Composer

:

Hector Berlioz

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

Aug 1860 - Feb 1862

Average_duration

:

85:14

Movement_count

:

61

Movement ....

Béatrice et Bénédict is an opera composed by Hector Berlioz, based on William Shakespeare's play Much Ado About Nothing. The opera was composed between 1860 and 1862 and premiered on August 9, 1862, at the Theater der Stadt in Baden-Baden, Germany. The plot of the opera revolves around the two main characters, Béatrice and Bénédict, who are constantly bickering and arguing with each other. Despite their constant quarrels, they are secretly in love with each other. The other characters in the opera, including Hero, Claudio, and Don Pedro, conspire to bring Béatrice and Bénédict together. The opera is divided into two acts, with each act consisting of several movements. The first act begins with an overture, followed by an opening chorus. The first act also includes several arias and duets, including Béatrice's aria "Il m'en souvient" and Bénédict's aria "Ah! Je vais l'aimer". The act ends with a quartet, "Que les destins prospères". The second act begins with a chorus, followed by a duet between Béatrice and Bénédict, "Nuit paisible et sereine". The act also includes several arias and duets, including Hero's aria "Je vais le voir", Claudio's aria "Vous soupirez, madame", and Béatrice's aria "Dieu! Que viens-je d'entendre?". The opera ends with a finale, "Oui, pour revoir Béatrice". One of the characteristics of Béatrice et Bénédict is its use of humor and wit. Berlioz's music perfectly captures the playful and witty banter between Béatrice and Bénédict. The opera also features a number of lively and energetic ensemble pieces, including the opening chorus and the quartet in the first act. Overall, Béatrice et Bénédict is a charming and lighthearted opera that showcases Berlioz's skill as a composer. Its premiere in Baden-Baden was a success, and the opera has since become a beloved part of the operatic repertoire.

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