Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1861 - 1862

Publication Date

:

1862

First Performance

:

Feb 28, 1862

Average_duration

:

128:39

"La reine de Saba" is an opera in four acts composed by Charles Gounod. The libretto was written by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, and it was first performed at the Paris Opéra on February 28, 1862. The plot of the opera revolves around the Queen of Sheba, who travels to Jerusalem to meet King Solomon. She is accompanied by her lover, Adoniram, who is secretly plotting against Solomon. The Queen is torn between her love for Adoniram and her duty to her people, and she ultimately decides to betray Adoniram and side with Solomon. The first act takes place in the palace of the Queen of Sheba, where she is preparing to embark on her journey to Jerusalem. Adoniram tries to convince her to abandon her plans and stay with him, but she refuses. The second act takes place in Solomon's palace, where the Queen is welcomed with great ceremony. Adoniram continues to plot against Solomon, and the Queen begins to have doubts about her decision to come to Jerusalem. In the third act, Adoniram attempts to assassinate Solomon, but he is foiled by the Queen, who reveals his treachery. The Queen is torn between her love for Adoniram and her loyalty to Solomon, but she ultimately decides to side with Solomon and help him defeat Adoniram. The final act takes place in the temple of Solomon, where the Queen is baptized and converted to Judaism. Adoniram is executed for his treachery, and the Queen is left to contemplate the consequences of her actions. "La reine de Saba" is characterized by its lush orchestration and lyrical melodies. The opera features a number of memorable arias, including the Queen's "Plus grand dans son obscurité" and Adoniram's "O toi qui m'es si chère." The opera also includes a number of choral and ensemble pieces, including the famous "Marche des prêtres." Despite its initial success, "La reine de Saba" fell out of favor in the late 19th century and is now rarely performed. However, it remains an important work in Gounod's oeuvre and is notable for its exotic subject matter and lush musical score.

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