23 November 2018 (Fri), 19:00 World famous Mariinsky Ballet and Opera Theatre - Opera and Concert Hall - Opera Music and libretto by Alexander Dargomyzhsky "Esmeralda" opera in four movements (concert performance)
Schedule for Music and libretto by Alexander Dargomyzhsky "Esmeralda" opera in four movements (concert performance) 2022
Composer: Alexander Dargomyzhsky
Orchestra: Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra Opera company: Mariinsky (Kirov) Opera
Performed in Russian
Synopsis
Setting: Paris in the 15th century
Act 1
The Court of Miracles depicted in an illustration by Gustave Doré for The Hunchback of Notre-Dame
In a Paris slum (Court of Miracles), the poet Gringoire has been surrounded by a mob of beggars who threaten to kill him unless he marries one of the crowd. Esmeralda, a Gypsy dancing girl steps forward and offers to marry him, but stipulates privately to him that the marriage will be in name only. Meanwhile, Claude Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre-Dame Cathedral, has fallen in love with Esmeralda. He arrives at the Court of Miracles and attempts to carry her off with the help of the hunchback Quasimodo, his adopted son. She is rescued by Phoebus, a captain in the king's archers, and the pair immediately fall in love. Frollo manages to escape. Quasimodo is captured, but then freed on the entreaties of Esmeralda. and vows his eternal devotion to her.
Act 2
At the house of Fleur-de-Lys, who is betrothed to Phoebus, a gathering is underway. Away from the crowd of guests, Phoebus soliloquizes on his love for Esmeralda. She then appears outside the house dancing in the street with a band of Gypsies. When Fleur-de-Lys invites her inside, Esmeralda and Phoebus recognize each other and he declares his love for her in the presence of Fleur-de-Lys and her guests. Fleur-de-Lys is distraught.
Act 3
Gringoire arrives at Esmeralda's garret demanding his marital rights, but she drives him away with her dagger. Frollo and Quasimodo then arrive in another attempt to abduct Esmeralda. They conceal themselves on hearing Phoebus approaching. When Frollo hears Esmeralda and Phoebus declaring their love for each other, he stabs Phoebus. The crowd rushes in, and Frollo accuses Esmeralda of the stabbing. She is carried off to prison.
Act 4
Esmeralda is in prison and about to be burned at the stake. Frollo approaches and tells her that he will have her pardoned if she takes him as her lover. She refuses. Then Phoebus and Gringoire arrive. Frollo, enraged that her innocence can now be proven, tries to kill Phoebus again, but Quasimodo throws himself in front of Phoebus, and is stabbed by Frollo. Quasimodo dies and Frollo is arrested. Esmeralda and Phoebus are joyfully reunited.
Schedule for Music and libretto by Alexander Dargomyzhsky "Esmeralda" opera in four movements (concert performance) 2022
|