Composer

:

Charles Lecocq

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1872

Les Cent Vierges is an opera composed by Charles Lecocq, a French composer, in 1872. The plot of the opera revolves around a group of 100 virgins who are chosen to be sacrificed to the gods in order to save their city from destruction. The virgins are led by their queen, Leila, who is in love with a young man named Hélios. Hélios, however, is in love with another woman, Myrrhine, who is also one of the virgins. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of movements. The first act introduces the characters and sets up the conflict. The second act is where the sacrifice is supposed to take place, but Hélios and Myrrhine come up with a plan to save the virgins. The third act is where the plan is put into action, and the virgins are saved. One of the characteristics of Les Cent Vierges is its use of choral music. The opera features several large choral numbers, including the famous "Choeur des Vierges" (Virgin's Chorus), which is often performed separately from the opera itself. The music is light and melodic, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies. Les Cent Vierges premiered at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens in Paris on December 17, 1872. The opera was a huge success and quickly became one of Lecocq's most popular works. It was later translated into several languages and performed throughout Europe and the United States. Overall, Les Cent Vierges is a charming and lighthearted opera that showcases Lecocq's talent for melody and harmony. Its memorable choral numbers and catchy tunes have made it a favorite among audiences for over a century.

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