Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1903

Average_duration

:

119:08

Chérubin is an opera in three acts composed by Jules Massenet. The libretto was written by Francis de Croisset and Henri Cain, based on the character of Chérubin from Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais' play The Marriage of Figaro. The opera was composed in 1905 and premiered on February 14, 1905, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The plot of Chérubin revolves around the character of Chérubin, a young page who is infatuated with all women. He is sent away from the Countess' court for his amorous behavior and is sent to the countryside to learn discipline. While there, he falls in love with a young woman named L'Ensoleillad, but she is already engaged to a soldier named Florestan. Chérubin tries to win her over, but she rejects him. Meanwhile, the Countess sends for Chérubin to return to court, where he is tasked with delivering a letter to the Count. The letter is intercepted by the jealous Countess, who believes it is a love letter from Chérubin to the Count. She confronts Chérubin, who denies any wrongdoing. The Countess then reveals that she has fallen in love with Chérubin and they share a passionate moment before being interrupted by the arrival of the Count. The Count challenges Chérubin to a duel, but Chérubin is saved by the intervention of L'Ensoleillad, who reveals that the letter was not a love letter but a request for Chérubin's return to court. The opera ends with Chérubin and L'Ensoleillad reconciling and the Countess returning to her husband. The music of Chérubin is characterized by Massenet's signature lyrical style, with lush melodies and rich harmonies. The opera features several memorable arias, including Chérubin's "Voyez donc la belle," in which he sings of his love for all women, and the Countess' "Je suis gris!" in which she confesses her love for Chérubin. The opera also features several ensemble numbers, including the Act II finale, in which Chérubin, L'Ensoleillad, and Florestan sing a trio. Chérubin was well-received at its premiere and has remained a popular work in the operatic repertoire. It is often performed in French-speaking countries and has been recorded several times. The opera's themes of love, jealousy, and infidelity continue to resonate with audiences today.

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