Operalingual

Libretti

Italian

• La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi

  La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi is one of the most beloved operas in the classical repertoire, known for its poignant story and beautiful music. Premiered in 1853, it is based on Alexandre Dumas fils' play La Dame aux Camélias, and tells the tragic tale of Violetta, a Parisian courtesan, who falls in love with Alfredo Germont. Their love is tested by societal norms and Alfredo's father, who pressures Violetta to sacrifice their relationship for his family's honor. Violetta's ultimate act of selflessness leads to heartbreak and her untimely death from consumption. With arias like "Sempre libera" and "Addio del passato," the opera captures the tension between love, morality, and societal expectations, cementing its place as a masterpiece of 19th-century Italian opera.

German

• Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

  Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is a timeless opera that combines enchanting music with a fantastical story. Premiered in 1791, it is a singspiel, blending operatic arias with spoken dialogue. The story follows Prince Tamino and his quest to rescue Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of the Night, with the help of the charming bird-catcher Papageno. Along the way, they face trials of wisdom and virtue set by Sarastro, the high priest of a mystical brotherhood. Themes of love, enlightenment, and the triumph of good over evil are brought to life through iconic pieces like the Queen of the Night's dazzling aria “Der Hölle Rache” and Tamino's noble “Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön.” Mozart's masterful score and the opera's rich symbolism continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

French

• Carmen by Georges Bizet

  Carmen by Georges Bizet is a fiery and dramatic opera that has become a cornerstone of the classical repertoire. Premiered in 1875, it tells the story of the passionate and free-spirited Carmen, a gypsy who captivates Don José, a naive soldier. Their intense relationship spirals into jealousy and obsession as Carmen's love shifts to the dashing toreador, Escamillo. Set in Seville, Spain, the opera is known for its vibrant music and unforgettable melodies, including the “Habanera” and the “Toreador Song.” Combining themes of love, freedom, and fate, Bizet's masterpiece shocked audiences with its realism and tragic ending but has since gained acclaim for its rich characterizations and groundbreaking musical style.

English

• Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten

  Peter Grimes by Benjamin Britten is a haunting and powerful opera that explores themes of isolation, societal judgment, and human struggle. Premiered in 1945, it tells the story of Peter Grimes, a troubled fisherman in a small English coastal village, who faces suspicion and hostility from the community after the death of his apprentice. As he struggles to defend his reputation and pursue his dreams, the town's animosity and his own inner turmoil lead to tragic consequences. Featuring a libretto by Montagu Slater, based on a poem by George Crabbe, the opera is renowned for its evocative orchestration, particularly the sea interludes, which capture the shifting moods of the ocean and the human psyche. Britten's work is a cornerstone of 20th-century opera, celebrated for its emotional depth and dramatic intensity.

Russian

• Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

  Eugene Onegin by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is a lyrical and deeply emotional opera based on Alexander Pushkin's novel in verse. Premiered in 1879, it tells the story of Eugene Onegin, a disillusioned aristocrat, and his fateful interactions with the young and sincere Tatyana. When Tatyana boldly declares her love for Onegin in a heartfelt letter, he coldly rejects her, only to later regret his indifference when she reappears as a confident and unattainable woman. The opera explores themes of love, regret, and missed opportunities, underscored by Tchaikovsky's lush and expressive score. Memorable moments include Tatyana's Letter Scene and the poignant final duet, making this masterpiece a poignant reflection on human emotions and the passage of time.

Spanish

• Doña Francisquita by Amadeo Vives (Zarzuela, Spanish operatic tradition)

  Doña Francisquita by Amadeo Vives is a delightful zarzuela that epitomizes the charm and wit of the Spanish operatic tradition. Premiered in 1923, it is inspired by Lope de Vega's play La discreta enamorada and tells the story of Francisquita, a spirited young woman in love with Fernando, a charming but indecisive man. Amid misunderstandings, rivalries, and humorous situations, Francisquita cleverly wins Fernando's heart, showcasing her intelligence and determination. The work is celebrated for its vibrant melodies, spirited ensembles, and lively dances, capturing the essence of Spanish culture. With its blend of romance, comedy, and lyrical beauty, Doña Francisquita remains one of the most beloved zarzuelas in the repertoire.

