Opera National de Paris

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Don Pasquale - Don Pasquale is an opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti. It premiered in Paris in 1843 and is considered one of the greatest comic operas of all time. The libretto was written by Giovanni Ruffini and revolves around the character of Don Pasquale, an elderly bachelor who wants to marry and produce an heir to disinherit his nephew, Ernesto.

The opera is set in 19th-century Rome and tells the story of Don Pasquale's attempts to find a suitable wife. He seeks the help of his friend, Dr. Malatesta, who suggests that he marry his own sister, Sofronia, who is actually Norina in disguise. Norina is in love with Ernesto and agrees to the plan to teach Don Pasquale a lesson.

As the story unfolds, Norina, disguised as Sofronia, marries Don Pasquale and quickly reveals her true nature. She becomes a demanding and extravagant wife, spending Don Pasquale's money recklessly and making his life miserable. Don Pasquale realizes he has been tricked and regrets his decision to marry.

In the meantime, Ernesto, who was initially disinherited by Don Pasquale, is also involved in the plot. He is in love with Norina and is devastated by her marriage to his uncle. However, with the help of Dr. Malatesta, the truth is revealed, and Don Pasquale is forced to accept his mistake.

In the end, Don Pasquale forgives Ernesto and Norina, and they are reunited. Don Pasquale learns his lesson and decides to let Ernesto marry Norina. The opera concludes with a joyful finale, celebrating love and the triumph of true feelings over deceit.

Don Pasquale is known for its beautiful melodies, witty dialogue, and comedic situations. It explores themes of love, marriage, and the consequences of deception. The opera's lively and energetic music perfectly complements the humorous and light-hearted plot, making it a beloved and enduring work in the operatic repertoire.

Ma Mere l’Oye / L’Enfant et les Sortileges - Ma Mere l'Oye, also known as L'Enfant et les Sortileges, is an opera composed by Maurice Ravel. It premiered in Monte Carlo in 1925 and is based on a libretto by Colette. The opera tells the story of a mischievous child who is punished for his bad behavior by the objects and animals that come to life in his room.

The opera begins with the child, known as "The Child," being scolded by his mother for not doing his homework. Frustrated and angry, The Child starts to destroy the objects in his room, including a clock, a teapot, and a china cup. As he does so, the objects come to life and confront him about his behavior.

The clock accuses The Child of wasting time, the teapot and the china cup complain about being broken, and the other objects in the room express their anger and frustration. The animals in the room, including a squirrel, a bat, and a frog, also join in the chorus of complaints.

As The Child realizes the consequences of his actions, he becomes remorseful and apologizes to the objects and animals. In a touching moment, he asks for forgiveness and promises to be more responsible in the future. The objects and animals, moved by his sincerity, forgive him and return to their inanimate state.

The opera ends with The Child learning a valuable lesson about the importance of respecting others and taking responsibility for his actions. Through its enchanting music and imaginative storytelling, Ma Mere l'Oye/L'Enfant et les Sortileges explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the consequences of our actions.

Overall, Ma Mere l'Oye/L'Enfant et les Sortileges is a captivating opera that combines Ravel's beautiful music with a charming and thought-provoking story.

Giulio Cesare - Giulio Cesare is an opera composed by George Frideric Handel. It premiered in London in 1724 and is considered one of Handel's greatest works. The opera tells the story of Julius Caesar and his relationship with Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt.

The opera begins with Caesar's arrival in Egypt after defeating his rival Pompey. He is greeted by Cleopatra, who is determined to win his love and secure her position as queen. However, Caesar is initially uninterested in her advances and is more focused on his political ambitions.

Meanwhile, Cleopatra's brother, Ptolemy, is plotting to overthrow her and take the throne for himself. He enlists the help of Achilla, a general in his army, and Tolomeo, another of Cleopatra's brothers, who is jealous of her power. Together, they plan to assassinate Caesar and Cleopatra.

