Composer

:

Reynaldo Hahn

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1933

First Performance

:

Oct 5, 1933

Average_duration

:

58:21

Reynaldo Hahn's opera 'O mon bel inconnu' was composed in 1933 and premiered on May 19, 1934, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The libretto was written by Sacha Guitry, a French playwright, and actor. The opera is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a young woman named Hélène who falls in love with a man she has never met. The plot revolves around Hélène, who is engaged to a man named Maxime. However, she is not in love with him and is instead infatuated with a man she has never met, whom she calls her "beautiful stranger." Hélène's friend, Madame Berthier, arranges for her to meet the man she believes to be the "beautiful stranger," but it turns out to be Maxime's friend, Julien. Hélène is disappointed and leaves the meeting early. Later, Hélène attends a party where she meets a man named Raoul, who she believes to be her "beautiful stranger." Raoul is actually a waiter at the party, but he plays along with Hélène's fantasy. They spend the evening together, and Hélène falls in love with him. However, Raoul disappears before Hélène can learn his true identity. The second act takes place a year later, and Hélène is still searching for her "beautiful stranger." She attends a ball where she meets Raoul again, but this time he is dressed as a nobleman. Hélène is thrilled to finally meet her true love, but Raoul reveals that he is actually Maxime's cousin and is engaged to another woman. Hélène is heartbroken but eventually realizes that she loves Maxime after all. The music of 'O mon bel inconnu' is characterized by Hahn's signature style, which blends elements of French Romanticism with modernist techniques. The opera features arias, duets, and ensembles that showcase Hahn's lyrical melodies and sophisticated harmonies. The score also includes several dance numbers, including a waltz and a tango. Overall, 'O mon bel inconnu' is a charming and lighthearted opera that explores the themes of love, fantasy, and reality. Its premiere was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it remains a popular work in the French operatic repertoire.

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