Composer

:

Benjamin Godard

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1888

Jocelyn is an opera composed by Benjamin Godard in 1888. The plot revolves around the titular character, Jocelyn, a young man who falls in love with a woman named Laurence. However, their love is forbidden by Laurence's father, who wants her to marry a wealthy man. Jocelyn becomes despondent and decides to become a priest, but he cannot forget Laurence. Eventually, he learns that Laurence has died, and he becomes consumed with grief. He decides to leave the priesthood and live as a hermit, but he is visited by the ghost of Laurence, who tells him that she is not dead but has been living in a convent. Jocelyn is overjoyed and goes to the convent to be with her. The opera is composed of four acts and features a number of memorable musical movements, including the famous aria "Berceuse," which has become a staple of the operatic repertoire. The music of Jocelyn is characterized by its lush, romantic melodies and its use of orchestral color to evoke the emotions of the characters. Jocelyn premiered on February 25, 1888, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The opera was an immediate success and was praised for its beautiful music and emotional depth. It was performed throughout Europe and the United States in the years following its premiere. Overall, Jocelyn is a powerful and moving opera that explores themes of love, loss, and redemption. Its beautiful music and memorable characters have made it a beloved work of the operatic repertoire.

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