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Opéra legendaire en 4 actesLibretto by Jules ClaretieMusic by Jules Massenet
First Performance: Opéra de Monte Carlo, April 1, 1922 First Cast:
The Prologue/Act I take place in the forest in Bretagne. In a clearing a hunter recounts the mystery of the sacred oak. Princess Elisène has married the King of France and delivered two sons. Her father is afraid that when they are grown they will reclaim the throne of Bretagne. He wants to kill them. The princess approach the sacred oak with her two sons in hand: Amadis carrying a lily and Galaor a rose. She makes a bed of leaves under the branches of the oak and then prays to the fairies. A fairy appears, dressed in white, carrying a luminous wand in her hand. She blesses the children. The mother’s strength gives way and she swoons. Using all her remaining strength she pulls herself over to the brook and makes two necklaces out of the stones in its bank. After she has put the necklaces around her sons, she falls dead. Act II takes place on the terrace of King Raimbert’s castle. The king and his knights prepare for a tournament. His daughter, Floriane, enters with her handmaidens. The victor of the tournament will claim the hand of Floriane. As the king and his knights pray in the chapel, his daughter and her friends talk about the tournament. As the king and his knights leave the chapel, they hear the voice of Amadis in the distance. When Amadis enters he throws down the gauntlet and informs everyone that he intends to fight for the hand of Floriane. He has been fighting the pirates and is looking for the ideal woman to love as the Knight of the Sea. He challenges Galaor to combat and the women describe the battle. First Curnéval, then Perdigon, then Wentzel. Amadis defeats them all. Finally, Amadis and Galaor face off and Galaor is the victor. Amadis, dejected by his defeat, breaks the sword, as a knight cannot keep a sword that has fallen from his hand in defeat. Amadis repeats his pledge to win Floriane. Alone, he picks up the hilt of the broken sword (as a cross) and slowly walks away. Act III takes place on a deserted island. Amadis is alone, like a hermit. His thoughts are of the lost princess. He reproaches himself for his daydreams. In the midst of his sadness, a fairy appears in the mist of the water. She warns him not to get lost in his sorrow. Night descends and the scene becomes luminescent. The spirits dance to cheer him up. But alas, no one can consol him. He calls out for Floriane who is revealed, admitting her love for the knight. When the vision disappears, Amadis is preventing from going to her by the trees of the forest. They ensnare him in a web of gossamer. Triumphantly, he breaks the bonds and raises a stalk of fleur-de-lis in the shape of the cross and runs off to find Floriane. Act IV takes place in the grand hall in the palace of the king. Floriane is alone, near the fire. It is her wedding day and she must marry a man she does not love. The king and his knights enter and Galaor kneels before Floriane. He offers his love and promises to defeat the pirates that are threatening her land. He even offers to battle anyone more deserving. Again the voice of Amadis is heard in the distance. Amadis is dressed as a monk. But Amadis answers Galaor’s offer. Amadis angers the bridegroom and they agree to fight once more. This time Amadis is the victor. But Galaor recalls his destiny of love and sorrow. He opens his armor to reveal the necklace. Amadis likewise reveals his necklace. Galaor, with his last breath, recognizes his brother and makes him promise to rid the kingdom of the pirates and marry Floriane. The king leads the procession as Galaor’s body is carried off and the crowd sings of the glory of the Knight of the Sea.
Introduction:
The performers
Sets & Costumes
Other graphics
Poster
Last updated March 17, 2008 |
madis
