Adolphe Adam is famous for the popular ballets Giselle and Le Corsaire, works that were highly influential in the development of 19th-century musical theater, most especially in the evolution of the Romantic ballet. Giselle, still considered the very essence of the Romantic ballet, marked a peak in the composer’s career. The 1848 Revolution, however, coincided with a period of financial problems for his enterprise, causing his 11th ballet, Griseldis, to be cancelled mid-production. The colorful and innovative Griseldis, ou Les Cinq Sens (“Griseldis, or the five senses”) narrates the adventures of Elfrid the Crown Prince of Bohemia, on a journey of discovery and growing self-awareness as he travels to meet his prospective bride, Griseldis, Princess of Moldova. He hears her voice, feels her scent, touches her, tastes her lips when she embraces and kisses him, but he does not see her.
The ballet-pantomime is heard in its world premiere recording in a performance by The Sofia Philharmonic Chorus and Orchestra conducted by Dario Savari with the role of the mysterious voice is performed by soprano Marija Jelić.
