LA DAME BLANCHE, A MOST INFLUENTIAL OPERA

An Opera Comique in three acts, La Dame Blanche, by the French composer Boieldieu, features dialogue and arias in the Paris style. Based on five of the works of Scottish author Sir Walter Scott, it was one of the first operas with a fantastical plot, rather than one routed in tragedy or realism. As such, it is regarded to have been heavily influential of later works in the same style, such as Robert le diable and Faust. The musical style was also replicated in later operas such as La jolie fille de Perth.

HISTORY

First performed at the Théâtre Feydeau in Paris in 1825, the opera was an instant hit and maintained its popularity throughout most of the rest of the century, going on to be performed in the UK and the USA. The action takes place in a Scottish castle in 1753, as the grand home is about to auctioned off, and a dishonest steward to benefit until the rightful owner steps up...

Act 1

We discover that the owners of a grand castle, The Count and Countess Avenel have died while in exile. The property should pass to their son, but as he is lost, the Avenel's scheming steward Gaveston plots to buy it at auction. We are also introduced to George Brown, a soldier who does not know he is really Julien, the Avenels son. George is Godfather to Dickson's son, Dickson being a tenant farmer on the land who also wants to buy it. Dickson is summoned to the castle by the Ghost, The White Lady, but scared, George goes in his place.

Act 2

An orphaned raised by the Avenels, called Anna, reminisces about the time she tended a wounded solider in Hanover, who reminded her of Julien, the Avenels' son and her childhood sweetheart. Then George arrives at the castle and Anna recognises him as Julien. However, Gaveston then announces his plan to auction the castle, so Anna, disguised as the White Lady, appears to george and tells him to do tomorrow exactly as she says.

Act 3

Dickson bids for the castle but runs out of money against Gaveston. Anna as the White Lady tells George to buy the castle on his behalf, so he does, though in truth he doesn't have the money. Anna sets out to find the statue of the White Lady, the Avenels' hidden fortune, with which George can pay. Gaveston reveals the White Lady as Anna, and Anna tells George he is in fact Julien, and they are thrilled to be reunited.

MAIN ROLES

George, a soldier, tenor
Anna, an orphan, soprano
Gaveston, a steward, bass
Dickson, a farmer, tenor
Jenny, Dickson's wife, mezzo-soprano
Gabriel, a servant, bass
Maguerite, a servant, mezzo soprano
MacIrton, a justice, bass
Chorus, country people, farm hands...