Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher

On Saturday, February 17, I attended the fourth of Odyssey Opera's five productions this season. The season focus is on St. Joan of Arc, and this production was "Jeanne d'Arc au bûcher," ("Joan of Arc at the Stake") by Arthur Honneger. The first question might be the genre of the work. It seems that the composer called it a "dramatic oratorio." It is a work on a sacred subject with orchestra, chorus, and solo singers, but also with action. Perhaps it could be called an opera; but the connotations of the word could be misleading as to the composer and librettist's intent to write and compose a sacred work. It was composed, with a libretto by the poet Paul Claudel, in the 1930's; and a prologue was added in 1944. After the prologue, there are ten scenes giving flashbacks as Joan, at the stake, remembers her life. The eleventh scene is her death in the flames.

I didn't know what to expect, but I wasn't expecting the music to be very enjoyable, since Honegger was a "modern" composer. Preview articles and the program notes told of an eclectic style, which is also discussed in some detail in the reviews in the Globe and the Intelligencer. But as the work was performed, the music took second place to the drama, and I was never conscious of all the differing styles. Instead, for me, the music just seemed to reinforce the words and action.

As for the words and action, some of it was clear, some of it mystifying, but it all held my attention. I probably tried too hard to figure it all out while it was being played. That is one of my flaws — over-intellectualinzing artistic experience. I'd do better if I could just let it happen, experience it, and think about it later. But, as I say, it held my attention, and I consider it to have been worth seeing. I'd recommend taking in a performance if it's ever staged where you are, but to some extent the value may depend on how well it's acted and danced — yes there were also choreographed movements — and staged. Still, the dramatic oratorio is a worthwhile work.