As the plot unfolds, Caesar and Cleopatra's relationship deepens, and they fall in love. Cleopatra uses her charm and wit to win Caesar's affection, and he becomes enamored with her. However, their love is tested when Ptolemy and his allies attempt to kill them.

In the end, Caesar and Cleopatra are able to overcome their enemies and secure their positions of power. They unite Egypt and Rome, creating a powerful alliance that will shape the future of both empires.

Giulio Cesare is known for its beautiful music and dramatic storytelling. Handel's score is filled with memorable arias and duets, showcasing the talents of the singers. The opera explores themes of love, power, and betrayal, and is a timeless tale of political intrigue and romance.

Medee - Médée is an opera composed by Luigi Cherubini. It premiered in Paris in 1797 and is considered one of Cherubini's most famous works. The opera is based on the Greek myth of Medea, a sorceress who seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband, Jason.

The story begins with Jason leaving Medea to marry another woman, Glauce, the daughter of King Creon. Medea is devastated by Jason's betrayal and vows to take revenge. She uses her powers as a sorceress to plot her revenge, ultimately leading to a tragic and violent conclusion.

In the opera, Medea is portrayed as a complex and powerful character. She is torn between her love for Jason and her desire for revenge. Throughout the opera, Medea's emotions are portrayed through powerful and dramatic music, reflecting her inner turmoil.

The opera is known for its intense and emotional music, with Cherubini's score capturing the passion and drama of the story. The music ranges from tender and lyrical moments to powerful and dramatic scenes, reflecting the emotional journey of the characters.

Médée is also notable for its strong female lead, with the character of Medea being a powerful and complex woman. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and revenge, and raises questions about the nature of justice and the consequences of our actions.

Overall, Médée is a powerful and emotionally charged opera that explores the depths of human emotion and the consequences of our actions. With its intense music and complex characters, it continues to be a popular and influential work in the opera repertoire.

Così fan tutte - Così fan tutte is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It premiered in Vienna in 1790 and is considered one of Mozart's most popular and enduring works. The opera tells the story of two young soldiers, Ferrando and Guglielmo, who are convinced of the fidelity of their fiancées, Dorabella and Fiordiligi. However, their friend Don Alfonso challenges their beliefs and proposes a wager to test the women's faithfulness.

Don Alfonso convinces Ferrando and Guglielmo to disguise themselves and attempt to seduce each other's fiancées. The soldiers reluctantly agree and the deception begins. Dorabella and Fiordiligi initially resist the advances of the disguised soldiers, but eventually their loyalty wavers. They each succumb to the charms of the other man, causing heartbreak and confusion.

As the plot unfolds, the characters grapple with questions of love, fidelity, and the nature of human relationships. The women are torn between their feelings for their original partners and their newfound attraction to the disguised soldiers. The men, in turn, struggle with their own emotions and the consequences of their actions.

In the end, the truth is revealed and the couples are reunited. The opera explores the complexities of love and the fragility of human relationships, highlighting the unpredictable and sometimes irrational nature of human behavior. Mozart's music beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters, with soaring melodies and intricate harmonies.

Così fan tutte is a thought-provoking and entertaining opera that challenges conventional notions of love and fidelity. It continues to be performed and celebrated for its timeless themes and exquisite music.

Don Giovanni - Don Giovanni is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It premiered in Prague in 1787 and is considered one of Mozart's greatest works. The opera tells the story of Don Giovanni, a wealthy and promiscuous nobleman who seduces and betrays women without remorse. The plot revolves around his encounters with various characters, including Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina.

The opera begins with Don Giovanni attempting to seduce Donna Anna, but his advances are interrupted by her father, the Commendatore. In a fit of rage, Don Giovanni kills the Commendatore and flees the scene. Donna Anna, consumed by grief and seeking revenge, vows to find and punish her father's killer.

