Significant French Operas
Opera Links
La Belle Hélène
Opera comique in 3 acts
Music by Jacques Offenbach
Libretto by Henri Meilhac
& Ludovic
Halévy
First Performance: Théâtre des Variétés, Paris, December 17, 1864
Cast:
Paris Tenor
Menelaus Tenor
Helen Soprano
Agamemnon Baritone or bass
Orestes Tenor
Calchas Bass
Pylades Tenor
Ajax I, King of Salamis Tenor
Ajax II, King of Locrien Tenor
Achilles Tenor
Philocomos Actor
Euthycles Actor
Bacchis Soprano or mezzo soprano
Leana Mezzo soprano
Parthenis Soprano
Thetis Mezzo soprano or soprano
Chorus: SSTTBB
Ballet: Dancers and flute player
Background
Synopsis
The fair Helen has learned from the oracle through Calchas, the high priest of Jupiter, that she is to leave her husband, King Menelaus, and go to Troy with Paris, son of King Priam. She is reluctant to accept her fate, although she does not love her aged husband. Even the appearance of the handsome Paris in the guise of a shepherd does not completely persuade her. At a mock tournament, Achilles, the two Ajaxes, Agamemnon, and others announce themselves pompously and compete for prizes. Paris wins and reveals his identity. Helen is soon in his arms. Menelaus surprises the lovers and raises a hullabaloo, summoning the other Greek kings to his aid. Finally Menelaus decides to defer to the opinion of the augur of Venus in the matter of his wife's infidelity. A golden galley approaches. The augur proclaims that Helen must go with him; when he is revealed to be Paris himself, Menelaus is furious and calls on the Greek kings to begin the Trojan War.
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 07, 2008