Composer

:

Vincent d'Indy

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1897

Average_duration

:

5:07

Fervaal, Op. 40 is an opera composed by Vincent d'Indy, a French composer, and music teacher. The opera was composed between 1889 and 1895 and premiered on March 12, 1897, at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. The plot of Fervaal is set in a mythical land called Kerven, where Fervaal, a druid priest, is chosen to lead the people in a battle against the invading Saracens. Fervaal falls in love with a woman named Guilhen, who is also loved by his friend Arfagard. Fervaal and Guilhen's love is forbidden by the druidic laws, and they are forced to flee to the mountains. In the second act, Fervaal and Guilhen are living in a cave in the mountains, where they are visited by Arfagard. Arfagard tells Fervaal that the Saracens have invaded Kerven and that they need his help. Fervaal agrees to help and leaves with Arfagard, leaving Guilhen behind. In the third act, Fervaal leads the Kerven army to victory against the Saracens. However, he is wounded in battle and dies in Guilhen's arms. The opera ends with Guilhen mourning Fervaal's death. Fervaal is divided into three movements, each with its own distinct musical characteristics. The first movement is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The second movement is more lyrical and features a love duet between Fervaal and Guilhen. The third movement is more dramatic and features a battle scene. Overall, Fervaal is known for its use of Wagnerian techniques, such as leitmotifs and chromatic harmony, as well as its incorporation of French folk music. The opera was not well-received at its premiere, but it has since gained recognition as an important work in the French operatic repertoire.

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