Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1907

Average_duration

:

75:59

Thérèse is an opera in two acts composed by Jules Massenet. The libretto was written by Jules Claretie and Henri Cain, based on the novel Thérèse Raquin by Émile Zola. The opera was composed in 1906 and premiered on February 7, 1907, at the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. The plot of Thérèse revolves around the titular character, Thérèse Raquin, who is trapped in a loveless marriage to her sickly cousin, Camille. Thérèse falls in love with Laurent, a friend of Camille's, and the two begin an affair. However, their passion leads to murder, and they are haunted by their guilt and the ghost of Camille. The first act of the opera takes place in the Raquin household, where Thérèse and Camille live with Madame Raquin, Camille's mother. Thérèse is bored and unhappy in her marriage, and she longs for something more. When Laurent enters their lives, Thérèse is immediately drawn to him, and they begin a secret affair. In the second act, Thérèse and Laurent are consumed by guilt over their crime. They are haunted by the ghost of Camille, who appears to them in their dreams and drives them to madness. Thérèse and Laurent eventually confess their crime to Madame Raquin, who is paralyzed and unable to speak. The opera ends with Thérèse and Laurent committing suicide together. The music of Thérèse is characterized by Massenet's signature lyrical style, with lush melodies and rich harmonies. The opera features several memorable arias, including Thérèse's "Je suis seule" and Laurent's "Je suis l'amant de la femme que j'ai tuée." The orchestration is also notable, with Massenet using a variety of instruments to create a haunting and atmospheric score. Thérèse was not as successful as some of Massenet's other operas, such as Manon and Werther, but it has been revived in recent years and is considered a powerful and dramatic work. The opera is divided into two movements, with the first act focusing on Thérèse and Laurent's affair, and the second act exploring the psychological aftermath of their crime. Overall, Thérèse is a gripping and intense opera that explores the dark side of human passion and desire.

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