Composer

:

Luigi Cherubini

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1797

Average_duration

:

130:26

Movement_count

:

30

Movement ....

"Médée" is an opera composed by Luigi Cherubini in 1797. The plot is based on the Greek myth of Medea, who seeks revenge on her husband Jason after he leaves her for another woman. The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by François-Benoît Hoffmann. The opera premiered on March 13, 1797, at the Théâtre Feydeau in Paris. It was an immediate success and quickly became one of the most popular operas of the time. The opera was later revised by Cherubini in 1802 and again in 1813. The first movement of the opera begins with Medea's arrival in Corinth, where she has fled after killing her own brother. She is in love with Jason, who has left his wife to be with her. However, Jason has now decided to marry the daughter of the king of Corinth, and Medea is consumed with jealousy and rage. The second movement sees Medea plotting her revenge. She decides to kill her own children in order to hurt Jason as much as possible. She sings a powerful aria, "Dei tuoi figli la madre," in which she laments the fact that she must kill her own children. The final movement of the opera sees Medea carry out her plan. She kills her children and presents their bodies to Jason, who is horrified. The opera ends with Medea escaping in a chariot pulled by dragons, leaving Jason to mourn the loss of his children. "Médée" is known for its powerful music and dramatic intensity. Cherubini's use of the orchestra is particularly notable, with the music heightening the emotional impact of the story. The opera is also notable for its strong female lead, with Medea portrayed as a complex and multi-dimensional character. Overall, "Médée" is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that continues to be performed and admired today.

More....