Composer

:

Charles Gounod

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1860

Publication Date

:

1860

First Performance

:

Aug 3, 1806

"La colombe" is an opera composed by Charles Gounod, with a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. The opera was composed in 1860 and premiered on 3 August 1860 at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris. The plot of "La colombe" revolves around the love story of a young couple, Mazet and Sylvie. Mazet is a poor poet who is in love with Sylvie, the daughter of a wealthy merchant. However, Sylvie's father does not approve of their relationship and wants her to marry a wealthy suitor, Monsieur de Dorante. Mazet and Sylvie decide to elope, but their plan is foiled when Mazet's pet dove, which was supposed to deliver a message to Sylvie, is accidentally killed by Monsieur de Dorante. Mazet and Sylvie are eventually reunited, and their love triumphs over the obstacles that stood in their way. "La colombe" is a one-act opera, with a running time of approximately 50 minutes. The opera is characterized by its light and lyrical melodies, which are typical of Gounod's style. The music is also notable for its use of bird-like motifs, which are meant to evoke the image of Mazet's pet dove. The premiere of "La colombe" was a success, and the opera was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The opera has since become one of Gounod's lesser-known works, but it is still occasionally performed today. In terms of movements, "La colombe" is a single-act opera, with no formal divisions or subdivisions. The opera is structured as a continuous narrative, with each scene flowing seamlessly into the next. Overall, "La colombe" is a charming and romantic opera that showcases Gounod's talent for melody and lyricism. While it may not be as well-known as some of his other works, it remains a testament to his skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both beautiful and emotionally resonant.

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