Meanwhile, Don Giovanni continues his womanizing ways, seducing Donna Elvira, who is determined to reform him. However, he quickly grows bored and moves on to Zerlina, a young bride-to-be. Zerlina's fiancé, Masetto, becomes suspicious of Don Giovanni's intentions and confronts him, but is ultimately deceived by the charming nobleman.

As the story unfolds, Don Giovanni's actions catch up with him. Donna Anna, Donna Elvira, and Zerlina join forces to expose his true nature and seek justice. In a dramatic climax, the statue of the Commendatore comes to life and confronts Don Giovanni, giving him one last chance to repent. When Don Giovanni refuses, he is dragged down to hell, paying the ultimate price for his sins.

Don Giovanni is a complex and emotionally charged opera, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. It features a rich and varied musical score, with memorable arias such as "Là ci darem la mano" and "Fin ch'han dal vino." The opera's timeless themes and powerful music continue to captivate audiences to this day.

Lohengrin - Lohengrin is an opera composed by Richard Wagner. It premiered in Weimar in 1850 and is considered one of Wagner's most popular works. The opera is set in the mythical land of Brabant and tells the story of a knight named Lohengrin who arrives in a boat pulled by a swan to help the people of Brabant in their time of need.

The story begins with the Duke of Brabant, Friedrich, who is facing a threat from his enemies. In a desperate attempt to save his kingdom, Friedrich calls upon the mystical knight Lohengrin for assistance. Lohengrin agrees to help but with one condition: no one must ask him about his identity or origin.

Lohengrin arrives in Brabant and quickly gains the trust and admiration of the people. He defeats the enemy forces and brings peace to the land. Along the way, he falls in love with Elsa, the daughter of the Duke. They marry, but Lohengrin warns Elsa that she must never ask him about his true identity.

However, Elsa's curiosity gets the better of her, and she eventually breaks her promise. She asks Lohengrin about his origins, and he is forced to reveal that he is a knight of the Holy Grail sent to aid Brabant. As a consequence of Elsa's betrayal, Lohengrin must leave her and return to the mystical realm from which he came.

The opera explores themes of love, trust, and the consequences of breaking promises. It also delves into the conflict between the earthly and the divine, as Lohengrin represents a higher power intervening in the affairs of mortals.

Lohengrin is known for its beautiful music, including the famous Bridal Chorus, which is often played at weddings. The opera's grandeur and emotional depth have made it a staple of the operatic repertoire, captivating audiences with its timeless tale of love and sacrifice.

The Makropulos Case - The Makropulos Case is an opera composed by Leoš Janáček. It premiered in Brno, Czechoslovakia in 1926 and is based on a play by Karel Čapek. The opera tells the story of Emilia Marty, a mysterious woman who has lived for over 300 years due to a secret elixir called the Makropulos formula. Emilia is desperate to find the formula again to prolong her life, but she must navigate a web of deceit, love, and betrayal.

The opera begins with the discovery of a will that reveals the existence of the Makropulos formula. Emilia, who has been using different identities throughout the centuries, becomes the center of attention as various characters try to uncover her secret. Jaroslav Prus, a lawyer, is determined to find the formula for his own gain, while Albert Gregor, a young man, falls in love with Emilia and becomes entangled in her quest.

As the story unfolds, Emilia's true identity is revealed, and her past is brought to light. She was once Elina Makropulos, a famous opera singer, who took the elixir to prolong her career. However, the formula comes with a price, as it robs her of the ability to truly feel emotions and experience love. Emilia's pursuit of the formula becomes a desperate attempt to regain her lost humanity.

The Makropulos Case explores themes of immortality, identity, and the consequences of tampering with nature. It delves into the complexities of human existence and the longing for eternal life. With its haunting melodies and dramatic storyline, the opera captivates audiences and leaves them questioning the nature of life and the choices we make.

In the end, Emilia is faced with a choice: to continue her immortal existence or to embrace her mortality and the fleeting beauty of life. The Makropulos Case is a thought-provoking opera that challenges our perceptions of time, love, and the pursuit of eternal youth.

