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La Fille de Madame Angot
Opretta in 3 acts
Music by Charles Lecocq
Libretto by
Clairville, Siraudin
& Victor Koning
First Performance: Théâtre de la Monnaie, Brussels, December 4, 1840
Cast:
Clairette Angot Soprano
Pomponnet Tenor
Mlle. Lange Mezzo soprano
Larivaudière Baritone
Javotte Soprano
Amarante Soprano
Guillaume Tenor
Buteux Bass
Louchard Bass
Hersilie Soprano
Babet Soprano
Trenitz Tenor
Chorus: SATTB
Ballet: Waltz (principals and chorus), ball (Act III)
Background
Synopsis
A
story rich in complications and about-faces. Clairette, daughter of the
late adventurous Mme. Angot (who has even charmed the Sultan away from
his harem), has been adopted by the market fold, and is about to be
married to the man of their choice, the barber Pomponnet. She is,
however, in love with the Royalist poet Ange Pitou, who has just written
a satirical song about Mlle Lange, the actress-mistress of Barras, head
of the Directorate.
Larivaudière, the secret lover of Lange, bribes the poet not to
make the song public. But knowing that every time Pitou performs he is
arrested, Clairette boldly sings the controversial ditty and achieves
her aim, to be imprisoned and thus postpone the wedding. Furthermore,
there is some doubt about her paternity, as she was born in a harem.
Lange is curious about Clairette, and uses Barras' influence to have her
sent for.
Pomponnet, dressing Lange's hair, insists that Clairette is
innocent; the culprit is Pitou. He goes to fetch the song in proof.
Clairette and Lange discover that they were school friends. But now Ange
Pitou arrives also summoned by Lange. Between them springs up an instant
attraction. The arrival of the jealous Larivaudière prompts Lange to an
unwittingly true story that it is Clairette who loves the poet. She
convinces Larivaudière that Pitou's sympathy is necessary, as they too,
with Barras, are in reality conspiring for the Royalists. Pomponnet
returns and is immediately arrested for possessing a copy of the song. A
meeting of the Royalists is scheduled for midnight at Lange's home.
Threatened by Hussars sent to arrest them, they turn the conspiratorial
session into a merry ball, in which the Hussars join. Clairette
discovers that Lange cherishes tender emotions for her poet, and plans
to trap them. But at last, Clairette realizes that Pomponnet, who was
arrested for her sake, is really for her, and she gives Pitou to Lange
for nothing - exactly what he is worth.
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 22, 2008