New Recording of Honegger's Jeanne d’Arc au Bûcher

A new recording of Honegger's Jeanne d’Arc au Bûcher has been made with conductor Lukáš Vasilek leading the Czech Philharmonic. Honegger composed the work in 1935 using a text by Paul Claudel. In addition to the Czech Philharmonic, the recording includes performances by the Prague Philharmonic Choir and the Children's Choir.

The work Jeanne d’Arc au Bûcher consists of eleven scenes. These scenes feature actors playing the roles of Jeanne and Frère Dominique, performing together with solo singers and a full choir. French actor Audrey Bonnet appears in the title role. Kyle van Schoonhoven performs in the work as Porcus, the pig chosen to preside over the trial.

In Jeanne d’Arc au Bûcher, Honegger's composition combines medieval modes and folk tunes with Stravinsky-style neoclassicism and jazz. The musical instrumentation specified in Honegger's score includes three saxophones, pianos, and ondes Martenot. Under the direction of Lukáš Vasilek, the new recording presents these musical elements with the Czech Philharmonic, the Prague Philharmonic Choir, the Children's Choir, Audrey Bonnet, and Kyle van Schoonhoven across the eleven scenes.