Phedre: By Jean Racine / Various

Jean Racine was one of France's greatest playwrights, and his play Phedre, written in 1677, is often considered his best work. Phedre (Phaedra) is a fascinating character whose intensity can only be portrayed by a gifted actress. On this album Edwige Feuilere brilliantly fills the role in French with her favorite scenes from the play. Feuillere, who is known as the first lady of French theater, is acclaimed by critics as the "definitive Phedre." the English section of the album is performed by Marian Seldes, an award-winning American actress known for her stage, film, radio, and television career spanning six decades.