Spontini: La vestale

First performed in 1807, Gaspare Spontini’s La vestale marked a major point in the story of French opera between Gluck and Berlioz. While seldom performed, it has played an important role in the careers of some great singers, most notably Maria Callas who caused a sensation when she performed it—in Italian—in 1954 at La Scala. The story tells of a vestal virgin who has allowed the sacred fire to go out when her love for the soldier Licinius is rekindled. Sentenced to death, she is ultimately saved when divine intervention relights the flame. In this terrific revival by Les Talens Lyriques under Christophe Rousset’s inspired direction, Marina Rebeka brings a deeply personal reading to her role as Julia. Stanislas de Barbeyrac makes a fine impression as Licinius while the remainder of the cast is equally strong.