Halévy La Juive

LA JUIVE, A GRAND OPERA

La Juive, translated into English as 'The Jewess', is a grand opera consisting of five acts. It was written by Fromental Halevy and premiered at the Opera in Paris on 23rd February 1835.

HISTORY

The opera takes place at Constance in 1414. Prior to the beginning of the opera a summary of events are outlined. When he was young, Eleazar lived near Rome and witnessed the execution of his sons as heretics, by Count Brogni. Eleazar fled to Switzerland where he found a baby in an abandoned burnt house that once belonged to Count Brogni. Bandits had tried to burn the whole family, not realising the count was in Rome. Eleazar took the baby girl whom he called Rachel and raised her. Count Brogni discovered his burnt house and his family's remains and became a priest, before becoming a cardinal. The opera begins in 1414 when Rachel is now a young woman. The Roman Emperor and his forces have defeated the Hussites. The Council of Constance was arranged to solve Church matters.

Act 1

A crowd condemns Eleazar, a goldsmith, for working on a day dedicated to Church celebrations. Brogni arrives and saves Eleazar from a lynching. Leopold arrives disguised as a Jewish artist named Samuel. Rachel is in love with Samuel, unaware of his real identity. Local laws condemn relationship between Christians and Jews; if discovered a Christian is excommunicated and a Jew is killed. Leopold is therefore taking a risk, especially as he is already married to Princess Eudoxie.

Act 2

Rachel invites Samuel to celebrate Passover at Eleazar's house. Samuel refuses to eat the unleavened bread and Rachel becomes anxious. He revels to her that he is Christian, but doesn't reveal that he is Prince Leopold. Rachel reminds him of the grave consequences of Christians and Jews being in a relationship. Eudoxie enters wishing to order a valuable jewel for her husband Leopold, which caused Leopold to hide. Leopold promises to take Rachel away but Eleazar enters.

Act 3

Rachel follows Samuel to the Palace and offers herself to Eudoxie as a lady's maid. Eleazar arrives with the jewel, and both he and Rachel recognise Leopold as Samuel. Rachel explains that Leopold seduced her, following which Rachel, Leopold and Eleazar are all arrested and placed in prison by the instructions of Brogni.

Act 4

Eudoxie persuades Rachel to withdraw her accusation. Brogni says that Rachel and Eleazar can be freed if they convert. Eleazar explains that Brogni's daughter did not die in the fire and that only he knows who and where his daughter is. Eleazar is prepared to take this secret to the grave rather than convert, but realises the only way to save Rachel is to tell the truth. However, he decides he cannot give Rachel back to the Christians.

Act 5

Eleazar and Rachel and brought to their punishment; to be thrown into boiling water. Eleazar explains to Rachel that she can be saved if she converts to Christianity, but she refuses and climbs the gallows. Brogni asks where his daughter is and Eleazor points to the cauldron of boiling water. Eleazor then climbs to his own death as Brogni weeps.

MAIN ROLES

Eleazar, a Jewish goldsmith, tenor
Rachel, the supposed daughter of Eleazar, soprano
Prince Leopold, tenor
Princess Eudoxie, the emperor's niece, soprano
Gian Francesco, Cardinal of Brogni, bass
Ruggiero, city provost, baritone
Albert, a sergeant, bass