Composer

:

Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1762

Average_duration

:

01:11:58

Le Roi et le Fermier is an opera composed by Pierre-Alexandre Monsigny in 1762. The plot revolves around a king who, while on a hunting trip, becomes lost and seeks refuge in the home of a farmer. The farmer, who is unaware of the king's identity, treats him as an equal and the two become friends. However, when the king's identity is revealed, the farmer is afraid of the consequences and tries to hide the king from his pursuers. The opera premiered on February 22, 1762, at the Comédie-Italienne in Paris. It was an immediate success and became one of the most popular operas of the 18th century. The opera is composed of three acts and features a libretto by Michel-Jean Sedaine. The music of Le Roi et le Fermier is characterized by its simplicity and elegance. Monsigny's use of melody and harmony is both expressive and refined, and his orchestration is delicate and transparent. The opera features a variety of musical styles, including arias, duets, and ensembles, and the vocal writing is both lyrical and dramatic. The first movement of the opera is a lively overture that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement features a duet between the king and the farmer, in which they express their mutual admiration and friendship. The third movement is a comic ensemble in which the farmer's family and friends try to hide the king from his pursuers. The fourth movement is a poignant aria sung by the farmer's daughter, in which she expresses her love for the king. The final movement is a joyful ensemble in which the king and the farmer celebrate their friendship and the happy ending of the story. Le Roi et le Fermier is a masterpiece of French opera, and its popularity has endured to this day. Its themes of friendship, equality, and the power of love over social status continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

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