Ghiselle

In this article we are going to address the topic of Ghiselle, a topic that has captured the attention of many people in recent times. Ghiselle is a topic of great importance in today's society, since it has a significant impact on various areas of daily life. As we progress in this article, we will explore different aspects related to Ghiselle, from its origin and history to its influence today. We will also examine the implications and repercussions that Ghiselle has in different areas, as well as the different perspectives that exist around this topic. Ultimately, this article seeks to offer a complete and enriching vision of Ghiselle, with the aim of providing greater understanding and awareness of this topic.

Ghiselle
Opera by César Franck
LibrettistGilbert-Augustin Thierry
LanguageFrench
Premiere
30 March 1896 (1896-03-30)
Monte Carlo

Ghiselle is an opera by César Franck to a Merovingian-themed French libretto by the novelist Gilbert-Augustin Thierry, son of Amédée Thierry. The plot, set in the sixth century, while not keeping up with the "one assassination per act" of its predecessor Hulda (1886), is nonetheless rich in violent incident and ends with a double suicide.

Composition began in the fall of 1888 and the last page of the piano score bears the date 21 September 1889. Franck orchestrated the first act himself; the remainder were prepared for the posthumous premiere (in Monte Carlo) by his pupils Pierre de Bréville, Ernest Chausson, Vincent d'Indy, Samuel Rousseau and Arthur Coquard.

Roles

Role Voice type Cast for the Monte Carlo premiere, 30 March 1896
(Conductor: Léon Jehin )
Ghiselle, an Austrasian princess soprano Emma Eames
Gudrune Mezzo-soprano Blanche Deschamps-Jéhin
Frédegonde, regent of Neustria and Ghiselle's captor dramatic soprano Ada Adini
Gouthram tenor Edmonde Vergnet
Theudébert baritone Léon Melchissédec
Bishop Ambrosius bass L. Mauzin

Sources

Léon Vallas: César Franck, translated by Hubert Foss (London 1951)