Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1857

Publication Date

:

1858

First Performance

:

Jan 15, 1858

Average_duration

:

46:26

"Le médécin malgré lui" is an opera composed by Charles Gounod, based on the play of the same name by Molière. The opera was composed in 1858 and premiered on January 15, 1859, at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris. The plot of the opera revolves around the character of Sganarelle, a woodcutter who is mistaken for a doctor by a wealthy man named Géronte. Géronte's daughter, Lucinde, has been struck mute by her father's attempts to force her into a marriage she does not want. Géronte believes that a doctor can cure her, and he forces Sganarelle to pretend to be a doctor and treat his daughter. Sganarelle, who has no medical knowledge, is initially reluctant to play along, but he is eventually convinced by his wife, Martine, who sees an opportunity to make some money. Sganarelle goes along with the charade, and he manages to cure Lucinde by convincing her that she is not really mute. The opera is divided into three acts, and it features a number of memorable musical numbers, including Sganarelle's aria "Ah! Quel plaisir d'être médecin" and Lucinde's aria "Je suis guérie, je suis sauvée." The music is characterized by Gounod's signature blend of lyricism and drama, and it features a number of lively ensemble numbers that showcase the composer's skill at writing for multiple voices. One of the key movements of the opera is the scene in which Sganarelle is forced to pretend to be a doctor. This scene is full of comic misunderstandings and mistaken identities, and it showcases Gounod's skill at writing music that is both humorous and musically sophisticated. Overall, "Le médécin malgré lui" is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Gounod's skill as a composer. It is a testament to the enduring popularity of Molière's play, and it remains a beloved work in the operatic repertoire.

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