Composer

:

Victor Herbert

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1911

First Performance

:

1911

The Enchantress is an opera in three acts composed by Victor Herbert. The libretto was written by Harry B. Smith and was based on the play The Witching Hour by Augustus Thomas. The opera was composed in 1911 and premiered on November 27, 1911, at the New York Metropolitan Opera House. The plot of The Enchantress revolves around the character of Vivienne, a beautiful and mysterious woman who has the power to enchant and manipulate men. She uses her powers to control the lives of those around her, including her lover, Prince Ivan, and his father, the Grand Duke. However, her plans are thwarted when she falls in love with a young American, Harry, who is immune to her charms. The first act of the opera takes place in Russia, where Vivienne is introduced as a powerful and alluring figure. She enchants Prince Ivan and convinces him to break off his engagement to his childhood sweetheart, Nadezhda. The second act takes place in Paris, where Vivienne has moved with Prince Ivan. She continues to manipulate him and his father, the Grand Duke, but her plans are disrupted when she meets Harry, an American journalist. The third act takes place in Russia again, where Vivienne's true nature is revealed, and she is ultimately defeated by Harry's love. The Enchantress is known for its lush and romantic score, which features a mix of operatic arias, waltzes, and folk melodies. The opera is also notable for its use of leitmotifs, which are musical themes associated with specific characters or ideas. The use of leitmotifs was a technique popularized by Richard Wagner, and Herbert was one of the first American composers to incorporate it into his work. Overall, The Enchantress is a romantic and melodramatic opera that showcases Herbert's skill as a composer. It was well-received at its premiere and has remained a popular work in the operatic repertoire.

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