Composer

:

Etienne-Nicolas Méhul

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1794

Mélidore et Phrosine is an opera in three acts composed by Etienne-Nicolas Méhul. The opera was composed in 1794 and premiered on 28 December 1794 at the Théâtre Feydeau in Paris. The libretto was written by François-Benoît Hoffman. The plot of the opera revolves around the love story of Mélidore, a young man who is in love with Phrosine, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. However, Phrosine's father does not approve of their relationship and arranges for her to marry another man. Mélidore, heartbroken, decides to leave the city and join the army. While serving in the army, Mélidore saves the life of a prince who promises to help him win back Phrosine's love. The prince disguises himself as Mélidore and goes to Phrosine's house to plead his case. Phrosine, believing that the prince is Mélidore, agrees to marry him. On the day of the wedding, Mélidore returns to the city and reveals the prince's deception. Phrosine is overjoyed to see Mélidore and they are reunited. However, Phrosine's father still does not approve of their relationship and tries to have Mélidore arrested. In the end, the prince intervenes and convinces Phrosine's father to allow the couple to be together. Mélidore et Phrosine is known for its use of dramatic and emotional music. The opera features a number of memorable arias and duets, including Mélidore's "Ah! Pourquoi me réveiller" and Phrosine's "Je suis seule et triste." The opera also includes a number of ensemble pieces, such as the Act II finale, which features a chorus of soldiers and a duet between Mélidore and the prince. Overall, Mélidore et Phrosine is a romantic and emotional opera that showcases Méhul's talent for composing dramatic music. The opera was well-received at its premiere and remains a popular work in the French opera repertoire.

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