Composer

:

Léo Delibes

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1883

Publication Date

:

1883

First Performance

:

Apr 14, 1883

Average_duration

:

139:40

Movement_count

:

40

Movement ....

Lakmé is an opera composed by Léo Delibes in 1883. The plot is set in India during the British colonial era and revolves around the love story of Lakmé, a Hindu priestess, and Gérald, a British officer. The opera is divided into three acts and features arias, duets, and ensemble pieces. Act I introduces the audience to the world of Lakmé and her father, Nilakantha, who is a Brahmin priest. Gérald and his friend Frederic, both British officers, enter the temple where Lakmé and her father are performing a religious ceremony. Gérald is immediately captivated by Lakmé's beauty and voice, and he decides to return to the temple to find her. In Act II, Gérald disguises himself as a Hindu and enters Lakmé's garden. They sing a duet expressing their love for each other. However, their happiness is short-lived as Nilakantha discovers Gérald's true identity and vows to kill him. Act III takes place in a bazaar where Gérald and Frederic are shopping. Nilakantha stabs Gérald, but Lakmé saves him by giving him a flower that contains a poison that will put him into a deep sleep. She then sings the famous aria "Bell Song" before taking her own life with another poison. Lakmé premiered on April 14, 1883, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The opera was well-received and became one of Delibes' most popular works. The music is characterized by its exoticism, with influences from Indian classical music and French Romanticism. The use of the flute and harp is prominent throughout the opera, adding to its ethereal and dreamlike quality. Overall, Lakmé is a tragic love story that explores themes of cultural differences, forbidden love, and sacrifice. Its beautiful music and exotic setting have made it a beloved opera that continues to be performed around the world.

More....