Cendrillon - Cendrillon is an opera composed by Jules Massenet. It premiered in Paris in 1899 and is based on the fairy tale of Cinderella. The opera tells the story of a young girl named Lucette, who is mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters. Lucette, who is known as Cendrillon, dreams of attending the royal ball and finding true love.

In the opera, Cendrillon's fairy godmother, Madame de la Haltière, helps her by transforming her rags into a beautiful gown and providing her with a pair of glass slippers. Cendrillon attends the ball and captures the attention of Prince Charming, who falls in love with her at first sight. However, the clock strikes midnight, and Cendrillon must leave before her magical transformation wears off.

Prince Charming is determined to find Cendrillon and sets out on a quest to find the girl whose foot fits the glass slipper. He visits Cendrillon's home and tries the slipper on her stepsisters, but it does not fit. Finally, Cendrillon tries on the slipper, and it fits perfectly. The prince recognizes her as the girl he fell in love with at the ball, and they are happily reunited.

The opera also explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the power of transformation. It showcases the resilience and kindness of Cendrillon, who remains hopeful and kind despite her difficult circumstances. The music of Cendrillon is enchanting and captures the magical atmosphere of the fairy tale.

Overall, Cendrillon is a heartwarming opera that tells the timeless story of Cinderella with beautiful music and a message of love and forgiveness. It is a beloved work in the opera repertoire and continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting story and memorable characters.

Turandot - Turandot is an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. It premiered in Milan in 1926, after Puccini's death, and is considered one of his most famous works. The opera is set in ancient China and tells the story of Princess Turandot, who has sworn to never marry unless a suitor can answer three riddles correctly. If they fail, they will be executed. Many have tried and failed, but Prince Calaf, captivated by Turandot's beauty, decides to take on the challenge.

Calaf successfully answers the riddles, but Turandot is still reluctant to marry him. She sets a new condition: if Calaf can discover her name by dawn, she will marry him, but if he fails, he will be executed. Calaf accepts the challenge, and with the help of his servant, Liu, he discovers Turandot's name.

Meanwhile, Liu, who is secretly in love with Calaf, sacrifices herself to protect him. Despite being tortured, she refuses to reveal Calaf's identity. This act of selflessness deeply affects Calaf, and he promises to avenge Liu's death.

Calaf confronts Turandot and reveals her name, but instead of demanding her hand in marriage, he offers her a challenge. If she can guess his name by dawn, he will willingly die. Turandot, moved by Calaf's love and sacrifice, realizes that she too has fallen in love with him. She declares that she knows his name, but instead of revealing it, she announces that his name is "Love."

The opera ends with Turandot and Calaf embracing, symbolizing the triumph of love over cruelty and vengeance. Turandot's icy heart is melted, and she finally finds happiness with Calaf. The opera explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of forgiveness, all set against a backdrop of stunning music and dramatic storytelling.

Les Contes d’Hoffmann - Les Contes d'Hoffmann is an opera composed by Jacques Offenbach. It premiered in Paris in 1881, several months after the composer's death. The opera is based on the stories of German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann and follows the protagonist, Hoffmann, as he recounts his three great loves and the tragic events that surround them.

The opera is divided into three acts, each representing one of Hoffmann's love affairs. In the first act, Hoffmann falls in love with Olympia, a mechanical doll created by the scientist Spalanzani. Despite warnings from his friend Nicklausse, Hoffmann becomes infatuated with Olympia's beauty and is oblivious to her artificial nature. The act ends with Olympia's destruction, revealing the truth to Hoffmann.

In the second act, Hoffmann falls in love with Antonia, a young singer with a fatal illness. Her father, Crespel, tries to protect her from singing, as it worsens her condition. However, Hoffmann's former rival, Dr. Miracle, manipulates Antonia into singing, leading to her tragic demise. Hoffmann is devastated by her death.

