Composer

:

Etienne-Nicolas Méhul

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Orchestral

Average_duration

:

2:32

"Le Dix-huit fructidor" is an opera composed by Etienne-Nicolas Méhul, a French composer who was active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The opera premiered on September 5, 1797, at the Théâtre Feydeau in Paris, France. The opera is set during the French Revolution and tells the story of a group of conspirators who plot to overthrow the government. The title of the opera refers to the date of the coup d'état that took place on August 18, 1797, which was known as the "18th Fructidor" in the French Republican calendar. "Le Dix-huit fructidor" is divided into three acts and features a total of 22 musical numbers. The opera is notable for its use of choral music, which is used to great effect in several of the larger ensemble scenes. The first act of the opera opens with a chorus of peasants who are celebrating the fall of the monarchy. The main character, a young soldier named Florival, enters and sings a patriotic aria in praise of the new republic. The second act features a series of conspiratorial meetings between Florival and his fellow revolutionaries, as they plan their coup d'état. The act ends with a rousing chorus in which the conspirators pledge their allegiance to the cause. The third act of the opera is the most dramatic, as the coup d'état takes place and the conspirators are arrested and put on trial. The act features several powerful ensemble scenes, including a duet between Florival and his lover, who is also a member of the conspiracy. The opera ends with a final chorus in which the people of France celebrate the triumph of the republic. Overall, "Le Dix-huit fructidor" is a powerful and stirring opera that captures the spirit of the French Revolution. Méhul's use of choral music and ensemble scenes is particularly effective, and the opera remains a popular work in the French operatic repertoire.

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