Composer

:

Etienne-Nicolas Méhul

Genre

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

ca. 1808

First Performance

:

November 28, 1822

Valentine de Milan is an opera in three acts composed by Etienne-Nicolas Méhul. The opera was composed in 1790 and premiered on 30 November 1791 at the Théâtre Feydeau in Paris. The libretto was written by François-Benoît Hoffman. The plot of Valentine de Milan revolves around the love story of Valentine, the daughter of the Duke of Milan, and Count Galeazzo, a nobleman from a rival family. The two fall in love despite the feud between their families, and their love is tested when Galeazzo is accused of treason and sentenced to death. Valentine must use all her wit and charm to save her lover from execution. The opera is characterized by its dramatic and emotional music, which reflects the intensity of the love story. Méhul's use of orchestration is particularly notable, with the music often reflecting the mood and emotions of the characters on stage. The opera also features several memorable arias, including Valentine's "Ah! Si j'étais libre enfin" and Galeazzo's "Oui, je l'aime encore." Valentine de Milan was well-received at its premiere, with critics praising Méhul's music and Hoffman's libretto. The opera went on to become one of Méhul's most popular works, with several revivals and adaptations over the years. The opera's themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of the operatic repertoire.

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