Czech

• Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák

  Rusalka by Antonín Dvořák is a lyrical and deeply poignant opera that draws from Slavic folklore to tell a tragic tale of love and sacrifice. Premiered in 1901, it follows the story of Rusalka, a water nymph who falls in love with a human prince and yearns to become human to win his love. With the help of a witch, she gains human form but loses her voice, leading to a doomed romance marked by betrayal and heartbreak. The opera's highlight is the hauntingly beautiful “Song to the Moon,” a plea for love and understanding. Dvořák's lush and evocative score, rich with Romantic and folkloric elements, makes Rusalka one of the most cherished works in the operatic repertoire.

Polish

• Halka by Stanisław Moniuszko

  Halka by Stanisław Moniuszko is a cornerstone of Polish opera, celebrated for its poignant portrayal of love, betrayal, and social divides. Premiered in 1858, it tells the story of Halka, a peasant girl who is seduced and abandoned by Janusz, a nobleman engaged to another woman. Devastated by betrayal and ostracized by society, Halka's anguish leads to a tragic conclusion. With its blend of heartfelt arias, folk-inspired melodies, and powerful choruses, the opera captures the spirit of Polish culture and national identity. Moniuszko's masterful score, particularly Halka's lament and the Mazurka dance, ensures the work's enduring place in the operatic canon.

Hungarian

• Bluebeard's Castle by Béla Bartók

  Bluebeard's Castle by Béla Bartók is a dark and enigmatic one-act opera that delves into psychological and symbolic depths. Premiered in 1918, it tells the story of Duke Bluebeard and his new wife, Judith, who insists on unlocking the seven doors of his mysterious castle. As each door opens, revealing treasures, horrors, and secrets, Judith uncovers the depths of Bluebeard's soul and the tragic fates of his former wives. Bartók's richly textured score, influenced by Hungarian folk music and modernist techniques, creates an atmosphere of suspense and emotional intensity. With its minimalist cast and allegorical themes, Bluebeard's Castle remains a profound exploration of trust, curiosity, and the unknowable facets of human nature.

Mostly English, but some (1/10 to 1/5) Mandarin

• The First Emperor by Tan Dun

  The First Emperor by Tan Dun - English (with Chinese elements incorporated in the music and themes)

  The First Emperor by Tan Dun is a grand and innovative opera that blends Chinese and Western musical traditions to tell the story of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Premiered at the Metropolitan Opera in 2006, it explores the emperor's quest to unify China and immortalize his legacy through the creation of the Great Wall and his terracotta army. The narrative focuses on the emperor's relationship with his childhood friend, the composer Gao Jianli, whose betrayal and tragic fate serve as a poignant counterpoint to the emperor's ambition. Tan Dun's score incorporates traditional Chinese instruments, such as the guqin and pipa, alongside a Western orchestra, creating a rich, otherworldly soundscape. With its fusion of music, drama, and history, The First Emperor is a bold and evocative work that reflects the complexities of power and sacrifice.

  In The First Emperor by Tan Dun, the majority of the libretto is in English, as it was commissioned and premiered by the Metropolitan Opera in New York, catering to an English-speaking audience. However, the opera integrates Chinese elements both musically and vocally, including some lines and phrases in Mandarin Chinese. These Chinese passages are typically used to enhance the authenticity and cultural atmosphere of the story.

  The balance between English and Mandarin varies by scene and character, with the main narrative and dialogues in English, while the Mandarin phrases often appear in ceremonial or reflective moments, particularly in choral sections or when traditional Chinese instruments are prominent.