Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1882 - 1883

First Performance

:

1884

Average_duration

:

134:36

Movement_count

:

59

Movement ....

Manon is an opera composed by Jules Massenet, with a libretto by Henri Meilhac and Philippe Gille. The opera was first performed on January 19, 1884, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The plot of the opera is based on the novel Manon Lescaut by Abbé Prévost. The story revolves around the character of Manon, a young woman who is torn between her love for the Chevalier des Grieux and her desire for wealth and luxury. Manon is a beautiful and charming woman who is used to getting what she wants. She is initially attracted to des Grieux, but when she meets the wealthy and powerful De Brétigny, she is tempted by his promises of wealth and luxury. The first act of the opera takes place in Amiens, where Manon and des Grieux meet and fall in love. However, Manon's brother Lescaut has other plans for her and arranges for her to travel to Paris with De Brétigny. In the second act, Manon has become the mistress of De Brétigny and is living a life of luxury. However, she is still in love with des Grieux and they are reunited. In the third act, Manon and des Grieux are living together in poverty in Paris. Manon is arrested for theft and is sentenced to be deported to Louisiana. Des Grieux follows her to America and they are reunited, but Manon dies in his arms. The music of Manon is characterized by its lyrical melodies and lush orchestration. The opera is divided into five acts and features a number of memorable arias and duets, including "Je suis encore tout étourdie" and "En fermant les yeux." Manon was an immediate success when it premiered in 1884 and has remained one of Massenet's most popular operas. It has been performed regularly in opera houses around the world and has been adapted for film and television. The opera is known for its beautiful music, compelling characters, and tragic story of love and loss.

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