Composer

:

François-Adrien Boieldieu

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1825

Average_duration

:

120:05

La Dame Blanche is an opera composed by François-Adrien Boieldieu in 1825. The plot revolves around the character of Anna, who is known as the "White Lady" due to her ghostly appearance. She is the daughter of a Scottish nobleman who has been imprisoned by the evil Count Adolphe. Anna is in love with Georges, a French soldier who is on a mission to rescue her father. However, Georges is also being pursued by the Count's sister, who is in love with him. The opera is set in the Scottish Highlands and features a mix of French and Scottish folk music. The overture is particularly famous for its use of the Scottish bagpipes. The music is characterized by its lightness and charm, with catchy melodies and lively rhythms. La Dame Blanche premiered at the Opéra-Comique in Paris on December 10, 1825, and was an immediate success. It quickly became one of the most popular operas of the 19th century, with productions staged all over Europe and America. The opera is divided into three acts, each with its own set of musical movements. Act I features a lively Scottish dance, while Act II includes a haunting aria sung by Anna. Act III features a dramatic duet between Georges and the Count's sister, as well as a rousing finale. One of the most notable characteristics of La Dame Blanche is its use of spoken dialogue instead of recitative. This was a departure from the traditional operatic style of the time and helped to make the opera more accessible to a wider audience. Overall, La Dame Blanche is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Boieldieu's skill as a composer. Its catchy melodies and lively rhythms have ensured its enduring popularity, and it remains a beloved work of the operatic repertoire.

More....