Composer

:

Jules Massenet

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

First Performance

:

1889

Average_duration

:

155:24

Esclarmonde is an opera in four acts composed by Jules Massenet. The opera was composed in 1889 and premiered on May 15, 1889, at the Palais Garnier in Paris. The libretto was written by Alfred Blau and Louis Ferdinand de Gramont. The plot of Esclarmonde is set in medieval times and revolves around the love story of the knight Roland and the sorceress Esclarmonde. Esclarmonde is a powerful sorceress who is in love with Roland, but she cannot reveal her true identity to him. Roland is in love with Esclarmonde, but he is unaware of her true identity. The first act of the opera opens with a tournament where Roland is declared the winner. Esclarmonde appears and sings a beautiful aria, which enchants Roland. In the second act, Roland is invited to Esclarmonde's castle, where he is enchanted by her beauty and her singing. Esclarmonde reveals her love for Roland, but she cannot reveal her true identity to him. In the third act, Roland is captured by the Saracens, and Esclarmonde uses her powers to rescue him. She reveals her true identity to him and tells him that she is a sorceress. Roland is shocked but still loves her. In the final act, Esclarmonde sacrifices herself to save Roland, and they both die in each other's arms. The music of Esclarmonde is characterized by its lush orchestration and beautiful melodies. The opera features several memorable arias, including Esclarmonde's "O mon bien-aimé" and Roland's "Plus blanche que la blanche hermine." The opera also features several choral numbers, including the famous "Hymne à la nuit." Esclarmonde is considered one of Massenet's most ambitious works, and it was well-received at its premiere. The opera has since become a staple of the French operatic repertoire and is still performed today.

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