The third act takes place in a tavern, where Hoffmann encounters Giulietta, a courtesan. She seduces him and steals his reflection, leaving him empty and heartbroken. The act culminates in a confrontation between Hoffmann and his nemesis, Lindorf, who reveals himself as a personification of evil.

Throughout the opera, Hoffmann is guided by his friend Nicklausse, who is revealed to be the Muse of Poetry. She encourages Hoffmann to continue his artistic pursuits despite the heartbreak he experiences. The opera explores themes of love, illusion, and the destructive power of desire.

Les Contes d'Hoffmann is known for its beautiful melodies, intricate vocal writing, and fantastical elements. It showcases Offenbach's skill in blending comedy and tragedy, creating a captivating and emotionally charged opera.

Adriana Lecouvreur - Adriana Lecouvreur is an opera composed by Francesco Cilea. It premiered in Milan in 1902 and is based on the life of the French actress Adrienne Lecouvreur. The opera tells the story of Adriana, a famous actress at the Comédie-Française in the 18th century.

Adriana is in love with Maurizio, the Count of Saxony, who is also loved by the Princess of Bouillon. The Princess is jealous of Adriana and plots to ruin her relationship with Maurizio. She sends a bouquet of poisoned violets to Adriana, which causes her to fall ill. Despite her illness, Adriana continues to perform on stage, but her health deteriorates rapidly.

Meanwhile, the Princess discovers that Maurizio is in love with Adriana and becomes even more determined to destroy their relationship. She reveals Adriana's secret to the public, causing a scandal and leading to Adriana's dismissal from the theater. Adriana, heartbroken and dying, confronts Maurizio and the Princess in a final dramatic scene.

In the end, Adriana dies in Maurizio's arms, declaring her love for him one last time. The opera explores themes of love, jealousy, and the sacrifices made for art. It also showcases the glamorous and tragic world of the theater.

The music of Adriana Lecouvreur is rich and emotional, with beautiful arias and duets that highlight the characters' inner turmoil. The opera is known for its passionate melodies and dramatic vocal performances. It has become a staple of the operatic repertoire and continues to be performed in opera houses around the world.

La Traviata - La Traviata is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It premiered in Venice in 1853 and is based on the play "La Dame aux Camélias" by Alexandre Dumas fils. The opera tells the tragic love story of Violetta Valéry, a courtesan, and Alfredo Germont, a young nobleman.

The story is set in mid-19th century Paris and revolves around the themes of love, sacrifice, and societal expectations. Violetta is a popular and wealthy courtesan who leads a glamorous and extravagant lifestyle. Despite her success, she longs for true love and happiness.

One day, Alfredo, a young man from a respectable family, attends a party at Violetta's house and falls in love with her at first sight. He confesses his love to her, and she is deeply moved by his sincerity. They embark on a passionate love affair and decide to live together in the countryside.

However, their happiness is short-lived as Alfredo's father, Giorgio Germont, intervenes. He convinces Violetta to leave Alfredo for the sake of his family's reputation. Heartbroken, Violetta agrees and sacrifices her own happiness for the sake of Alfredo's future.

In the final act, Violetta is gravely ill and on her deathbed. Alfredo, who has learned the truth about his father's interference, rushes to her side. They reconcile and express their undying love for each other, but it is too late. Violetta dies in Alfredo's arms, leaving him devastated.

La Traviata is known for its beautiful melodies, emotional depth, and powerful performances. It explores the complexities of love, societal expectations, and the sacrifices one is willing to make for the sake of others. The opera's tragic ending serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing love and happiness while we can.

Beatrice di Tenda - False accusation, unjust imprisonment, torture, and a death sentence befall Beatrice di Tenda, a real character who becomes the heroine of Vincenzo Bellini's opera. The opera premiered at Venice's La Fenice in 1833, but it did not achieve much success initially, much to the disappointment of the composer. Bellini explores powerful themes such as justice and the yearning for freedom in a score characterized by crystalline and lyrical lines.

