Composer

:

Claude Debussy

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1893 - 1902

Average_duration

:

157:34

Movement_count

:

40

Movement ....

Pelléas et Mélisande is an opera composed by Claude Debussy, with a libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck. The opera was composed between 1893 and 1902, and premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on April 30, 1902. The plot of Pelléas et Mélisande revolves around the love triangle between the title characters, Pelléas, Mélisande, and Golaud. The story takes place in a mythical kingdom, where Golaud discovers Mélisande lost in the forest and takes her as his wife. Pelléas, Golaud's half-brother, falls in love with Mélisande, and the two begin a secret affair. As their love grows, Golaud becomes increasingly suspicious and jealous, leading to a tragic ending. Debussy's music for Pelléas et Mélisande is characterized by its impressionistic style, with a focus on atmosphere and mood rather than traditional operatic melody. The vocal lines are often declamatory, with a conversational quality that emphasizes the naturalism of the libretto. The orchestration is also notable, with Debussy using a wide range of colors and textures to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The opera is divided into five acts, each with its own distinct mood and character. The first act introduces the characters and sets the stage for the drama to come, while the second act focuses on the growing relationship between Pelléas and Mélisande. The third act is the most dramatic, as Golaud discovers the affair and confronts Pelléas, leading to a violent confrontation. The fourth act is more introspective, as Mélisande reflects on her situation and the inevitability of her fate. The final act brings the story to its tragic conclusion, as Golaud kills Pelléas and Mélisande dies shortly thereafter. Pelléas et Mélisande was a groundbreaking work in its time, and its influence can be heard in the music of many later composers. Its emphasis on atmosphere and mood over traditional melody and structure paved the way for the development of modernist music in the 20th century. Today, it remains one of the most beloved and frequently performed operas in the repertoire.

More....