Ghosts of Versailles
John Corigliano
About this work:
(Published by G. Schirmer)
Commissioned by the Metropolitan Opera in Honor of their Centenary
World Premiere: Metropolitan Opera, 19 December 1991
Synopsis:
The Ghosts of Versailles is set in Marie Antoinette's private theater in Versailles. The ghost of the playwright Beaumarchais, author of The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro, has fallen madly in love with the ghost of the executed Queen Marie Antoinette, who after two centuries still grieves for her lost life. Although Beaumarchais' love is unrequited, he offers to cure the queen's melancholy through a performance of his new opera, which features the latest exploits of Figaro and the Almaviva family, who attempt to change history and save the queen from death in the French Revolution. The other ghosts at Versailles warn Beaumarchais that this will endanger his soul, but he wishes only Marie Antoinette's happiness. Through Beaumarchais' willingness to sacrifice himself during a performance of his opera, Marie Antoinette realizes the depth of his love for her and learns to love him. Just as Beaumarchais is about to successfully save Marie Antoinette, she rejects "salvation" and allows history to continue as it was. The two are joined for eternity.
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G. Schirmer Promotion Department
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Year composed: 1991
Duration: 02:00:80
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:Opera, More than One Act, with Chorus
Instrumentation: 3 Flute, 3 Oboe, 4 Clarinet, 3 Bassoon, 4 Horn in F, 4 Trumpet, 3 Trombone, 1 Tuba, 1 Timpani, 4 Percussion (General), 1 Piano, 1 Strings (General), 1 Harp, 3 Soprano, 4 Mezzo-Soprano, 4 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass-Baritone, 1 Bass, 1 S, 1 A, 1 T, 1 B
Instrumentation notes: Singers also include Trio of Gossips: SSA, Jaded Aristocrats at the Opera: SATB and a speaking role;
Stage orchestra: hpd(conductor), mand, gtr, hp, vn, va, 3 vc, 2 db; Additional stage musicians: 2 hn or 2 tpt, 1 perc, ob, fl, va (doubles from stage orchestra); Chorus can consist of as few as 18 singers.