Synopsis#

At sunrise Lia (soprano) laments the absence of Azaël (tenor), her prodigal son, an outcast after leaving his home to pursue the world’s pleasures. Siméon (baritone) is weary of her constant thinking of Azaël. After the appearance and dance of young villagers, Azaël enters, and is joyfully reunited with his mother. She urges Siméon to forgive and welcome him home which he does, calling for a feast of celebration and singing praises to God.

Music#

Prélude # Air : “L’année, en vain chasse l’année; Azaël, pourquoi m’as-tu quittée?” # Récit : “Eh bien, encor des pleurs !” # Cortège et Air de danse # Récit et Air : “Ces airs joyeux; O temps, à jamais effacé” # Récit et Air : “Je m’enfuis” # Duo : “Rouvre les yeux à la lumière” # Air : “Mon fils est revenu; Plus de vains soucis” # Trio : “Mon cœur renaît à l’espérance”#

Recordings#

• 1982 – Jessye Norman, José Carreras, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir, conducted by Gary Bertini (Orfeo)

References#

• Holland, Bernard, “Prodigal Son and a Brat, a Whimsical Pairing”, New York Times, 10 December 2004.
• Sosland, Benjamin, “Realism Mixed With Dadaism Adds Spark to Opera Double Bill”, The Juilliard Journal, Vol. XX No. 4, December 2004.
• Trezise, Simon, The Cambridge companion to Debussy, Cambridge University Press, 2003, pp. 63–64.