In a new production at the Paris Opera, director Peter Sellars takes on this lesser-known opera, marking his first foray into Italian opera. Collaborating with set designer George Tsypin, Sellars creates a visually striking setting: a steel-walled palace that symbolizes the dominance and surveillance of a ruthless dictatorship.

The story revolves around Beatrice di Tenda, who finds herself falsely accused and imprisoned. She endures torture and faces a death sentence, all while maintaining her innocence. The opera delves into the themes of injustice and the struggle for freedom, highlighting the resilience and strength of the human spirit.

Bellini's score is known for its exquisite melodies and emotional depth. The music captures the turmoil and anguish of Beatrice's plight, as well as the moments of hope and triumph. The opera showcases Bellini's mastery of bel canto style, with its emphasis on beautiful vocal lines and expressive singing.

Sellars' interpretation of Beatrice di Tenda brings a contemporary perspective to the opera, drawing parallels to modern-day political situations and the abuse of power. Through his direction and Tsypin's set design, the production aims to resonate with audiences and provoke reflection on themes of justice, freedom, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, Beatrice di Tenda is a tragic tale of a woman's fight against injustice and oppression. Bellini's music, combined with Sellars' innovative staging, creates a powerful and thought-provoking opera experience.

The Exterminating Angel - The Paris Opera is continuing its exploration of the music of contemporary composer Thomas Adès with the French premiere of The Exterminating Angel. This opera is inspired by Luis Buñuel's 1962 surrealist film, which provided a scathing critique of the bourgeoisie. The story begins with a dinner among upper-class friends in a luxurious mansion after an opera performance. However, a mysterious force gradually prevents the fifteen guests from leaving the reception. They are confined for several days without any apparent reason, and during this time, the veneer of propriety starts to crack, revealing the worst aspects of human nature. Thomas Adès has composed a rich and tense score that enhances the libretto's strange atmosphere. He incorporates unusual instruments like the ondes Martenot to create a unique musical experience. The Paris Opera has entrusted the staging of this intimate and closed-door production, known as "huis-clos," to Calixto Bieito, a director who has long been fascinated by Buñuel's universe.

Simon Boccanegra - Simon Boccanegra is an opera composed by Giuseppe Verdi. It is set in 14th-century Genoa and tells the story of the title character, Simon Boccanegra, a former pirate who becomes the Doge of Genoa. The opera explores themes of power, politics, love, and redemption.

The story begins with a prologue that introduces the audience to the political turmoil in Genoa. The city is divided between two factions, the patricians and the plebeians, who are at odds with each other. Simon Boccanegra, a respected and beloved figure among the plebeians, is chosen as the new Doge in an attempt to bring unity to the city.

As Doge, Simon faces numerous challenges. He must navigate the treacherous world of politics and deal with the constant power struggles between the patricians and the plebeians. At the same time, he is haunted by his past as a pirate and the loss of his lover, Maria, and their daughter.

The opera takes a dramatic turn when Simon's long-lost daughter, Amelia, reappears in Genoa. She is in love with Gabriele Adorno, a plebeian who is fiercely opposed to Simon's rule. Simon is torn between his duty as Doge and his love for his daughter, leading to a heartbreaking conflict.

Throughout the opera, Verdi's music beautifully captures the emotional depth of the characters and the complexity of their relationships. The score is filled with powerful arias, duets, and ensembles that convey the characters' inner turmoil and the grandeur of the political landscape.

In the end, Simon Boccanegra is a story of redemption and forgiveness. Simon reconciles with his daughter and makes amends for his past mistakes. The opera concludes with a poignant and moving finale that leaves the audience reflecting on the power of love and the complexities of human nature.

Overall, Simon Boccanegra is a compelling opera that explores timeless themes and showcases Verdi's mastery of storytelling through music. It is a must-see for opera lovers and a testament to the enduring power of this art form.

