Composer

:

Fromental Halévy

Genre

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Opera

Style

:

Opera

La reine de Chypre is an opera in five acts composed by Fromental Halévy. The opera was first performed on December 22, 1841, at the Paris Opera. The libretto was written by Jules-Henri Vernoy de Saint-Georges and Henri Duponchel. The plot of the opera is set in Cyprus in the 15th century. The Queen of Cyprus, Lusignan, is in love with a Venetian nobleman, Andrea Cornaro. However, she is already married to the King of Cyprus, Jacques de Lusignan. Jacques is a cruel and jealous husband who suspects his wife of infidelity. He orders Andrea to leave Cyprus, but the Queen helps him to escape. Jacques discovers their plan and orders the Queen to be executed. However, Andrea returns to Cyprus with the Venetian army and saves the Queen. Jacques is killed in battle, and the Queen and Andrea are reunited. The music of La reine de Chypre is characterized by its dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty. The opera features arias, duets, and ensembles that showcase Halévy's skill in composing for the human voice. The music is also notable for its use of exotic harmonies and rhythms, reflecting the opera's setting in the Mediterranean. La reine de Chypre was a popular opera in its time, and it was performed frequently throughout Europe. However, it fell out of favor in the 20th century and is now rarely performed. Nevertheless, the opera remains an important work in the history of French opera, and it is a testament to Halévy's talent as a composer.

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