Sapho (Massenet)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
  (Redirected from Sapho (opera))
Jump to: navigation, search

Sapho is an opera in five acts by Jules Massenet to a French libretto by Henri Cain and Arthur Bernède, based on the novel of the same name by Alphonse Daudet. It was first performed at the Opéra Comique in Paris on November 27, 1897 with Emma Calvé as Fanny Legrand.

It is a charming and effective piece but has never earned a place in the standard operatic repertory. The story concerns an artist's model named Fanny Legrand who begins an affair with a young man, Jean Gaussin. The relationship, as is so often the case in opera, is ill-fated and ends with Fanny leaving Jean while he sleeps.

[edit] Roles

Role Voice type Premiere Cast[1], November 27, 1897
(Conductor: - Jules Danbé)
Fanny Legrand, an artist's model soprano Emma Calvé
Jean Gaussin, a young man tenor Julien Lepestre
Irène, his sister soprano Julia Guiraudon
Divonne, his mother mezzo-soprano Charlotte Wyns
Césaire, his father bass André Gresse
Caoudal, a sculptor baritone Marc-Nohel
A farmer tenor Maurice Jacquet
A restaurant owner baritone Dufour
Chorus: Guests, strolling players, artists, gypsies.

[edit] References

Notes
Sources
  • Upton, George P.; Borowski, Felix (1928). The Standard Opera Guide. New York: Blue Ribbon Books. pp. 198–201. 
Personal tools
Namespaces

Variants
Actions
Navigation
Interaction
Toolbox
Print/export
Languages