Composer

:

Gabriel Fauré

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1913

Publication Date

:

1913

First Performance

:

Mar 4, 1913

Average_duration

:

118:12

Pénélope is an opera in three acts composed by Gabriel Fauré. The libretto was written by René Fauchois and is based on the Greek myth of Penelope, the wife of Odysseus. The opera was composed between 1907 and 1913 and premiered on March 4, 1913, at the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The plot of Pénélope revolves around the character of Penelope, who is waiting for her husband Odysseus to return from the Trojan War. In his absence, she is besieged by suitors who want to marry her and take over her kingdom. Penelope remains faithful to her husband and refuses to marry any of the suitors. The opera explores themes of loyalty, love, and the power of women. The first act of the opera takes place in Penelope's palace, where she is being courted by the suitors. The second act takes place in the underworld, where Odysseus is being held captive by the goddess Circe. Penelope travels to the underworld to rescue her husband and bring him back to the world of the living. The third act takes place back in Penelope's palace, where she is reunited with Odysseus and the suitors are defeated. The music of Pénélope is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and subtle orchestration. Fauré's use of leitmotifs and recurring themes helps to unify the opera and give it a sense of coherence. The vocal writing is demanding, with many passages requiring a high degree of technical skill and emotional expressiveness. Pénélope was not a commercial success at its premiere, but it has since become recognized as one of Fauré's most important works. The opera is notable for its feminist themes and its portrayal of Penelope as a strong and independent woman. The music is also highly regarded for its beauty and emotional depth. In conclusion, Pénélope is a three-act opera composed by Gabriel Fauré between 1907 and 1913. The opera is based on the Greek myth of Penelope and explores themes of loyalty, love, and the power of women. The music is characterized by its lyrical melodies, lush harmonies, and subtle orchestration. Pénélope premiered on March 4, 1913, at the Opéra Garnier in Paris and has since become recognized as one of Fauré's most important works.

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