Bob’s World of J. Massenet Don Quichotte


	Bob’s World of

on uichotte

Comédie héroïque en 5 actes

Libretto by Henri Cain, after Jacques Le Lorrain

Music by Jules Massenet

First Performance: Opéra de Monte Carlo, February 19, 1910

First Cast:

La Belle Dulcinée, contralto	Lucy Arbell
Don Quichotte, bass chantante	Feodor Chaliapin
Sancho Panza, baritone	André Gresse
Pedro, soprano	Mlle. Brienz
Garcias, soprano	Mlle. Brielga
Rodriguez, tenor	M. Warnery
Juan, tenor	M. Delmas
Leader of the Bandits, actor	M. Delestang
Two valets, baritones
Fout Bandits, actors
Conductor	Léon Jehin

le Lorrain’s Le Chevalier de la longue figure

     The first act reveals a public square before the house of Dulcinea, whose praises a crowd of her admirers are extolling. Don Quixote and Sancho arrive and are greeted with shouts of derision at their ludicrous appearance. The Knight serenades her, but is interrupted by the jealous Juan and a duel is prevented by Dulcinea, who tells the Knight she will consider his suit if he will recover a necklace which has been stolen from her.
     In the second act the two heroes, mounted on Rosinante and the donkey, set about their quest, but the scene is mainly occupied with the Don’s windmill and other adventures. In the third act they encounter the brigands. Sancho flees, but the Don makes a stout resistance only to be taken prisoner and sentenced to death. He solaces himself by repeating the name of Dulcinea, and the bandits are so overcome by his patience and courage that they not only give him the necklace but implore his benediction.
     The fourth act opens with a fete at Dulcinea’s house, during which, much to the astonishment of all, the Knight and Sancho enter bringing the necklace. Dulcinea embraces him in her delight and he asks her to marry him on the spot. She only laughs at him and confesses that she is not a pure woman. The guests add to his depression by laughing at him. In the last act we find the forlorn, heart-broken Knight in the forest with Sancho and witness his death.