Composer

:

Camille Saint-Saëns

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1879

Étienne Marcel is an opera composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1879. The plot is set in Paris in the 14th century and revolves around the historical figure of Étienne Marcel, a wealthy cloth merchant who led a rebellion against the French monarchy. The opera is divided into four acts and features a libretto by Albert Victor Arnault and Eugène Cormon. The first act opens with a scene in the marketplace where Étienne Marcel is rallying the people against the corrupt rule of King John II. He is joined by his friend Robert, who is in love with his sister, Jeanne. The second act takes place in the palace of the king, where Étienne Marcel and his followers demand that the king sign a charter granting them more rights. The king refuses, and Étienne Marcel leads a revolt that results in the death of the king's advisor, Marcel de Trie. In the third act, Étienne Marcel is appointed as the new governor of Paris and is tasked with defending the city against an invasion by the English. He is torn between his duty to the city and his love for Jeanne, who is being held captive by the English. In the final act, Étienne Marcel leads the people of Paris in a final battle against the English, during which he is mortally wounded. He dies in the arms of Jeanne, who declares her love for Robert. Étienne Marcel premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on March 17, 1879. The opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of Saint-Saëns' most popular works. The music is characterized by its use of French folk melodies and its dramatic choral passages. The opera also features several memorable arias, including "O Paris, gai séjour de la gloire" and "Ô Jeanne, ma Jeanne adorée." Overall, Étienne Marcel is a stirring historical drama that showcases Saint-Saëns' skill as a composer. Its themes of rebellion, love, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless masterpiece of French opera.

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