THE HUGUENOTS - GIACOMO MEYERBEER

 

Opera in five acts, written by Giacomo Meyerbeer, historical picture of religious fanaticism in France in 1572 when, on the night of St. Bartholomew, were killed about 3,000 Protestants (Huguenots) by Catholics in Paris. In this regard, it follows the tragic love story between the Protestant Raoul and the Catholic Valentine.

 

Régis Mengus acted as Leonard.

 

Act 1 

         

The Catholic Count Nevers has fun with his noble fellows. They await the arrival of Raoul, and are surprised to hear that this Court's emissary is a Huguenot. The newcomer is persuaded to talk about love. Raoul speaks of a beautiful unknown lady, with whom he fell in love. His Protestant servant, Marcel, is shocked to see his master in such company.

         

A mysterious lady is talking to Nevers interrupting the group. Raoul recognizes her as the unknown lady with whom he fell in love. In fact, she is the bride engaged to Nevers, Valentine, instructed by the Queen to break off the engagement.
         

There comes a page, Urbain, with a letter to Raoul. Everyone recognizes the coat of Queen Marguerite de Valois, daring him to come blindfolded to a secret meeting.

 

Act 2

         

Valentine informs that Nevers agreed to break off the engagement. Raoul enters blindfolded. The queen's ladies, dressed for showering, provoke him. After unlocking the eyes, the Queen orders him to marry Valentine for improving relations between Protestant and Catholic factions. Raoul, who believes Valentine is an affair of Nevers, refuses to obey the order of the Queen. The nobles, friends of the Count Nevers, swore revenge, and Marcel censorships Raoul by walking in the Catholic company.

 

Act 3

         

Valentine marries Nevers, but remains in the chapel praying. She disguises herself, and goes to meet Marcel, she speaks to him the whole plot of the Catholic nobles to Raoul. Raoul realizes that Valentine saved him and his suspicions about her were mistakes.

 

Act 4

         

Valentine, by herself, is surprised by Raoul who wishes to have a last meeting with her. The sound of people approaching leads Raoul hiding behind a curtain, where he hears the Catholic nobles, accompanied by three monks who bless their swords, they undertake to murder the Huguenots. Only Nevers does not participate in oath. When the nobles have left, Raoul is divided between Warns his fellows or run away with Valentine.

 

Act 5 

          

Protestants are celebrating the marriage of the queen with Henry of Navarre. The ringing of a bell interrupts the process and Raoul's arriving, which reports to the Assembly the plan for the massacre of the Huguenots.
          

During the massacre, Nevers dies protecting Marcel, who is injured; Valentine agrees to become Protestant to marry Raoul and Marcel carries out their wedding. Wounded during an attack, they are murdered by St. Bris and his men, he only realizes it too late that killed his own daughter, Valentine.
          

The Queen's arriving with the chorus of soldiers singing "God wants blood! ', Brings the opera to the end.