La Dame Blanche by Boildeau was first performed in 1825 and by the mid-1860s had been performed more than 1,000 times in the Theater Feydeau in Paris alone. This enormously popular opera was taken from a few of Sir Walter Scott's novels, primarily Guy Mannering and The Monastery. The 20th century showed a sharp decline in its popularity but it was revived in 1996 and a few recordings are now available.
Have you heard this marvelous light-hearted opera or will it soon fade into the mists of time?
Have you heard the tune Robin Adair (not really Scottish in origin like much of the music in this opera)? Try this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFJdziYzbP8&noredirect=1
Can you find this in La Dame Blanche?
2 comments:
Here is a letter written by Mrs. Lincoln about this tune:
Letter written March 20, 1865 by Mrs. Lincoln to a friend :
"We went to the Opera on Saturday eve; Mr Sumner accompanied us - we had a very gay little time. Mr S when he throws off his heavy manner, as he often does, can make himself very very agreable[sic]. Last evening, he again joined our little coterie, & tomorrow eve, - we all go again to hear 'Robin Adair,' sung in 'La Dame Blanche by Habelmann. This is always the pleasant time to me in W. springtime, some few of the most pleasant Senators families remain until June, & all ceremony, with each other is laid aside. Mr L most probably, goes down to the front (entre nous) this week & wishes me to accompany him - I gladly seize on any change that will benefit him."
It's a delightful opera with lovely music. I'd rather see this one than any of the Handel operas.
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