Bizet: Les Pêcheurs de perles [The Pearl Fishers] (Complete opera recorded in 1960)

"The second-act Serenade, "De mon amie fleur endormie", arguably the score's most subtle number, is beautifully sung by Gedda. Ernest Blanc, in the difficult role of the alternately jealous and forgiving Zurga, is in superb voice, showing a real understanding of the right style and of character." (Gramophone)

It was this opera that launched Bizet's career and it was first performed on September 30 1863

Les Pêcheurs de perles is known above all for its magnificent duet for tenor and baritone. Here, that celebrated number is set in the context of a complete performance that expresses the very essence of Gallic style. Pierre Dervaux leads the forces of the Opéra-Comique and a cast of emblematic French singers of the post-War era. They are joined by Nicolai Gedda - Swedish-born, but characteristically and idiomatically elegant as the romantic hero Nadir.