Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1914

Average_duration

:

118:16

Cléopâtre is an opera in four acts composed by Jules Massenet. The opera was composed between 1890 and 1892 and premiered on 23 February 1914 at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. The libretto was written by Louis Payen and was based on the life of Cleopatra, the last queen of Egypt. The opera is set in Alexandria, Egypt, during the reign of Cleopatra. The first act opens with Cleopatra's palace, where she is entertaining her guests. She is introduced to the Roman general, Julius Caesar, who has come to Egypt to seek her help in his war against Pompey. Cleopatra falls in love with Caesar and agrees to help him. In the second act, Cleopatra and Caesar are shown in a garden, where they declare their love for each other. However, their happiness is short-lived as Caesar is called back to Rome. Cleopatra is left alone and heartbroken. The third act takes place in Rome, where Caesar has returned. Cleopatra arrives in Rome disguised as a slave and is taken to Caesar's palace. She reveals her true identity to Caesar and begs him to take her back to Egypt with him. Caesar agrees, but their happiness is once again short-lived as Caesar is assassinated. The final act takes place in Cleopatra's palace in Egypt. She is shown mourning the death of Caesar and contemplating suicide. She is visited by the Roman general, Mark Antony, who has come to Egypt to seek her help in his war against Rome. Cleopatra falls in love with Mark Antony and agrees to help him. However, their love is doomed as Mark Antony is defeated in battle and commits suicide. The music of Cléopâtre is characterized by Massenet's signature style of lyrical melodies and rich orchestration. The opera features arias, duets, and ensembles that showcase the vocal talents of the singers. The opera also features exotic and oriental elements, reflecting the setting of the story in Egypt. Overall, Cléopâtre is a tragic love story that explores the themes of love, power, and betrayal. The opera premiered to mixed reviews, but has since gained popularity and is now considered one of Massenet's most important works.

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