La vestale (Spontini) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La vestale |
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| by Gaspare Spontini | |
Caroline Branchu in the title role of Julia, on a poster for the premiere
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| Translation | The Vestal Virgin |
| Librettist | Étienne de Jouy |
| Language | French |
| Premiere | 15 December 1807: Salle Montansier, Paris |
La vestale (which means The Vestal Virgin) is an exciting opera. It was written by Gaspare Spontini with words by Étienne de Jouy. This opera is a type of French tragédie lyrique, which is a serious opera with singing and dancing. It has three acts, like chapters in a book. The first show was on December 15, 1807, in Paris. Many people think La vestale is Spontini's best work. Its music style was inspired by Christoph Willibald Gluck and also influenced later famous composers like Hector Berlioz and Richard Wagner.
Contents
How the Opera Was Created
Gaspare Spontini finished writing La vestale by the summer of 1805. But he faced some challenges getting it performed. Other composers and important people at the opera house didn't want it to be shown. Luckily, Spontini had a powerful supporter: Empress Joséphine, who was the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. With her help, the opera finally got its chance.
Before the first show, the music was slightly changed by Jean-Baptiste Rey and Louis-Luc Loiseau de Persuis. When La vestale finally opened, it was a huge hit! It was performed over 200 times by 1830, which was a lot for an opera back then.
Famous Performances Over Time
The fame of La vestale quickly spread to other countries. It was performed in Naples and Vienna in 1811. You could even buy the full music score in Germany by 1812. The opera also came to Budapest in 1814 and Stockholm in 1823. The first time it was performed in the United States was in New Orleans in 1828.
Later, in 1844, the famous composer Richard Wagner even conducted the opera in Dresden. In the 1900s, many great singers brought La vestale back to the stage. Stars like Rosa Ponselle sang it in New York in the 1920s. Maria Callas, another legendary singer, performed in a famous production in Milan in 1954. This show was also the first opera directed by the famous film director Luchino Visconti. Other amazing sopranos like Leyla Gencer and Renata Scotto also performed the lead role.
Even though it's historically important, La vestale is not performed very often today. However, two of its songs, "Tu che invoco" and "O nume tutelar", are still quite well-known. They have been recorded by famous singers like Maria Callas and Rosa Ponselle.
Meet the Characters
Here are the main characters you'll meet in La vestale:
| Role | Voice type | First Performer, 1807 |
|---|---|---|
| Licinius, a Roman general | tenor (a high male voice) | Étienne Lainez |
| Cinna, leader of a Roman army group | tenor | François Lays |
| Chief Priest | bass (a low male voice) | Henri-Étienne Dérivis |
| Julia, a young priestess of Vesta | soprano (a high female voice) | Alexandrine-Caroline Branchu |
| The Great Vestal | mezzo-soprano (a middle female voice) | Marie-Thérèse Maillard |
| Chief of the Aruspices | bass | Duparc |
| A consul | bass | Martin |
The Story of La Vestale
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The story of La vestale takes place in ancient Rome, around 269 BC.
Act 1: A General's Return
The opera begins with Licinius, a brave Roman general. He is returning to Rome after winning a big battle. He is excited to be back, but he soon finds out that his beloved Julia has become a priestess of Vesta. Vestal Virgins were special priestesses who promised to stay pure and serve the goddess Vesta.
Julia tries to avoid seeing Licinius during his victory parade. But she is chosen to place a special wreath on his head. When they meet, Licinius tells her he plans to take her away and make her his own.
Act 2: The Sacred Flame Goes Out
Inside the temple of Vesta, Julia is guarding the eternal flame. This flame was very important to the Romans; it was a symbol of their city's safety. Julia prays to be free from her feelings for Licinius. But then, Licinius arrives! They are so happy to see each other again that they forget about the flame. During their emotional reunion, the sacred flame goes out! This was a terrible sign and a very serious crime for a Vestal Virgin.
Licinius's friend, Cinna, tells him to run away. Julia is questioned by the high priest, who is the head priest. She refuses to tell him that Licinius was there. Because of this, she is sentenced to death for breaking her sacred vows.
Act 3: A Sign from the Gods
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Even though Licinius begs for her life, Julia is to be buried alive. This was the punishment for Vestal Virgins who broke their vows. Licinius even admits that he was the one who entered the temple. But Julia still pretends not to know him, trying to protect him.
Suddenly, a big thunderstorm starts. During the storm, a bolt of lightning strikes and relights the sacred flame! Everyone sees this as a clear sign from the gods. The High Priest and the Great Vestal Priestess understand this message. They release Julia, and she is finally allowed to marry Licinius. The opera ends with a happy union, thanks to divine intervention.
See Also
In Spanish: La vestale para niños
