Home > Pelleas et Melisande Debussy, C. (1862-1918) Pelleas et Melisande Composed 1893-1895. First performed April 30, 1902. Libretto by Maurice Maeterlinck (in French). A Summary of “Pelleas et Melisande” Act 1 In legendary times in the imaginary kingdom of Allemonde, Golaud, who is a grandson of King Arkel, decides to run away from the King, and loses his way in a forest. He happens to meet a girl crying, Melisande, by a spring. Although King Arkel has recommended Golaud marry another woman, Golaud wants to marry Melisande. He writes a letter to his half-brother, Pelleas. Golaud asks Pelleas to explain to King Arkel through his mediation. Then, Golaud and Melisande are able to come back to the castle. Act 2 One day, Pelleas invites Melisande to go to “The Blind Spring.” But, Melisande loses her wedding ring in the spring. After she comes home, Golaud notices that she is not wearing her ring. He is furious at her. Act 3 Several days later, on a beautiful starry night, Melisande combs her beautiful long hair by the window of the tower. Pelleas sees her beautiful hair, and he is attracted to it. Her hair hangs from the window, and Pelleas takes her hair in his hand. In addition, he holds her hair passionately. Golaud stares at them from his hiding place. Golaud appears, and he warns Pelleas. Golaud tells him that Melisande is pregnant. Act 4 Pelleas decides to set out on a wandering journey. The night before departure, he embraces Melisande by the spring. Then, Golaud appears, and he stabs Pelleas to death with a dagger. Melisande runs away, and Golaud pursues her. Act 5 Melisande has the baby, even though she has been fatally injured by Golaud. Melisande said, “I loved him, but I have never sinned.” Then, she dies while she gazes at her baby. A Comment on “Pelleas et Melisande” Claude Debussy, who is a famous French composer, composed only one opera, “Pelleas et Melisande.” He is famous for his piano works, for example, “Clair de lune” and “La fille aux cheveux de lin.” But, when Debussy was a student in Conservatoire de Paris, he admired Richard Wagner, and he was influenced by the Wagner’s opera, “Tristan und Isolde.” Then, Debussy parts from Wagner’s influence, and builds his original music technique. Entering the 20th century, Debussy composed this opera which is at the oppsite end of the scale to “Tristan und Isolde.” He created a new opera world. The original of “Pelleas et Melisande” is Maurice Maeterlinck’s drama. Maeterlinck is a Belgian poet who is famous for his use of symbolism. “L'Oiseau bleu (The Blue Bird)” is a play by him. “Pelleas et Melisande” is filled with implying style. Debussy composed this opera, in a metaphorical way, for example the world wrapped in a dense fog. He realized beautiful opera scenes through sensuous music expression. There are not any arias in this opera, but you won’t be disappointed. This opera is sung in a soft French tone. The best part of this opera is, so to speak, the whole atmosphere. The scene of which Melisande’s hair hangs from the window is one of the most famous scenes on this opera. Gluck, C. W. (1714-1787) 　- Orpheus and Eurydice Mozart, W. A. (1756-1791) 　- The Marriage of Figaro 　- Don Giovanni 　- Cosi fan tutte 　- The Magic Flute Beethoven, L. v. (1770-1827) 　- Fidelio Weber, C. M. v. (1786-1826) 　- The Magic Bullets Rossini, G. (1792-1868) 　- The Barber of Seville Donizetti, G. (1797-1848) 　- The Elixir of Love Verdi, G. (1813-1901) 　- Macbeth 　- Rigoletto 　- Il trovatore 　- La Traviata 　- Un ballo in maschera 　- Don Carlo 　- Aida 　- Otello 　- Falstaff Wagner, R. (1813-1883) 　- The Flying Dutchman 　- Tannhauser 　- Lohengrin 　- Tristan und Isolde 　- Die Meistersinger von Nuernberg 　- The Rhinegold 　- Die Walkure 　- Siegfried 　- Twilight of the Gods 　- Parsifal Offenbach, J. (1819-1880) 　- The Tales of Hoffmann Strauss, J. (1825-1899) 　- Die Fledermaus (The Bat) Bizet, G. (1838-1875) 　- Carmen Tchaikovsky, P. J. (1840-1893) 　- Eugene Onegin Massenet, J. (1842-1912) 　- Werther Humperdinck, E. (1854-1921) 　- Hansel and Gretel Puccini, G. (1858-1924) 　- La Boheme 　- Tosca 　- Madama Butterfly 　- Turandot Leoncavallo, R. (1858-1919) 　- Pagliacci Mascagni, P. (1863-1945) 　- Cavalleria Rusticana Debussy, C. (1862-1918) 　- Pelleas et Melisande Strauss, R. (1864-1949) 　- Salome 　- The Cavalier of the Rose Copyright (C) 2005-2014 Yusuke Kamiki. All Rights Reserved.