Composer

:

Jean-Baptiste Lully

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Publication Date

:

1685

First Performance

:

Jan 8, 1685

Average_duration

:

159:45

Movement_count

:

84

Movement ....

Roland is an opera composed by Jean-Baptiste Lully in 1685. The plot of the opera is based on the medieval epic poem "La Chanson de Roland" and tells the story of the legendary knight Roland, who fights against the Saracens in the service of Charlemagne. The opera is divided into five acts and features a prologue and an epilogue. The prologue sets the scene for the opera and introduces the main characters, while the epilogue brings the story to a close and reflects on the themes of the opera. The first act of the opera takes place in the court of Charlemagne, where Roland is introduced as a brave and loyal knight. The second act sees Roland and his fellow knights fighting against the Saracens, while the third act focuses on the love story between Roland and the Saracen princess Angelica. The fourth act sees Roland and his knights facing defeat at the hands of the Saracens, while the fifth act sees Roland making a heroic last stand against the enemy. The opera ends with Roland's death and his ascension to heaven, where he is welcomed by the angels. The music of Roland is characterized by Lully's signature style, which combines French and Italian influences. The opera features a range of musical styles, including recitative, aria, and chorus, and is notable for its use of dance music. Roland premiered at the Paris Opera on January 8, 1685, and was a great success. The opera was performed regularly throughout the 18th century and was revived in the 20th century by the conductor and musicologist Philippe Beaussant. Overall, Roland is a powerful and moving opera that showcases Lully's skill as a composer and his ability to bring to life the epic story of Roland and his heroic deeds.

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