Léo Delibes · Romanticism
1836–1891
1880 · Opera · Paris, Opéra-Comique
Tonality
Without a unique tone. Like every opera, it goes through many tonalities along its aryan, chorus and scenes.
From the atril
Jean de Nivelle, premiered in the Opéra- Comique in 1880, is an opera of historical theme set in the 15th century France, during the struggles between King Louis XI and the Borgoñona nobility. The protagonist is a young nobleman who refuses to fight his king and is hidden among peasants, where he finds love.
He was successful in his premiere, with over a hundred performances, but disappeared from the repertoire after the death of the composer. The score combines the pastoral coloring, with songs and peasant chorus of popular air, and the heroic tone of military scenes. Delibes here is a more dramatic and lyrical style than in his previous comedies, with a great melodic flight. It is the work that prepares the ground for Lakmé, premiered only three years later, and a curiosity for anyone who wants to meet the less frequented Delibes.
What to hear
- The popular-air peasant chorus.
- The scenes of heroic tone.
- The lyrical arias, advance of Lakmé.
