Daughter of the Regiment tells the story of a younger girl raised by the Twenty-first French Regiment. When she falls in love with an outsider, new surprises reveal themselves. Be taught extra concerning the historical past, music, and important reception of Donizetti’s opéra-comique.
The Opera in Context
Tonio and Marie are in love. His colleagues approve; her aunt doesn’t. By no means worry! All obstacles shall be resolved within the sweethearts’ favor with a lot marvelous music alongside the best way. What extra might one ask of opera? Some would possibly counsel excessive drama and tragedy. Nonetheless, Gaetano Donizetti (1797–1848) had already executed loads of that, most famously with Lucia di Lammermoor (1835). Now, in 1840, the Italian-born composer was based mostly in Paris. Taking a cue from French viewers tastes, and maybe additionally from his personal inclinations, he seized a chance for operatic good cheer. Welcome La fille du Regiment (Daughter of the Regiment)!
The work premiered February 11, 1840, on the Paris Opéra-Comique. Certainly, Daughter is sort of comical. Nonetheless, in Paris on the time, the style often called “opéra-comique” was particularly a stage drama that mixes vocal musical alternatives having orchestral assist with spoken dialog. Earlier than lengthy, Parisians could be calling such works “operettas,” although that may be in relation to Jacques Offenbach (1819 – 1880). In Donizetti’s time, they had been nonetheless “opéras-comique.” If there’s spoken dialog, does it nonetheless swimsuit an opera home? Whyever not? Even Mozart composed a number of stage works having spoken dialog. Offered the music is first price, spoken phrases ought not be a handicap to acceptance.
What’s Bel Canto Anyway?
Donizetti’s creation is certainly first price: an admirable instance of bel canto model. Actually, that’s “stunning singing,” although certainly all operas have that. Bel canto goes one step additional: not simply stunning, but in addition at instances elaborately flamboyant with a terrific many notes—even fairly excessive ones—to extend the impact. Donizetti offered effervescent examples of the model for each lovers, generally together with refrain commentary for emphasis. If the gents of the refrain are actively cheering what the soloist has to say, the viewers could also be hard-pressed to carry again!
Set Sail for the Excessive C’s
Each Tonio and Marie have spacious bel canto spotlights demanding artistry in addition to stamina. Tender, reflective passages alternate with sensible vocal fireworks: more and more extra of the latter because the scene continues. Main man Tonio’s act one aria “Ah! mes amis, quel jour de fête!… Pour mon âme” (Ah, my mates! Such a festive day! … For my soul) is among the most notoriously difficult arias within the tenor universe. Its buoyantly flowing phrases are punctuated by 9 (sure, 9!) excessive C’s, the complete aria closing on one remaining excessive C held for so long as the tenor can handle. Uproarious applause usually follows!
As for Marie, her act two aria begins together with her lamenting a future that appears confined to acceptable female habits, reasonably than the joy she has loved with the regiment. Distinguished cello traces underscore her sighs. Ah, however then drums and brass announce the method of the Regiment—her beloved foster fathers! The second half of the scene, “Oh! transport! oh! douce ivresse … Salute a France” (Oh, bliss! Oh, candy ecstasy!… Glory to France!), inhabits a brand new and brilliantly lit world. A rush of shimmering trills and roulades categorical her pleasure, main finally to an extended excessive trill even increased in impact than Tonio’s.
Berlioz Has a Bone to Decide
Daughter was well-received in Paris, not less than by the viewers, although essentially the most influential of all Parisian music critics had a distinct opinion. That gentleman was Hector Berlioz (1803 – 1869). Not merely a journalist, Berlioz was additionally a revered composer who was seemingly envious of Donizetti’s triumphs in Paris. When an Italian composer’s operas are reaching the general public and a Frenchman’s should not, one can suppose that Berlioz’s overview might need been tinged with jealousy.
Phrases and Music Come Collectively
Within the textual content, librettists Jules-Henri Vernow de Saint-Georges and Jean François Bayard neatly differentiate the characters’ personalities. Donizetti’s music supplies additional ranges each of subtlety and vitality, giving singers and administrators a lot to work with because the characters and the story come to life.
Daughter is not only music layered over a narrative, or a narrative loosely associated to music. It’s a deft mix of music and storytelling. The presence of a cheerful ending doesn’t diminish the craftsmanship one bit. Tragedy might strike the soul, however Donizetti’s charming romance is a breath of contemporary air.
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Program notes by Betsy Schwarm, creator of the Classical Music Insights sequence.
