MIREILLE - CHARLES GOUNOD

 

Opera in five acts, written in 1864. Régis Mengus, this time as a villain, invites us to dive in Ourias's emotions, to feel his eagerness, his concerns, his fear and his remorse. (April / 2015)

 

Act 1 

           

Women sing for the youth as harvesting leaves to feed the flock. Taven, an old woman who lives in nearby caves, joins the group, laughing at the "witch." Clemence talks about her prospects for marrying a rich man. Mireille, provoked by other girls, declares her love for a poor man and shy, admitting her affection for Vincent ... He goes through the field alone .... the two lovers exchange a promise to each other: if misfortune tear them apart, they shall meet at Saintes Maries de la Mer church.

 

Act 2 

           

The village gathers at celebration. Mireille and Vincent arrive separately and are greeted with joy. Taven calls Mireille aside and tells her she heard the young Ourrias, Alari and Pascoul Discussed who should claim mireille's hand in marriage. Mireille swears that nothing will separate her from Vincent. Ourrias exposes his intentions, but is politely refused.

           

Ambroise, Vincent's father, asks advice to Ramon, Mireille's father, about what to do with his son, who fell in love with a rich heiress. Ramon suggests beating the boy to cure him. Ambroise is remembered by Ramon, about the father's prerogative, even to decide on the life and death of his children. Mireille Interferes crying and asking him to kill her because she only loves Vincent. Ramon indignantly, orders Mireille to go back home, then go out looking for Vincent and Ambroise.

 

Act 3 

           

Ourrias goes to Val d'Enfer, a place supposedly inhabited by spirits, to call for help to Taven. He hopes to get a potion that makes Mireille fall in love. Vincent also desperately before the possibility of losing Mireillle looking for the witch. Ourrias faces the rival, and hurts him. The young man is rescued by Taven, who curses the aggressive. Ourrias, haunted by remorse, arrives at the bank of the Rhone River. A boatman invites him on board. The waters are uprisings, the boatman remembers Ourrias of his crime, and the boat sinks beneath the waves.

 

Act 4 

           

From her window, Mireille sees a young shepherdess singing, and invies her carefree life. Vincent's sister warns her that he is injured. Mireille goes immediately to Saintes Maries. When she is crossing the desert, staggering and tired by the sun, passes out. At the sound of shepherds in the distance, she makes a last effort to continue her journey.

 

Act 5 

           

In front of Saintes Maries de la Mer Chapel, pilgrims sing in devotion. Vincent is looking for Mireille, who exhausted falls into his arms. And repentant, Ramon arrives in time to forgive her, he promises her hand to Vincent, but Mireille is called to heaven by a celestial voice.