Roméo et Juliette

The Shakespearian tragedy of Romeo and Juliet has inspired great music - notably by Bellini, Berlioz, Gounod, Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev. Charles-François Gounod's opera, Roméo et Juliette, was first performed at the Théâtre Lyrique on 27 April 1867. The libretto was by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré. Unlike Bellini's opera I Capuleti e i Montecchi, produced 37 years earlier, this follows closely the text of the Shakespeare play.

Prologue and Act 1

A short orchestral introduction leads into the famous prologue, 'Vérone vit jadis deux familles rivales' ('Two households, both alike in dignity'). Act 1 begins in Capulet's House. A masked ball is underway for friends and relatives of the family. The entry of Capulet (bass) and his daughter Juliette (soprano) is preceded by that of Tybalt (tenor), a nephew of Lady Capulet, and Paris (baritone) a prospective suitor for Juliette. They leave to take part in the dancing. Three masked men appear: Roméo (tenor), the son of Capulet's hated rival Montaigu, and his friends Mercutio (baritone) and Benvolio (tenor). Mercutio is intent on amusement, but Roméo advises caution. He has had a warning in a dream. Mercutio suggests has been visited by the fairy queen of lies, 'Mab, reine des mensonges'. In the distance, Roméo sees Juliette for the first time and falls immediately in love. Juliette enters with her nurse Gertrude (mezzo-soprano). She is not interested in Paris, 'Je veux vivre'. As they leave, Roméo intercepts Juliette and takes her hand, 'Ange adorable'. She responds and they sing a minuet-like duet before he kisses her. Juliette reveals her name. Tybalt enters and recognizes Roméo as he leaves. Juliette realizes that she loves the son of her father's greatest enemy. She has a premonition that her wedding bed will be a grave. Tybalt intends to pursue Roméo, but is restrained by Capulet.

Act 2

The garden in front of Juliette's balcony at night. Mocked by the voices of Mercutio and Benvolio, Roméo climbs up onto a parapet, helped by his page Stéphano. He sings the famous cavatina, 'Ah! Lève-toi, soleil!' ('Arise, O sun!'). Juliette appears and they declare their mutual love. Grégorio (baritone), Gertrude and other servants enter in search of suspected Montaigu intruders. Left alone once more, Juliette declares to Roméo that she will either marry him or resign herself to a life of misery. They are reluctant to part, 'Ah! Ne fuis pas encore' ('Ah! Go not yet!'), but Roméo eventually leave.

Act 3 Tableau 1

The cell of Frère Laurent (Friar Lawrence) at daybreak. Roméo and then Juliette, accompanied by Gertrude, appear before Frère Laurent (bass). They ask him to perform a simple and immediate ceremony of marriage, to which he agrees. They sing the trio, 'Seigneur! Nous promettons' ('Lord, we promise') before the couple leave separately.

Act 3 Tableau 2

A street near Capulet's house. Stéphano (soprano), looking for Roméo, provokes the Capulet household with the mocking song 'Que fais-tu, blanche tourterelle', comparing Juliette to a dove caught in a nest of vultures. The Capulet servant Grégorio corners Stéphano, just before Mercutio and Benvolio arrive to save him, followed by Tybalt and Paris on the opposing side. Mercutio and Tybalt face each other, but Roméo enters and prevents them fighting, himself refusing a challenge from Tybalt. Mercutio and Tybalt turn again to fight each other, but when Roméo comes between them, Mercutio is wounded. Reluctantly Roméo draws his sword and in the ensuing fight kills Tybalt. After a fanfare, the Duke of Verona enters. The Capulets demand justice, and the Duke, while understanding that Roméo was not the aggressor, nevertheless banishes him from the city.

Act 4 Tableau 1

Juliette's chamber at night. Juliette forgives Roméo for Tybalt's death. The duet 'Nuit d'hyménée' expresses the consummation of their love. Day breaks and Roméo is forced to leave. Capulet enters with Frère Laurent. That same day, Juliette must marry Paris to fulfill the last wishes of Tybalt. When her father goes out, Frère Laurent suggests that Juliette can avoid the marriage by taking a sleeping potion to simulate death. She will awake many hours later in the Capulet family tomb, where Roméo will be waiting for her. Juliette summons up her courage and, arming herself with a dagger, drinks the potion.

Act 4 Tableau 2

A hall of Capulet's house with a chapel behind. The household is gathered and Capulet leads in his daughter. Paris approaches her to place his ring on her finger but Juliette repulses him, and to the horror of all present suddenly collapses and expires in front of them.

Act 5

The tomb of the Capulets. Juliette lies, still sleeping. Frère Jean (bass) tells Frère Laurent that his letter to Roméo has not been delivered. It has been returned. Alarmed, they leave to find another messenger. Roméo enters and sees Juliette. Longing to join her in death, he kisses her for the last time and takes poison. Juliette wakes. They sing of their great love. Roméo confesses that he has poisoned himself. As he weakens, she stabs herself with her dagger and they both die asking for God's forgiveness.

Simon Holledge