Significant French Operas

L’Éclair

Opera comique in 3 acts

Music by Jacques-François Fromental Halévy

Libretto by Planard & St. Georges [Fredericke Elmenreich]

First Performance: Opéra-Comique, Paris, December 16, 1835

Cast:
Madame Darbel                            Soprano, premiere dugazon
Henrietta                                        Soprano, premiere dugazon
George                                            Tenor
Lionel                                              Tenor

Background

Synopsis

     Act I. A room in the country house of Henrietta. She loves the country, but the lively Madame Darbel only finds pleasure in the crowds of the city. Their cousin George arrives from England, and informs them that they have inherited the wealth of an uncle, with the sole condition that George shall marry in twenty-one days either one of his cousins. The ladies excuse themselves and George is left alone. He falls asleep and is awakened by a terrific thunder storm. Henrietta enters the house with Lionel, whom she has just saved from drowning. His boat was struck by lightning, and he has become blind.
     Act II. Aria by Madame Darbel. She is welcomed by her relatives. Lionel enters, thinking he is alone, he laments his fate. Henrietta, who has learned to love him, approaches. The time arrives when the physician is to operate on the patient. Lionel is cured, but when he regains his sight, to the distress of Henrietta he believes Madame Darbel to be his rescuer.
     Act III. Lionel has discovered his mistake. Henrietta, who has fled to Boston, returns with the belief that Lionel and her sister are betrothed. Joy reigns when the misunderstanding is cleared up, and Henrietta and Lionel are joined in marriage, while Madame Barbel willingly gives her hand to her cousin.

Libretto

French libretto

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Last updated: January 09, 2008