Don Quichotte - Don Quichotte is an opera composed by Jules Massenet. It is based on the famous novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. The opera tells the story of the eccentric and delusional Don Quixote, a middle-aged nobleman who becomes obsessed with the idea of becoming a knight-errant and embarking on chivalrous adventures. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote sets out on a series of misadventures, battling windmills he believes to be giants and rescuing damsels in distress.

The opera is divided into four acts and features a variety of colorful characters and settings. Act 1 takes place in a village square, where Don Quixote declares himself a knight and sets off on his first adventure. Act 2 is set in a mountain pass, where Don Quixote encounters a band of gypsies and mistakes them for knights. Act 3 takes place in a castle, where Don Quixote believes he is rescuing a princess from an evil enchantment. Finally, Act 4 returns to the village square, where Don Quixote's delusions are shattered and he is forced to confront the reality of his situation.

Massenet's score for Don Quichotte is filled with lush melodies and evocative orchestrations. The music captures the whimsical and fantastical nature of the story, as well as the emotional depth of the characters. The opera explores themes of idealism, madness, and the power of imagination.

Overall, Don Quichotte is a charming and poignant opera that brings the beloved character of Don Quixote to life on the stage. It is a celebration of the human spirit and the enduring power of dreams.

Salome - Salome is an opera composed by Richard Strauss. It is based on the play of the same name by Oscar Wilde, which in turn is inspired by the biblical story of Salome. The opera tells the story of Salome, the stepdaughter of King Herod, who becomes infatuated with the prophet Jokanaan (John the Baptist). Salome's obsession with Jokanaan grows to the point where she demands that he be brought to her. Despite Herod's warnings, Jokanaan refuses to give in to Salome's advances and condemns her immoral behavior. Undeterred, Salome becomes increasingly desperate and eventually convinces Herod to fulfill her request. When Jokanaan is brought before her, Salome is captivated by his beauty and becomes even more determined to have him. She tries to seduce him, but he rejects her once again. In a fit of rage and desperation, Salome demands that Jokanaan's head be brought to her on a silver platter. Herod reluctantly agrees, and Salome triumphantly receives the severed head. In a final moment of ecstasy, she kisses the lips of the decapitated prophet. Herod, horrified by Salome's actions, orders his soldiers to kill her. The opera ends with Salome's death, as she is crushed under the shields of the soldiers. Salome is known for its intense and dramatic music, as well as its controversial subject matter. It explores themes of desire, power, and the destructive nature of obsession.

La Vestale - La Vestale is an opera composed by Gaspare Spontini. It premiered in 1807 at the Opéra in Paris. The opera is set in ancient Rome and tells the story of a Vestal Virgin named Julia. The Vestal Virgins were priestesses of the goddess Vesta and were sworn to celibacy. Julia falls in love with a Roman soldier named Licinius, which goes against her sacred vows.

The opera begins with Julia preparing to take her vows as a Vestal Virgin. She is torn between her duty to the goddess and her love for Licinius. Despite her internal struggle, Julia ultimately decides to go through with her vows and becomes a Vestal Virgin.

However, Licinius is determined to be with Julia and tries to convince her to leave her sacred duties. He even goes as far as disguising himself as a priest to gain access to the temple where Julia resides. Julia is tempted by Licinius' words, but ultimately remains faithful to her vows.

As the opera progresses, tensions rise between Julia and Licinius. The high priest of the temple, Pontifex Maximus, discovers their forbidden love and condemns Julia to death by burial alive. Licinius pleads for Julia's life, but his pleas fall on deaf ears.

In the final act, Julia is led to her tomb and prepared for burial. Just as she is about to be sealed inside, Licinius bursts in and begs for her release. The Pontifex Maximus is moved by Licinius' devotion and decides to spare Julia's life.

La Vestale is a dramatic and emotional opera that explores themes of love, duty, and sacrifice. It showcases the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, and the tragic consequences that can arise from forbidden love. Spontini's music is powerful and evocative, capturing the intensity of the characters' emotions and the grandeur of ancient Rome.