OperaWire - Alan Neilson

In the title role was the French soprano Gabrielle Philiponet, who impressed with her
tonal beauty as well as with the elegance and grace with which she was able to enunciate
her lines, which, of course, was helped by singing in her native language. Although shegave the appearance of being demure, chaste and refined, she was no shrinking violet. In
fact, she was quite feisty and determined, even prepared to wield a sword in her own defense if need be, which she supported with intelligent phrasing furnished with pleasing
dynamic and emotional accents. She also demonstrated her sensitivity and skill in crafting gently moulded lines of exquisite beauty in the well-known aria “Sous le feuillage sombre.”