Composer

:

André Messager

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1923

Average_duration

:

2:32

L'Amour masqué is an opera in three acts composed by André Messager. The libretto was written by Sacha Guitry and was first performed at the Théâtre Mogador in Paris on 2 April 1923. The plot of the opera revolves around a wealthy Parisian widow, Louise de Vilmorin, who is being courted by two suitors, the Marquis de la Chesnaye and the Baron de Valicourt. However, Louise is secretly in love with a mysterious masked man who she meets at a ball. The masked man is actually her own husband, who she thought had died in a shipwreck years ago. The first act takes place at a ball where Louise meets the masked man. The second act takes place at Louise's home, where the Marquis and the Baron are both vying for her attention. The masked man appears again, but this time he is unmasked and reveals himself to be Louise's husband, who had faked his own death to escape his debts. The third act takes place at a costume party where the various characters are dressed as mythological figures. The Marquis and the Baron both try to win Louise's affections, but she ultimately chooses her husband. L'Amour masqué is known for its catchy tunes and witty libretto. The music is a blend of French operetta and American jazz, reflecting the influence of the popular music of the time. The opera features several memorable songs, including "J'ai deux amants" and "Ah! C'est l'amour qui s'en va." The premiere of L'Amour masqué was a great success, and the opera went on to be performed in theaters throughout France and beyond. It was also adapted into a film in 1931, starring Arlette Marchal and André Lefaur. Overall, L'Amour masqué is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases the talents of both Messager and Guitry. Its catchy tunes and witty libretto have made it a beloved classic of the French operatic repertoire.

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