Significant French Operas

Titles beginning with M

Monna Vanna

Opera in 4 acts

Music by Henri Fevrier

Libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck

First Performance: Opéra, Paris, January 10, 1909

Cast:
Giovanna                                                    Dramatic soprano
Prinzivalle                                                  Tenor
Guido Colonna                                          Baritone or lyric bass
Marco                                                          Bass
Trivulzio                                                     Bass
Vedio                                                           Baritone
Borso                                                           Tenor
Torello                                                         Bass or baritone
Chorus: SATB

Background

Synopsis

     Guido of Pisa, besieged by the ruler of Florence, his city starving waits the return of his father Marco, who has gone as a messenger to Prinzivalle camped nearby. The old man enters and relates that Prinzivalle will send reinforcements, food, and arms on one condition: Guido's wife Vanna shall visit him that evening, unclothed save for a mantle. Guido scoffs at the idea that his loyal wife would agree, but the old man says she will go. Vanna herself appears to reaffirm her decision. Guido raves, pleads, and finally casts her off as she goes to her infamous mission. Prinzivalle is approached by Trivulzio, who accuses him of treachery to Florence in sparing Pisa. Prinzivalle shows him his own intercepted letters, wherein he has reviled Prinzivalle, and orders Trivulzio imprisoned, though sparing his life. When Vanna enters, he overwhelms her with professions of his love, for it appears he has loved her since they were children together. She claims to love Guido still. But as noise heralds the approach of the Florentines, she resolves that Prinzivalle shall come with her to Pisa. Voices from Pisa in the distance hail Vanna as their deliverer. Guido, determined to take revenge on Prinzivalle, curses his father and will not believe Vanna's protestations of innocence. He orders Prinzivalle imprisoned, whereupon Vanna, realizing his vindictive nature, employs a strategem to free Prinzivalle. Reversing herself, she claims Prinzivalle did indeed dishonor her, and demands that he be immured in a deep dungeon. She alone has an extra key to this cell, and as soon as possible, leads him to freedom.

Libretto

• French libretto
• English libretto

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Last updated: January 22, 2008