Composer

:

Franco Alfano

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1926

Average_duration

:

122:18

"Cyrano de Bergerac" is an opera in four acts composed by Franco Alfano. The libretto was written by Henri Cain, based on the play of the same name by Edmond Rostand. The opera was composed between 1925 and 1936, with the premiere taking place on January 29, 1936, at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. The plot of the opera follows the story of Cyrano de Bergerac, a skilled swordsman and poet who is in love with his cousin Roxane. However, he is too self-conscious about his large nose to confess his love to her. Instead, he helps his friend Christian, a handsome but inarticulate soldier, to woo Roxane by writing love letters for him. Roxane falls in love with the letters and eventually marries Christian, not realizing that Cyrano was the true author. The opera is characterized by its lush orchestration and lyrical melodies, which capture the romantic and tragic elements of the story. The first act introduces the main characters and sets up the love triangle between Cyrano, Roxane, and Christian. The second act features a famous balcony scene, in which Cyrano speaks to Roxane from below while Christian stands in for him. The third act takes place on the battlefield, where Cyrano and Christian fight together and Cyrano reveals his love for Roxane. The final act sees Cyrano on his deathbed, confessing his love to Roxane before dying. The movements of the opera are divided into four acts, each with multiple scenes. The first act includes scenes such as "The Hotel de Bourgogne," "The Poet's Corner," and "The Duel." The second act includes scenes such as "The Balcony," "The Letter," and "The Kiss." The third act includes scenes such as "The Camp," "The Departure," and "The Battle." The final act includes scenes such as "The Convent," "The Letter," and "The Death of Cyrano." Overall, "Cyrano de Bergerac" is a romantic and tragic opera that captures the essence of the original play. Its lush orchestration and lyrical melodies make it a memorable and emotional experience for audiences.

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