Composer

:

Paul Dukas

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1899 - 1907

First Performance

:

May 10, 1907

Average_duration

:

112:52

'Ariane et Barbe-Bleue' is an opera composed by Paul Dukas, with a libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck. The opera was composed between 1899 and 1907, and premiered on May 10, 1907, at the Opéra-Comique in Paris. The plot of the opera revolves around the character of Ariane, who is the sixth wife of the wealthy and mysterious Barbe-Bleue. Ariane is curious about the secrets of her husband's castle, and she discovers that he has murdered his previous wives and locked their bodies in a secret room. Ariane decides to free the wives' spirits and confronts Barbe-Bleue, ultimately freeing herself from his control. The opera is divided into three movements, with each movement representing a different aspect of Ariane's journey. The first movement focuses on Ariane's curiosity and her exploration of the castle. The second movement is more introspective, as Ariane reflects on her own desires and fears. The final movement is the most dramatic, as Ariane confronts Barbe-Bleue and frees herself from his control. One of the most notable characteristics of 'Ariane et Barbe-Bleue' is its use of orchestration. Dukas was known for his skillful use of orchestration, and this is evident in the opera's rich and complex score. The opera also features a number of vocal solos and duets, which showcase the talents of the singers. Overall, 'Ariane et Barbe-Bleue' is a powerful and haunting opera that explores themes of curiosity, desire, and control. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire today.

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