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Ariane et Barbe-bleue
Conte musical in 3 acts
Music by Paul Dukas
Libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck
First Performance: Opéra-Comique, Paris, May 10, 1907Cast:
Blue Beard Bass
Ariane Mezzo soprano
Nurse Contralto
Selysette Mezzo soprano
Ygraine Soprano
Melisande Soprano
Bellangere Soprano
Alladine Mime
Old Peasant Bass
Two Peasants Tenor & Bass
Chorus: TTBB
Background
Synopsis
An angry crowd
outside the castle comments on the growing suspicion that Blue Beard has
murdered his five wives and now plans the same fate for his sixth, Ariane.
The new bride enters with her frightened nurse, and immediately proceeds
to disobey her husband, seeking to discover his secret by using a
forbidden gold key and discarding six silver ones. The nurse, however,
opens one door after another with the silver keys, disclosing fabulous
gems. Ariane is not above pausing to apostrophize the diamonds in a
dazzling aria, but soon reverts to her original purpose.
The seventh door opens on darkness and a
dull maoning sound. Blue Beard intervenes; their quarrel brings further
outbursts from the crowd, whenupon Ariane steps outside to reassure them.
At last, Ariane is able to prenetrate to the dark chamber and rescue the
five captive wives. Blue Beard returns and is wounded by the aroused
villagers. When Ariane opens the door, they deliver her tightly bound to
her tightly bound husband to her. She cuts the bonds, but refuses to
remain. The five other women stay with their lord, declining freedom.
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 22, 2008