92′

an opera by Philip Glass
Based on the Scenario by Jean Cocteau
Published by Dunvagen Music Publishers.

June 21, 1994 in Gibellina, Italy, by the Philip Glass Ensemble conducted by Michael Riesman.

Orchestral Version:
2S, Mz, 2Bar, 2 Bbar 1(pic).0.1.bcl.ssx.asx.1 / 3.0.1.btrb.0/ 1 perc (tgl, cym, glsp, tubular chimes (Ab-flat, B-flat), marimba / hp / syn / str

Chamber Version (Originally by the Philip Glass Ensemble):
Flute (doubling Piccolo & Soprano Sax), Soprano Sax (doubling Flute), Alto Sax (doubling Soprano Sax), 3 synthesizers, and percussion

FELICIE: Soprano
ADELAIDE: Mezzo
LA BELLE: Mezzo
LA BÊTE and THE PRINCE: Baritone
AVENANT: Baritone
LE PERE: Bass-baritone
LUDOVIC: Bass-baritone

A subtle reflection on the life of an Artist, Philip Glass’ second opera based on works by Cocteau, in its original version performed in conjunction with the projected film (with the original version soundtrack eliminated entirely).

Presented as a simple fairy talem it soon becomes clear that the history has taken on a broader and deeper subject – the very nature of the creative process. Through an extraordinary alchemy of the spirit, the ordinary world is transformed into a world of magic. The power of the creative and the raw world of nature, represented respectively by Beauty and the Beast, finally emerges and allows the world of imagination to take flight.

The work may be performed as a standalone opera (orchestral score now available) or live to film (scores coming soon)

La Belle et la Bête at Wise Music Classical

Chamber Instrumentation score coming soon

RECORDINGS:
Philip Glass Film Scores on Orange Mountain Music
GlassJukebox on Nonesuch
La Belle et la Bête on Nonesuch
Philip on Film on Nonesuch
Philip Glass: Up Close on Orange Mountain Music< Philip Glass Soundtracks – Michael Riesman

FILMS:
La Belle et la Bete by Jean Cocteau
Looking Glass by Éric Darmon