Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1850 - 1851

Publication Date

:

1860

First Performance

:

Apr 16, 1851

Average_duration

:

118:50

Movement_count

:

34

Movement ....

"Sapho" is an opera composed by Charles Gounod, with a libretto by Emile Augier and Jules Barbier. The opera was composed in 1851 and premiered on April 16, 1851, at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris. The plot of "Sapho" is based on the ancient Greek myth of the poetess Sappho, who falls in love with a young man named Phaon. Sappho is torn between her love for Phaon and her duty as a priestess of Aphrodite. She ultimately chooses to renounce her love for Phaon and dedicate herself to her duties as a priestess. The opera is divided into three acts, with each act focusing on a different aspect of Sappho's story. The first act introduces Sappho and her fellow priestesses, as well as Phaon, who is a sailor. Sappho and Phaon fall in love, but Sappho is torn between her love for him and her duty to Aphrodite. The second act takes place on a ship, where Sappho and Phaon are traveling together. Sappho is tormented by her love for Phaon and her duty to Aphrodite, and she ultimately decides to renounce her love for him. The third act takes place back on land, where Sappho is reunited with her fellow priestesses. She tells them of her decision to renounce her love for Phaon and dedicate herself to her duties as a priestess. The opera ends with Sappho singing a hymn to Aphrodite. The music of "Sapho" is characterized by Gounod's signature lyrical style, with beautiful melodies and lush harmonies. The opera features several memorable arias, including Sappho's "O ma lyre immortelle" and Phaon's "L'amour, l'amour, c'est toi." Overall, "Sapho" is a beautiful and moving opera that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. Its premiere in 1851 was a great success, and it remains a beloved work in the operatic repertoire to this day.

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