Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Compose Date

:

1854 - 1855

Publication Date

:

1865

Average_duration

:

2:11

Marguerite is an opera composed by Charles Gounod, a French composer, in 1868. The opera premiered on April 16, 1868, at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris, France. The libretto was written by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, based on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust. The opera is divided into five acts and features a total of 17 musical numbers. The first act introduces the main characters, including Marguerite, Faust, and Mephistopheles. The second act features a ballad sung by Marguerite, followed by a duet between Faust and Marguerite. The third act features a trio between Marguerite, Faust, and Mephistopheles, as well as a solo aria sung by Marguerite. The fourth act features a scene in a church, where Marguerite is tormented by Mephistopheles. The final act features a prison scene, where Marguerite awaits her execution. The music of Marguerite is characterized by its lyrical melodies and lush orchestration. Gounod's use of leitmotifs, or recurring musical themes, helps to unify the opera and highlight the emotional states of the characters. The opera also features a number of show-stopping arias and duets, including Marguerite's "Jewel Song" and the duet between Faust and Marguerite in the second act. Overall, Marguerite is a romantic and emotional opera that explores themes of love, redemption, and sacrifice. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Gounod's skill as a composer and the timeless appeal of its story.

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