LES PECHEURS DE PERLES

Les pêcheurs de perles is one of the most well-known operas in three acts by the French writer George Bizet. The libretto of these play are by Eugene Cormon and Michel Carre. This is one of the highest eye-catching operas with an exotic setting.

Moreover, Les pêcheurs de perles opera has intoxicating melodies. The play revolves around the contention of two pals who are in love with the same woman. With emotional circumstances implicit in the play, the playwright has effectively used melody to bring about the theme of the play. This makes the performance of the play to be very interesting to any first time operagoer.

HISTORY

The play was first staged in the year 1863 at the theatre lyrique in Paris, and it was performed 18 times in its first run. The play was set in antique time in the isle of Ceylon. The first premiere Bizet was at a tender age of 25 years, and he introduced himself in the Parisian musical world. The play received positive response from the public. However, the opera received negative criticism from the press. Les pêcheurs de perles was not revitalized in Bizet's lifetime. The play commenced its performance in the year 1886 in some parts of Europe and North America.

Act 1

On an abandoned shore on the isle of Ceylon, a collection of pearl fishers carries out their rituals to drive away the malevolence spirits. Zurga is then elected as their leader. Nadir comes in and he is described by Zurga as his longtime lost buddy. They recall about how their friendship was nearly destroyed by the shared love of a juvenile priestess. They now promise to be faithful to each other till death. Their stories are cut short by arrival of Leila the high priestess. It is a norm for the priestess to pray for the fishermen's protection before they embark into the sea. When Leila starts to sing in the temple Nadir is woken by her voice. Leila draws her veil and the two fervently embrace.

Act 2

In the place of worship, Nourabad pleads Leila to be a faithful servant. After sharing their story Nourabad thanks her and gives her a necklace. He pleads her to wear it perpetually. Shortly Nadir comes in and pleads with her to go. Leila finally confesses to be in love with him. They are immediately caught by Nourabad. They are taken to Zurga for capital punishment. They removes Leila veil Zurga becomes jealousy and orders for their excursion.

Act 3

In his pavilion on the shore, Zurga's temper has subsided. He feels remorseful for his best pal. Leila is brought in and pleads for Nadir's life. Zurga becomes jealous, he admits the affection he has for her but she declines. Nourabad and some fishermen come in to account that the interment pyre is ready. Leila gives one of fishermen necklace to take to her mother with a message of love. Nadir is joined by Leila in the pyre. They sing about their love and heaven reunion. The sky begins to glow and Zurga rushes to report that the tent is on fire, they all flea for their safety. Zurga finally apologizes and allows them to flea away.

MAIN ROLES

Leila, a priestess of Brahma, soprano
Nadir,a fisherman, tenor
Zurga, head fisherman, baritone
Nourabad, high priestof Brahma, bass