Opera Plots I - MDC Faculty Home Pages

Bertram becomes more jealous of him than ever, for he also falls in love with Melusine. In the
next act, after the burial rites of the old Duke have taken place, Raymond introduces Melusine to
his mother and friends as his forest bride; but she is looked upon with suspicion by all, and Peter
the Hermit, who is present, warns them against her as a fairy spirit whose lures and spells' are
dangerous to mortals. Later, when Raymond and Melusine are alone, rejoicing in each other's
love, seeing that it is the time of full-moon, the latter hastens from her husband's side, eager to join
in the fairy revels she knows will now be held in the forest. Raymond, remembering his promise,
reluctantly remains alone; but the crafty Bertram sees and follows her, to pour forth his own
protestations of love for the beautiful maiden. But Melusine scornfully repulses him; and then, in
revenge, Bertram finds an opportunity to accuse his half-brother of the murder of their father,
since his blood-stained sword was discovered beside the dead Duke when found in the forest.
Raymond repudiates the accusation, and prepares to attack his accuser; but his mother entreats him
to lay aside his sword. Then, hearing sounds of singing and revels near at hand, and believing that
Melusine is enjoying herself with her spirit companions, Raymond hurries to an ancient temple or
arbour in the garden, and, looking within, he indeed beholds the lovely water nymph disporting
herself with her fairy friends amidst the fountains, and dancing in the moonlight. Then,
recollecting his broken promise, he is filled with grief, knowing that misfortune will now befall his
love. Melusine is now avoided by the mortals around her; and when, after her moonlight revels,
she finds her husband's portals closed upon her by orders of the Duchess, she entreats Raymond to
assure her of his love once more. But Peter the Hermit has now appeared with a band of Crusaders
and has gained Raymond's promise to join the Holy Wars; yet Melusine implores him to stay with
her, and pleads with Bertram also. Then Raymond, seeing her kneel to Bertram, who has again
threatened to prove 'that his half-brother murdered their father, is filled with mad jealousy,
believing her unfaithful; and, full of anger, he repudiates and casts her off. Instantly, as Melusine
flings her betrothal ring at her husband's feet, there is a terrific storm of thunder, which wrecks the
palace, and causes the Rhine to overflow its banks, whilst the heartbroken nymph returns to the
water once more; and' Bertram, leaping in after her, is drowned. The scene quickly changes to the
peaceful forest dell, where Raymond presently appears in the dress of a pilgrim. He is seeking his
lost spirit wife; and' when Melusine, hearing his voice, comes forth from her river-cave, he hastens
to her side, and gladly greets her. Having once spurned the river-nymph, however, her embrace
can only bring him death; and as the lovers are folded' in each other's arms, the young man dies,
and Melusine lays him to rest beneath the lilies in the stream.
68. L'ECLAIR
Opera Comique By Jacques François Fromenthal Elias Halévy
Libretto By St George and Planard
First Produced Opera Comique, Paris, Dec., 1835
Chief Characters Henriette, Madame Darlbel, Lionel, George
THE scene is laid in Boston, Massachusetts, at the end of the eighteenth century. Madame Darbel,
a lively young widow of Boston, and her sister Henriette, receive a visit from their cousin, George,
an Englishman, who has been sent to them by a rich uncle with strict instructions that he is to
marry one of the sisters, when he will divide his fortune between them. George, however, is very
conceited, and proceeds to flirt with both the ladies; but the sisters are quite equal to the occasion,