Significant French Operas
Titles beginning with O
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Ossian
ou Les Bardes
Opera in 5 acts
Music by Jean-François Le Sueur
Libretto by
Palat Dercy
[& J.-M. Deschamps]
First Performance: Opéra, Paris, July 10, 1804
Cast:
Ossian Tenor
Duntalmo Bass or
baritone
Hydala Tenor
Rosmor Bass
Rozmala Soprano
Mornal Tenor
Salgar
Baritone
A Soldier Bass
A Calédonienne Soprano
Coryphée, a Barde Baritone
Chorus: SSAATBB
Background
Synopsis
Act
I. With Ossian in another part of the country, his tribe of Caledonians
has been jubjugated by the Scandinvians, let by their prince, the savage
Duntalmo. The chief bard, Hydala, explains to the Caledonians that their
respected elder bard, Rozmor, has gone inot exile because the
Scandinavians plan to force the worship of Odin upon them. Hydala also
tells them that Rozmor's daughter, Rozmala, is being held prisoner by
Duntalmo. Duntalmo arrives proclaiming that Rozmala is to be married to
his son, Mornal. Hydala protests that Rozmala is Ossian'ss beloved. At
the moment Salgar, a Scandinavian warrior, breaks in announcing that
Ossian and his men are on their way home. In a war chant before the
statue of Odin, the Scandinavians vow they will emerge victorious.
Act II. Rozmala hopes that Ossian will rescue her from marriage to
Mornal. Ossian and his men arrive, and he and Rozmala rejoice in being
reunited. After Duntalmo and his men enter, it is decided that the
victor of a single combat will claim Rozmala's hand. The impending
combat is celebrated with an air de danse and extended choruses.
Act III. Exiled in the forest, Rozmor fears his daughter will be
forced to adopt Odin's religion and marry Mornal; he prays that the
Caledonians will ultimately succeed in overthrowing their Scandinavian
war lords. Rozmala now appears, escorted through the forest by one of
Duntalmo's guards. Father and daughter express their joy in being
restored to each other. Hearing men approach, they hide; it is Hydala
and his bards searching for Rozmala. Hydala knows that Duntalmo has
Rozmala brought to her father only to make it appear that the
Caledonians are responsible for Rozmala's disappearance and thereby to
discredit Ossian's pledge. In another part of the forest, pagentry
accompanies preparations for the contest by combat. Ossian enters
prepared to fight for Rozmala's hand and is led by the Scandinavians to
a mountain bridge. As he is about to reach the other side, Duntalmo
orders the bridge cut down. It collapes, but Ossian is saved by his men,
who break his fall. The Caledonians are outraged by Duntalmo's treachery
and prophesy that the Scandinavians will not be given the afterlife
awarded to heros. Ossian is taken prisoner along with Rozmor and Rozmala.
Act IV. Ossian has been imprisoned in a vast cavern. He is
distraught, knowing that the Scandinavians will have him burned as a
sacrifice to Odin. Hydala, who has gained the respect (and fear) of the
Scandinavians, enters the cave. He offers to die in Ossian's place.
Though deeply moved, Ossian refuses, and the two men pledge eternal
friendship. When Hydala departs, Ossian falls alseep. In a long and
elaborate dream the hero envisions the spiritual world, which is
portrayed in a series of tableaux. When Ossian awakens, he, Rozmala, and
Rozmor resign themselves to die nobly. Duntalmo orders that preparations
be made to sacrifice theree Caledonians to Odin.
Act V. Some Caledonians have gathered to lament the impending death
of Ossian, Rozmala, and Rozmor. The three captives are brought in, and
Duntalmo signals the sacrifice to begin. Salgar enters suddenly with the
news that a troop of Ossian's men, under unknown leadership, is
advancing and has already killed Mornal. The sounds of battle are heard,
and Ossian is surreptitously armed. Hydala has rallied the Caledonians
and, with Ossian, quickly manages to rout the Scandinavians. Duntalmo is
killed, and all celebrate the joyous outcome.
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 22, 2008