soprano Anna Netrebko scored a triumph in Laurent Pelly’s acclaimed 2012 production, singing the title heroine for the first time at the Met. Manon’s story—from innocent country girl to celebrated courtesan to destitute prisoner—is one of the great tragic tales in literature and music, and this performance brings out all of its colors, as seen through Massenet’s masterful score, from the comedic beginning to the heart-wrenching finale. Piotr Bezcala is des Grieux, Manon’s lover, who decides to become a priest when she leaves him, but ultimately is reunited with her, only to lose her again. Paulo Szot sings Lescaut, and Fabio Luisi conducts the Met Orchestra and Chorus.
Directed by Gary Halvorson, Laurent Pelly, Massenet: Manon leans on a strong ensemble — Anna Netrebko, Piotr Beczała, Paulo Szot — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about music titles of 2012.
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