Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1869 - 1878

Publication Date

:

1878

First Performance

:

Oct 7, 1878

Average_duration

:

152:03

Polyeucte is an opera composed by Charles Gounod, with a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. The opera is based on the play Polyeucte martyr by Pierre Corneille. The opera was composed in 1878 and premiered on October 7, 1878, at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. The plot of Polyeucte revolves around the story of a Roman nobleman named Polyeucte, who converts to Christianity and is subsequently martyred for his faith. The opera is set in the city of Melitene, in the Roman province of Armenia, in the third century AD. Polyeucte is married to Pauline, the daughter of the governor of Melitene, and is a close friend of the governor's son, Sévère. Polyeucte is initially a pagan, but he is deeply moved by the preaching of the Christian missionary Néarque. He converts to Christianity, much to the dismay of his wife and his friend Sévère, who are both pagans. Polyeucte's conversion causes a rift between him and his wife, and she eventually leaves him to marry Sévère. The second act of the opera takes place on the day of Polyeucte's baptism. Sévère, who is still in love with Pauline, tries to convince her to leave Polyeucte and return to him. However, Pauline is torn between her love for Polyeucte and her loyalty to her father and her religion. In the final act of the opera, Polyeucte is arrested and brought before the governor, who orders him to renounce his faith or face death. Polyeucte refuses to renounce his faith and is sentenced to be executed. Pauline, who has been moved by Polyeucte's steadfastness, decides to join him in martyrdom. The opera ends with Polyeucte and Pauline being led to their execution, while the Christians sing a hymn of praise. The music of Polyeucte is characterized by its grandeur and its use of choral and orchestral forces. The opera features several memorable arias, including Polyeucte's aria "Source de mon bonheur" and Pauline's aria "Je suis seule." The opera also includes several powerful choral numbers, including the "Chœur des chrétiens" and the "Chœur des prêtres." Polyeucte was not a commercial success at its premiere, but it has since become recognized as one of Gounod's most important works. The opera is notable for its dramatic intensity and its exploration of themes of faith, love, and sacrifice.

More....