Composer

:

Ernest Reyer

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1862

Average_duration

:

73:45

Ernest Reyer's opera 'Sigurd' is a four-act opera that premiered on March 7, 1884, at the Paris Opera. The libretto was written by Camille du Locle and Alfred Blau, based on the Norse legend of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer. The opera begins with Sigurd, a hero who has slain the dragon Fafner and taken possession of the cursed treasure. He falls in love with the Valkyrie Brynhild, who has been put to sleep by Odin until a hero worthy of her love awakens her. Sigurd awakens her with a kiss, and they pledge their love to each other. However, Sigurd is already betrothed to Gudrun, the daughter of King Giuki. Gudrun's brother, Gunnar, desires Brynhild for himself and convinces Sigurd to help him win her hand. Sigurd agrees to help, but Brynhild discovers the deception and feels betrayed by Sigurd. She demands that he be punished, and Gunnar and his brothers kill Sigurd. In the final act, Brynhild learns the truth about Sigurd's love for her and his death. She mourns his loss and decides to join him in death, throwing herself onto his funeral pyre. The music of 'Sigurd' is characterized by its use of leitmotifs, a technique popularized by Richard Wagner. Each character and theme is associated with a specific musical motif, which is repeated throughout the opera. The music also features lush orchestration and dramatic choral passages. Despite its initial success, 'Sigurd' fell out of favor in the early 20th century and is now rarely performed. However, it remains an important example of French grand opera and a testament to Reyer's skill as a composer.

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