Composer

:

Ernest Chausson

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1886 - 1895

First Performance

:

Nov 30, 1903

Average_duration

:

158:27

"Le roi Arthus" is an opera composed by Ernest Chausson, a French composer, between 1886 and 1895. The opera is based on the legend of King Arthur and his love triangle with his wife, Queen Guinevere, and his best friend, Lancelot. The plot revolves around the conflict between love and duty, as King Arthur struggles to maintain his honor and loyalty to his kingdom while dealing with his own personal desires. The opera premiered on November 30, 1903, at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, Belgium. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, with many praising Chausson's lush and evocative score. However, the opera was not performed frequently in the years following its premiere, due in part to its complex and demanding vocal and orchestral requirements. "Le roi Arthus" is divided into three acts, each of which is further divided into several scenes. The first act introduces the main characters and sets up the love triangle between King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, and Lancelot. The second act focuses on the conflict between King Arthur and Lancelot, as the two men engage in a fierce battle over Guinevere's affections. The final act sees King Arthur facing a difficult decision between his love for Guinevere and his duty to his kingdom, ultimately leading to a tragic and dramatic conclusion. Chausson's score for "Le roi Arthus" is characterized by its lush and romantic melodies, as well as its use of leitmotifs to represent the various characters and themes throughout the opera. The vocal writing is demanding, particularly for the role of King Arthur, which requires a tenor with a powerful and expressive voice. The orchestration is also complex and demanding, with Chausson making use of a large orchestra to create a rich and evocative sound. Despite its initial success, "Le roi Arthus" has remained a relatively obscure opera in the years since its premiere. However, it has been praised by many as a masterpiece of French opera, with its lush score and dramatic storyline making it a compelling and emotionally resonant work.

More....